Poised to Be the Best Tomato Harvest Yet

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Aside from several handfuls of ‘Whippersnapper’ tomatoes that started ripening over a month ago there have been tomatoes here and there but not in the numbers we’re starting to see on the roof and over at the community garden plot. Despite a tray-full like this I am still eying clusters of green tomatoes dripping off the vines at the garden plot, willing them to ripen faster. I’m anxious to reach that point where the tomatoes are so abundant that we’re nearly drowning in them.

You would not believe how monstrous and prolific the ‘Zapotec Pink Pleated’ plants are! It’s been hard work keeping the plants pruned and staked. The minute I turn my back there is another fruit-laden branch flopping over and threatening to break off.

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We had our first mini taste-test last weekend. More photos and descriptions are forthcoming. Until then…

Heirloom Tomatoes
Gayla Trail
Gayla is a writer, photographer, and former graphic designer with a background in the Fine Arts, cultural criticism, and ecology. She is the author, photographer, and designer of best-selling books on gardening, cooking, and preserving.

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14 thoughts on “Poised to Be the Best Tomato Harvest Yet

  1. What kind of varieties are those, Gayla? Did I see a Brandywine in there? We’re trying them for the first time this year, along with our standby Vesey’s “Pilgrim” (my fave so far), Golden Girl, a couple of Sweet Millions and some mystery variety we got from our neighbour.

  2. Don’t you just love tomato season? I’ve been eating fresh ones every day since ours started turning and I’ve been knee deep in them, shackled to the kitchen; putting them up for the months ahead.
    Great photos~

  3. I am soo tomatoe jealous. I did not grow any this year and now I am regretting it. Next year for sure….and they are so good for you. Have you ever grown those tiny cherry tomatoes? If so, any tricks? My little one eats them like grapes.
    Lizard

  4. I had some tomatoes in pots this year (only four, to be honest) and didn’t get a very large haul, but my friend Jasmine has so many that we can hardly pluck them all! I filled up an entire basket the other day and still there were more tomatoes to be plucked! It’s been a great year for everyone else in the local area too! ;) Gotta love tomatoes!

  5. Lizard: I do grow small tomatoes as well. Tricks depends on the plant. Some cherry varieties are indeterminant (big vining plants) and some are determinants (smaller, bushing plants) so the growing needs vary slightly. Some varieties are good in containers and some aren’t.

  6. I do wish you americans wouldnt rub it it.. Here in the UK we are having a terrible time with Tomato Blight. Nearly everyone I know have lost their entire crop. To make matters worse I have TONS of Basil. I do like the look of those Zapotec. I’ll see if i can get any next year.
    (A Very jealous Brit)

  7. Steve: I’m sorry to hear this. I’m hearing that a lot this year. I can only imagine how shitty it would be to lose an entire crop.

    p.s. Canadian.

  8. Does anyone know why my tomatoes refuse to turn red? Its my first year growing tomatoes, I have a Pink Giant plant in an upside down tomato planter on my balconey getting full sun and although there are big tomatoes they are all super green. I’m Ontario, Canada.

  9. Oh you lucky people; we’ve had eleven tomatoes this year. Blight got them all.

    Everyone in the village has family visiting for summer, bringing huge boxes from their gardens from all over France. :-)

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