"geezer" wrote in message
...
I am trying a few tomatoes in pots this year - they are growing okay
but do not seem to be ripening to red very well. They remain mostly
green and are now crackening because they probably are almost
completely ripened? Any idea why they won't get red?

Thanks

Ripening time can be the result of many factors, including the variety you
planted, fertility of the soil, moisture, and weather. Be patient with that.
Cracking is often the result of uneven moisture. In other words, letting the
soil get very dry and then watering heavily. Assuring proper moisture is
more of a challenge when growing in pots. Add a thick layer of mulch on top
of the soil. Grass clippings work well (assuming you don't use poisons on
your lawn). Otherwise, get yourself a bad of shredded cedar or hardwood
mulch (NOT PINE). And, find a way to shade the entire pot. Finally, if
you're using clay pots, which are porous, switch to glazed ceramic or
plastic pots next season. And, whatever size you're using, double it.