Great Year for Tomatoes

Last year if you will recall, those of us who grow tomatoes had a terrible crop. Too few, too small, too late, too bad. Eventually the more rational among us traced the most probable cause of the 2008 Tomato Disaster to a spike of extremely hot temperatures, like over 100, in the month of May.

Not so this year.

2009 has proven to be a banner year for the tomato kingdom. Personal experience and anecdotal evidence indicate that most tomato growers are doing pretty darn well this year. Oh, there are a few who have experienced bad results from their standard Brandywines, Carmeloes, or Beefsteaks. But they are in the minority.

The majority of respondents report big, juicy, abundant and flavorful fruits. (yes, they are a fruit, not a vegetable) from their tomato vines. A temperate spring and non-melty summer so far have given our dear tomato friends the essential boost they lacked last year.

So party on my Beefsteak buddies. Slice'em, dice'em, make gazpachoes, bruschettas, capreses, sandwhiches and whatever wild tomato application comes to mind. May the Brandywines be with you.