I did a little math today and calculated how many pounds of tomatoes I have harvested for the season. The total? 58 pounds 4 ounces. That doesn’t include the (likely) 10+ pounds I threw into the bushes because of slug damage or the cherry tomatoes that didn’t make it to the scale (num num).

I’ve given away sacks full, put more than my fair share on salads (unfortunately my lettuce crop has run dry and my beds are in no shape to replant), I made and canned 5 quarts of salsa, dried enough for 2 pints (and more are in the dehydrator), made caprese salad, thrown tomatoes into every dish we eat and generally snacked. I also took my giant basket to my grandfather’s birthday party and told my aunts, and great aunts to take some home.

I still have at least another 30 pounds on the vine. At least. The one day record was over 18 pounds. The single largest tomato was a pound and a half and the size of a small cantaloupe.

Am I tired of tomatoes? Heavens no. There is something therapeutic about growing tomatoes. Will I grow fewer next year? Probably not. I might grow more, but not less. I will reinforce my support system and revamp the way I tend to the plants. I’m frustrated to have sacrificed to many large fruits to the slugs. Live and learn.