Better Boy Tomato in Zone 10A — Florida

Better Boy Tomato is a classic for a reason, and it performs beautifully in Florida's Zone 10A. Its fantastic flavor and versatility make it a winner for sandwiches, sauces, and salads. Plus, there's nothing quite like the satisfaction of harvesting your own sun-ripened tomatoes in the middle of what everyone else calls "winter."

Our Florida gardening calendar is different, and we know our challenges: intense humidity, nematodes, and fungal diseases. But with careful timing and the right strategies, you can absolutely grow delicious Better Boy Tomatoes during our extended 355-day growing season. We plant in fall, harvest in winter and spring, and summer is our slow season.

For Better Boy Tomatoes, you'll want to start your seeds indoors in early to late December. This gives them about 6 weeks to get a head start before transplanting. Use seed trays or small pots filled with a good seed-starting mix.

Keep the soil consistently moist, and bottom watering is a great way to avoid damping-off. Place the trays in a warm spot (around 70-75°F) and provide plenty of light, either from a sunny window or a grow light. Remember, our spring is reversed, so we're getting these going when most of the country is hunkering down!

Transplant your Better Boy Tomato seedlings outdoors in late January through late February. Before planting, harden them off by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions for about a week. This prevents transplant shock.

Space the plants 24-36 inches apart in well-drained soil that gets full sun (6-8 hours a day). At this time of year, we can sometimes experience cooler temperatures, so protect young plants with row covers if a cold snap is predicted.

Better Boy Tomatoes need consistent watering, especially in our Florida climate. The goal is to keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. During our drier fall and winter months, you'll likely need to water deeply a couple of times a week, providing about 1-2 inches of water each time. Use the "finger test"—stick your finger about 2 inches into the soil; if it feels dry, it's time to water.

Avoid overhead watering, especially with our high humidity, as this can promote fungal diseases. Water at the base of the plant. As we head into our wet-summer season, you may need to reduce watering frequency, letting the rainfall do the work.

Signs of underwatering include wilting leaves and dry soil. Overwatering can lead to yellowing leaves and root rot. Mulching around your tomato plants with pine straw or wood chips helps retain moisture and suppress weeds, which is critical for our sandy soil.

Better Boy Tomatoes are indeterminate, meaning they'll keep growing and producing fruit all season long, so they need strong support. Cages or stakes both work well. I prefer sturdy tomato cages because they allow the plant to grow naturally without needing constant tying.

Install your support system at planting time to avoid damaging the roots later. As the plant grows, gently weave the stems through the cage or tie them to the stake with soft twine. This prevents the heavy fruit from weighing down the plant and breaking the branches.

Pruning helps improve air circulation and fruit size on Better Boy Tomatoes. Focus on removing suckers, which are the small shoots that grow in the "V" between the main stem and a branch. Pinch them off when they're small.

Also, remove any yellowing or diseased lower leaves to prevent the spread of fungal problems. Prune regularly throughout the growing season. As we approach the first frost (around late December), you can pinch off any new flowers to encourage the plant to focus its energy on ripening existing fruit.

You can expect your first Better Boy Tomato harvest from early April through late May. The fruits are ready to pick when they're large, red, and have a slight give when gently squeezed. The strong disease resistance of this variety makes for a long and reliable harvest window.

To harvest, gently twist the tomato until it separates from the vine. Avoid pulling, which can damage the plant. Regular harvesting encourages continued production.

As our first frost approaches in late December, harvest any remaining green tomatoes. They will ripen indoors if you place them in a paper bag with an apple or banana.

Here are some common problems you might encounter with Better Boy Tomatoes in Florida:

Blossom End Rot

• What it looks like: A sunken, dark brown or black leathery patch on the bottom of the tomato.
• What causes it: Calcium deficiency due to inconsistent watering. In Florida, our sandy soil and fluctuating rainfall can make it hard to maintain even moisture levels.
• How to fix/prevent it: Water consistently, especially during dry spells. Mulch heavily. Avoid over-fertilizing with nitrogen. Remove affected fruit.

Cracking

• What it looks like: Splits in the tomato skin, either in circles around the stem or radiating lines.
• What causes it: Heavy watering or rain after a dry period. The fruit swells too quickly. This is common in Florida after a heavy afternoon thunderstorm.
• How to fix/prevent it: Water consistently. Mulch to maintain even moisture. Harvest promptly.

Hornworms

• What it looks like: Large sections of leaves stripped overnight. You might see the large green caterpillars with white stripes.
• What causes it: These are the larvae of hawk moths and they can defoliate a plant quickly.
• How to fix/prevent it: Handpick them (they're easy to spot). Use Bt spray. Leave any hornworms with white cocoons on them – those are your beneficial parasitic wasps at work!

Early Blight

• What it looks like: Brown spots with concentric rings on lower leaves, spreading upwards. Leaves yellow and drop.
• What causes it: Fungal disease that thrives in warm, humid conditions. Our Florida humidity is a major contributor.
• How to fix/prevent it: Remove affected leaves. Mulch to prevent soil splash. Water at the base. Improve air circulation. Copper fungicide can help.

Florida Specific Challenges: The combination of hot heat, very-high humidity, and our wet-summer rainfall creates a perfect storm for fungal diseases and inconsistent watering issues. Be vigilant about monitoring your plants and taking preventative measures.

Companion planting can help your Better Boy Tomatoes thrive. Basil is a great choice because it repels tomato hornworms and other pests. Carrots and parsley also make good companions, as they attract beneficial insects. French marigolds deter nematodes in the soil, which are a common problem in Florida.

Avoid planting brassicas (like cabbage and broccoli) near tomatoes, as they can stunt their growth. Fennel inhibits the growth of many plants, so it's best to keep it away from your tomatoes. Corn can also compete for nutrients and sunlight.