I have had to look at the calendar these past couple months to remind myself that it is summer. In spite of the cold, rainy weather, my tomato plants managed to produce some ripe tomatoes.

You are looking at just over 12 pounds of tomatoes.

I buy my seed from Territorial Seed Company because they raise their seeds in Oregon. I figure seeds born in the North West should do well here on Bainbridge Island. I stick with the “early” varieties because it takes a while for the garden to warm up in the summer.

In the photo, the larger and medium sized tomatoes are “Celebrity” and “Oregon Spring”. The small ones are “Glacier”. The Glaciers are suppose to be larger than they are turning out. My favorite are the Oregon Spring tomatoes. They taste great plus they are reliable and good producers.

These tomatoes are bound for a big batch of tomato sauce. Two years ago, I bought a copy of Lidia’s Family Table and made the “Summer Tomato Sauce” recipe. OMG! With tomatoes fresh from the garden and garlic that I grew myself, this is the best tomato sauce ever! I put out 30 plus tomato plants so I can make as much of this sauce as possible. I cook huge batches and freeze it two cups at a time in vacuum sealed bags. Seriously, this sause makes the best spaghetti I have tasted. My family weeps in the spring when we eat the last bag of it.

BTW: if you have a copy of “Lidia’s Family Table” or plan on purchasing a copy, find the recipie for broccoli di rabe with chick peas and use regular brocolli instead of the broccoli di rabe. Very tasty…