Better Boy Tomato in Zone 3B — Great Plains

Better Boy Tomato is a classic for a reason, and it earns its place in the Plains garden. The reliably large, flavorful fruits are perfect for slicing, canning, or saucing, and the plants are vigorous enough to make the effort worthwhile. Plus, this hybrid's disease resistance really shines in our variable conditions.

Our short growing season and extreme weather can be tough on tomatoes. But with careful timing and a little extra attention, you can absolutely harvest a bumper crop of Better Boys in our 118-day window.

Starting Better Boy Tomato seeds indoors is essential to get a jump on our short Plains season. You'll want to sow seeds mid-April through early May, roughly six weeks before you plan to transplant them outside. This gives the seedlings a strong start before facing our unpredictable spring weather.

Use seed trays or small pots filled with a good seed-starting mix. Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy. Bottom watering works great for this — just set the tray in a shallow dish of water and let the soil soak it up. Place the trays in a warm spot (around 70-75°F) with plenty of light, either from a sunny window or a grow light. Remember, we often get temperature swings this time of year, so keep an eye on the seedlings.

Transplanting your Better Boy Tomato seedlings outdoors should happen early to late June, after the danger of frost has passed. Before planting, harden off your seedlings by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions for about a week. Start with an hour or two of indirect sunlight and increase the time each day.

Plant them 24-36 inches apart in a sunny spot with well-drained soil. This spacing allows for good air circulation, which is important in our sometimes-humid summers. Be aware that even in June, we can get late cold snaps or even hail, so keep an eye on the forecast and be prepared to cover your plants if needed.

Watering is critical for Better Boy Tomatoes in the Great Plains, especially given our variable rainfall and tendency for drought. Consistent moisture is key for preventing blossom end rot and cracking. Aim to water deeply and regularly, especially during hot, dry spells.

During the peak of summer, when temperatures are consistently high, you'll likely need to water your Better Boys 1-2 inches per week, or even more if the plants are large and loaded with fruit. Use the "finger test" to check soil moisture: stick your finger about 2 inches into the soil near the base of the plant. If it feels dry, it's time to water. Water at the base of the plant to avoid wetting the foliage, which can encourage disease in our region's low-to-moderate humidity.

Signs of underwatering include wilting leaves and stunted growth. Overwatering can lead to yellowing leaves and root rot. A good layer of mulch, such as straw or wood chips, will help retain moisture and regulate soil temperature, which is especially helpful in our extreme temperature swings.

Better Boy Tomatoes are indeterminate, meaning they'll keep growing and producing fruit all season long. They need sturdy support to handle their vigorous vines and heavy fruit. Cages or stakes both work well, but cages are often easier to manage for these large plants.

Install your support system at planting time to avoid disturbing the roots later. As the plants grow, gently weave the vines through the cage or tie them to the stake. In our windy Plains environment, make sure your support is well-anchored to prevent the plants from toppling over.

Pruning Better Boy Tomatoes can improve fruit size and overall plant health. Focus on removing suckers, which are the small shoots that grow in the "V" between the main stem and branches. Removing these suckers directs the plant's energy towards fruit production.

Start pruning suckers early in the season, as soon as you see them. Also, remove any yellowing or diseased lower leaves to improve air circulation. Towards the end of the season, around late August, you can pinch off the top of the plant to encourage the remaining tomatoes to ripen before our first frost hits around mid- September.

You can expect your first harvest of Better Boy Tomatoes from mid-August through mid-September, about 72 days after transplanting. Look for large, red fruits with a slight give when gently squeezed. The skin should be smooth and glossy.

To harvest, gently twist the fruit from the vine, leaving a small piece of stem attached. Regular harvesting encourages the plant to continue producing. As the end of the season approaches and the first frost threatens, harvest any remaining mature green tomatoes and bring them indoors to ripen. They'll ripen best in a single layer, out of direct sunlight.

Here are the top 4 problems you might face with Better Boy Tomatoes in the Great Plains:

Blossom End Rot

• What it looks like: A dark, sunken, leathery spot on the bottom of the tomato.
• What causes it: Inconsistent watering leading to calcium deficiency. This is especially common in the Plains with our variable rainfall and tendency for dry spells followed by heavy rain.
• How to fix/prevent it: Water consistently, especially during dry periods. Mulch heavily to help retain soil moisture. Avoid over-fertilizing with nitrogen. Remove affected fruit.

Cracking

• What it looks like: Splits in the tomato skin, either in concentric circles around the stem or radiating lines.
• What causes it: Rapid changes in soil moisture, often after heavy rain following a dry period. The fruit absorbs water too quickly, causing the skin to split.
• How to fix/prevent it: Maintain consistent soil moisture through regular watering and mulching. Harvest tomatoes promptly when they are ripe.

Hornworms

• What it looks like: Large sections of leaves stripped overnight. You might also see large green caterpillars with white stripes and dark droppings on the leaves.
• What causes it: Hornworm larvae are voracious feeders that can quickly defoliate tomato plants.
• How to fix/prevent it: Handpick the hornworms (they are easy to spot once you know what to look for). Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) spray is an effective organic control.

Early Blight

• What it looks like: Brown spots with concentric rings on the lower leaves, which eventually yellow and drop off.
• What causes it: A fungal disease that thrives in warm, humid conditions and spreads through soil splash.
• How to fix/prevent it: Remove and destroy affected leaves. Mulch to prevent soil splash. Water at the base of the plant. Improve air circulation by spacing plants adequately and pruning.

Great Plains Specific Challenges: Our extreme temperature swings and variable rainfall can exacerbate blossom end rot and cracking. The wind can also stress plants, making them more susceptible to disease. Vigilance and consistent care are key to success.

Companion planting can give your Better Boy Tomatoes a boost in the Plains garden. Basil is a classic companion, as it repels tomato hornworms and other pests. Carrots improve the soil and deter nematodes. Parsley attracts beneficial insects. French marigolds repel nematodes and other soil pests.

Avoid planting tomatoes near brassicas (like cabbage and broccoli), as they can inhibit tomato growth. Fennel is also a poor companion, as it inhibits the growth of many plants. Corn can block sunlight and compete for nutrients, which isn't ideal in our short growing season.