Even though I am not a big fan of the heat, I am a HUGE fan of tomatoes. And to grow tomatoes, well, you need heat. This year I planted over 25 varieties of heirloom tomatoes. Some I grew from seed, and others I picked up at local Farmer’s Markets, Nurseries, or plant sales.
I am hoping to be able to harvest around 500 pounds of tomatoes this summer. Crazy, huh?
But, if I am able to actually meet my goal, I’ll be sitting pretty all winter long with quarts and quarts of tomato sauce for pasta dinners. So bring it on Mr. Sun. I can take it.
Here are a few of the different kinds of tomatoes we are growing in the backyard this summer.
Are you growing tomatoes this year?
If so, what variety are you most looking forward to harvesting?
Here are a few of my favorite books on the topic of tomatoes.
The $64 Tomato By William Alexander {I loved this book}
The Complete Guide to Growing Tomatoes By Storey Publishing
Carrots Love Tomatoes By Louise Riotte
The Heirloom Tomato: From Garden to Table By Amy Goldman
Tomato: A Fresh-from-the-Vine Cookbook
Tomatoland By Barry Estabrook
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Jenn Bane says
Wow that purple tomato looks so cool! I didn’t save the seed packets from my tomatoes but I think it’s a brandy wine and another yellow/orange/red variety. That yellow one produces the funkiest tomatoes though. They taste great but look weird 🙂
Katrina says
My favorite part of summer is having a tomato sandwich on toasted white bread with a little mayo. This is the only time of year I’ll eat these sandwiches. Your tomatoes are looking good.
Mavis says
Yummmmmm!
Laurel says
I am already pretty much finished with my tomatoes, all of the roma variety. I had a few volunteer cherry tomaotes come up and I planted one for sandwiches. I have canned over 38 quarts of spaghetti sauce. I was hoping to do 50 so I may have to find more tomaotes from those who have too many. But overall, I am happy with my yield. Still some late ones on the tops of the plants so I may get to make one more batch.
Sarah b says
Did you see ciscoe’s article in the paper about green tomatoes? Something about cutting off all the blossoms and young tomatoes as there won’t be enough time for them to ripen.
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/homegarden/2018922084_ciscoemorris16.html
mandi@herbanhomestead says
Ooh! Those purple ones are so pretty! Mine are pretty much all gone for the season. This is my first year in this new garden space, and the stink bug were redonk! I’m hoping for some fall plants, but we’ll see how that all goes. The Texas heat is pretty withering!
Clancy says
Are the purple ones tasty? I love how they look!
donna finchum says
beautiful! i love the flavor of most heirlooms. wish i had better luck with them.
Jen says
I am so thankful to not be the only one growing loads of tomatoes. We planted over 41 plants in stages and the first round of finally dying off so I can make room for lettuce, kale, and fall veggies. I’ve made about 20 qts of spaghetti sauce all from garden stuff including habaneros. Fortunately, the next batch of tomatoes will be turning red soon and we’ll have PLENTY of sauce for the year. I am so excited as this is our first year with a garden that produced enough to can. (We previously lived in AZ desert for a couple years!)
And I am am new follower. So excited to find your blog.
Mavis says
Thanks Jen! Having enough tomato sauce for an entire year rocks. I love being able to can all the extra garden goodness. 🙂 41 tomato plants is a lot! Keep up the good work.