Friday, August 13, 2010

The Invasion Of The Killer Tomatoes

You know I have a small raised bed vegetable garden that this year has become a layered garden.  The lettuce is long gone, green onion sets all eaten, seed onions still growing, carrots are very tasty and have enhanced two meals so far and still going, bumper pepper crop and cucumbers doing well on the 45 degree angled trellis.  I usually do not like cucumbers but the home grown ones taste so much better than those waxed ones in the store.


Mariachi Peppers

But, my five tomato plants are going crazy - completely tangled together because the Beefsteak in the Dura Cage fell over when one of the legs broke.  So, I have to guess which tomato I am eating although some are such a distinguished shape that it is easy.



Brandy boy is not a true red, almost pink, and large like a Beefsteak - not thrilled with the taste.  I have two Celebrity tomatoes which are determinate and reliable each year producing plenty of tomatoes - not the taste of a Beefsteak but much better than store bought.  I am also growing a Pineapple Heirloom Tomato, but I have not tasted this one yet.  I think I have picked a few but not totally ripe yet.


Bush Cucumber


Dahlia in Veggie Garden

The Basil has been great this year already producing a delicious pesto and plenty more to cut.  I have already given tomatoes to my family but I am wondering how much sauce can I make?

17 comments:

Anonymous said...

What a beautiful picture of your peppers and tomatoes Eileen. It looks like something from a magazine! And your Dahlia is drop dead gorgeous. Sounds like everything is tasty too. What a treat!

Indoor Fountains said...

Don't home grown tomatoes taste so much better than store bought? Great job- they look magnificent.

Karen said...

Oh, Eileen, how fantastic your vegetables are...I'm so envious. I could use your bounty (and your green thumb!) Just lovely.

Reading Tea Leaves said...

Your raised bed is offering many delights Eileen. Every one of your tomatoes looks delicious. I have grown three varieties of toms this year - the ever faithful Gardener's Delight and Sungold which have given us loads of sweet ripe fruit but the Brandywine have yet to ripen and they are still very green! We may have to bring them in and ripen with a banana skin!

Its been raining cats and dogs here today as well!

Jeanne
x

Gatsbys Gardens said...

RainGardener,

The dahlias are doing much better since I moved them to the veggie garden.

Eileen

Gatsbys Gardens said...

Hi Indoor Fountains,

The tomatoes taste great, in fact I think I am eating too many if that's possible.

Eileen

Gatsbys Gardens said...

Karen, we are enjoying the vegetables, except every year they come so fast. I am never prepared with all the recipes for tomatoes!

Eileen

Gatsbys Gardens said...

Jeanne, I hope you are not as hot as we are. I run out and pick some veggies and then run back in.

Eileen

meemsnyc said...

Home grown cucumbers are much better!!

Anonymous said...

Dear Eileen, Your vegetable garden has been a huge success. You must be terribly pleased with the outcome no matter that your tomatoes are all now entwined!!

Gatsbys Gardens said...

Edith, The vegetable have done much better than many of the flowers. However, I am disappointed with this new tomato cage that the representative said was better than anything out there. I am not sure there is a cage that can hold up those large tomato plants!

Eileen

Anonymous said...

Hi Eileen, Forgive me for not getting to your blog nearly enough. I love your header photo and those tomatoes and peppers, ooh, la, la!! Bragging rights are all yours and I'm jealous with my one plant taking its dear sweet time. LOL

Gatsbys Gardens said...

Grace, My biggest problem now is using those tomatoes and peppers in the beat way. My daughter already told me this morning that she doesn't need any more right now.

Eileen

Anonymous said...

What a wonerful post, Your garden is doing well this year. You have a green thumb.

joey said...

A gal after my own heart, your bountiful harvest is amazing, Eileen. I can never get my fill of tomatoes, cukes, and peppers ... my main summer diet. You are blessed, dear friend!

Gatsbys Gardens said...

Thanks Ron, my green thumb seems a little burned this year but the veggies have done well.

Eileen

Gatsbys Gardens said...

Joey, the veggies have done better than my flowers and they taste better.

Eileen