Before the storm temporarily disrupted cherry tomato production in our backyard tomato tangle, I was in the middle of an investigation into the unexpected consumption of several ripe specimens. Most of the evidence is presented after the jump.

Besides the photos, some other facts: The tomatoes were still on the vine. Several of the bitten* ones were well off the ground. Some were in the middle of the tangle. The tangle is bordered on one side by the fence. No green ones were touched. Some red ones were near-ripe or ripe, but were not touched. The damaged ones were not all in the same cluster.

What’s eating my tiny crops?

*I say “bitten,” but you may draw other conclusions about what exactly happened to the fruits.

We’ll give the dog a break, finally. There’s been some growth in the garden, and now I’m spending a little time each Saturday making peace between the impatiens, hydrangeas and tomato plants. It was so easy when they were all 8 inches tall.

Parents: In the updated garden / back yard album, you’ll see photos of my curious hydrangea suspension system. Perhaps you can comment or advise.