 Many gardeners will see at least a few tomatoes ripening on the vine this month. How do you know when it's time to pick them? Most varieties are ready when the color is glossy and even, and texture is between firm and soft. Some large heirloom varieties ripen before they reach full color. Pick them while the skin is smooth and waxy, even if the shoulders are green and they don't appear to be fully matured. And try this trick to quickly ripen a tomato. Place it in a paper bag with an apple or banana. Those fruits give off ethylene gas that hastens the ripening process.