I eagerly look forward each year to enjoying the summertime treats.  Sweet corn and tomatoes head the list of my favorites.  However, with this year's cool summer weather, there has been a delay in enjoying the bounty. 

An article in the Des Moines Register, http://www.desmoinesregister.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2009907240378 talks about a delay in arrival, but suggests there will not a decrease in quality or taste.

I am hesitant to agree.  Our garden at home is filled with tomato plants ( I spent most of Saturday caging them with woven wire for containment & more support), and the plants are huge.  Many of them are at least 4' tall.  If you look really close, there is a 55 gallon drum, standing on edge, underneath the sprinkler.

I have also observed the onset of calcium deficiency, also known as blossom end-rot (http://blog.calciumproducts.com/posts/blossom-end-rot-.cfm).  I have broadcast SO4 in 3 separate applications this year, but intentionally omitted 2 plants.  These plants are showing symptoms of deficiency (water soaking on the fruit & leathery looking leaves).

My conclusion?  Many plants, including tomatoes, are growing more slowly this year.  Quality will also be affected, but having adequate nutrient availability (calcium) will help mitigate this.