Better Boy Tomato in Zone 10B — Southern California

Better Boy Tomato is a fantastic choice for Southern California gardens. Its classic tomato flavor is perfect for everything from fresh salads to sauces, and the reliable yields mean you'll be enjoying homegrown tomatoes for months. Plus, its disease resistance is a real plus in our climate.

Even with our long, warm growing season of 355 days, SoCal gardening has its challenges. We deal with drought, summer heat inland, and occasional Santa Ana winds. But with careful planning and attention to watering, you can absolutely have a thriving Better Boy Tomato crop.

Starting your Better Boy Tomato seeds indoors is the way to go here in Southern California. Begin in early to late December, about six weeks before you plan to transplant them outside. This gets you a head start on the season.

Use seed trays or small pots filled with a good seed-starting mix. Keep them warm (around 70-75°F) and provide plenty of light – a grow light works great. Remember to water from the bottom to encourage strong root growth and prevent damping off. With our very-early spring character, getting those seeds started indoors is a must.

Transplant your Better Boy Tomato seedlings outdoors in late January through late February. Before you do, harden them off by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions for about a week. This helps them adjust to the sun and wind.

Space your plants 24-36 inches apart in a sunny spot with well-drained soil. Keep an eye on the weather forecast, as we can still get occasional cool snaps during this time, especially inland.

Better Boy Tomatoes need consistent watering, especially here in Southern California where we often face drought conditions. The key is to avoid letting the soil dry out completely, which can lead to blossom end rot and cracking. During our hotter summer months inland, you might need to water deeply every other day.

Check the soil moisture by sticking your finger about 2 inches deep. If it feels dry, it's time to water. Aim for about 1-2 inches of water per week, adjusting for rainfall. Water at the base of the plant to avoid wetting the leaves, which can encourage fungal diseases in our low-to-moderate humidity. Wilting leaves indicate underwatering, while yellowing leaves could mean you're overwatering. A good layer of mulch helps retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.

Better Boy Tomato plants are indeterminate, meaning they'll keep growing and producing fruit all season long. Because they're vigorous and produce heavy fruit, they need strong support. Cages or sturdy stakes work best.

Install your chosen support at planting time to avoid disturbing the roots later. As the plant grows, gently tie the main stem to the stake or weave it through the cage. This will keep the plant upright and prevent the fruit from touching the ground.

Pruning your Better Boy Tomato helps improve airflow and encourages larger fruit. Focus on removing suckers, which are the small shoots that grow between the main stem and branches. These suckers steal energy from the plant.

Start pruning suckers early in the season and continue throughout the growing season. Also, remove any yellowing or diseased lower leaves to improve air circulation. As the first frost approaches in late December, you can top the plant to encourage the remaining green tomatoes to ripen.

You can expect your first Better Boy Tomato harvest from early April through late May in Southern California. The tomatoes are ready to pick when they're a deep red color and have a slight give when gently squeezed.

To harvest, simply twist the tomato off the vine, being careful not to damage the plant. Regular harvesting encourages continued production. As late December approaches, harvest any remaining green tomatoes and bring them indoors to ripen. They'll ripen best in a single layer, not touching each other, in a cool location.

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

• Blossom End Rot
• What it looks like: A sunken, dark brown or black leathery patch on the bottom of the tomato.
• What causes it: Inconsistent watering leads to calcium deficiency. This is common in SoCal due to our drought conditions and occasional water restrictions.
• How to fix/prevent it: Water consistently! Mulch heavily to maintain even soil moisture. Remove affected fruit.
• Cracking
• What it looks like: Splits in the tomato skin, either concentric circles around the stem or radial lines radiating from the stem.
• What causes it: Heavy watering or rain after a dry spell. Common after our winter-wet season transitions to our dry spring.
• How to fix/prevent it: Water consistently. Mulch. Harvest promptly when ripe.
• Hornworms
• What it looks like: Large sections of leaves stripped overnight. Big green caterpillars with white stripes.
• What causes it: Hawk moth larvae that can defoliate plants quickly.
• How to fix/prevent it: Handpick them. Bt spray is effective and organic.
• Early Blight
• What it looks like: Brown spots with concentric rings on lower leaves, spreading upward. Leaves yellow and drop.
• What causes it: Fungal disease that thrives in warm, humid conditions.
• How to fix/prevent it: Remove affected leaves. Mulch to prevent soil splash. Water at the base. Improve air circulation.

Southern California Specific Challenges: Our hot summer heat inland, low-to-moderate humidity, and winter-wet rainfall can all contribute to these problems. Consistent watering is key to preventing blossom end rot and cracking. Good air circulation helps prevent early blight.

Companion planting can really help your Better Boy Tomatoes thrive here in Southern California. Basil is a great companion because it repels tomato hornworms and improves the flavor of the tomatoes. Carrots deter nematodes in the soil. Parsley attracts beneficial insects that prey on tomato pests. French marigolds also repel nematodes and other harmful insects.

Avoid planting brassicas (like cabbage and broccoli) near tomatoes, as they can stunt their growth. Fennel inhibits the growth of many plants, including tomatoes. Corn can attract tomato pests and diseases.