And we have tomatoes!

It's official -- Brandywine and Mr. Stripey, my two heirloom tomato plants, have fruit! They have reached the critical juncture that has brought heartache to my family of tomato-gardeners too many times in the past. It seems we're good at growing big plants and even getting blooms, but some years the fruit just never sets.

Right now, I have about five quarter-sized tomatoes in my two planters on the patio. I opted for movable planters because I thought the patio sun might be too intense, and containers can always be moved to a different part of the yard.

But these guys are tough! Of course, the most punishing heat is just beginning, but I already have tomatoes. So, this weekend is Operation Fortify Tomatoes. My dad and I will be building some sort of elaborate structure out of stakes, netting and rocks in order to keep the birds and squirrels out.

My dad is a retired architect, so he is all over this project! He's talking angles and supports. I just feel the urgency, because those little green fruits are getting bigger and juicier every day.