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hey guys how do i know when my victoria plums will be ready

Gently squeeze one of your plums and if it feels soft then have a taste.

if you notice them dropping off, or the wasps get at them, then they're well ready. My tree is half dead, it's dropped its leaves, and the fruit are all shrivelled. It's getting a daily watering, but I wish I'd got to it earlier.

Plums for jams and chutneys etc. don't need to be as ripe, but should pick as late as possible if you are eating them raw. I've had over 30lbs plums from 2 trees so far this year, for jam making, and they are not ripe yet, still loads to come, so looking forward to eating them raw later. Mind you I've had about 6 actual greengages from 2 tress and thats nearly all that survived the birds - they obviously prefer them to the mirabelles  ;D