Ben Thomas (munged @) wrote:

We've been picking them when they're still green then putting them on the
window sill to ripen. The birds don't have chance, but I wonder if we're
picking them too early.

Most tomato varieties continue improving in flavor on the vine until they're
dead-ripe. I think that's the major reason many people grow their own.
Protective netting to keep the birds off is probably worth the (minor) expense
& hassle.

Don Fitch,
Covina CA USA