Better Boy Tomato in Zone 4A — Midwest

Better Boy Tomatoes are a Midwest garden staple for good reason. Their classic tomato flavor shines in everything from fresh salads to homemade sauces, and they reliably produce a heavy crop, even with our variable Midwest weather. You'll be enjoying juicy, homegrown tomatoes all summer long.

Our Midwest weather can be a bit unpredictable, with temperature swings in spring and the occasional summer heat spell. But with careful timing and a little attention, you can absolutely grow fantastic Better Boy Tomatoes during our 128-day growing season.

Starting Better Boy Tomato seeds indoors is key in the Midwest to get a jump start on our growing season. You'll want to start your seeds indoors from early April through early May, about six weeks before you plan to transplant them outside. This gives them a head start before our last average frost.

Use seed trays or small pots filled with a good seed-starting mix. Keep the soil consistently moist (but not soggy) by bottom watering – set the tray in a shallow dish of water and let the soil soak it up. Provide warmth with a heat mat and plenty of light with grow lights, especially since our spring weather can be overcast.

Given our moderate-to-late springs, keeping them indoors until transplant time ensures they are strong enough to handle the variable weather.

Transplanting Better Boy Tomatoes outdoors in the Midwest should happen in late May through late June, once the danger of frost has passed. Before transplanting, harden off your seedlings by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions for about a week. This helps them adjust to the sun and wind.

Plant your Better Boy Tomato seedlings 24-36 inches apart in a sunny spot with fertile soil. Keep an eye on the weather forecast around transplant time. We sometimes get a late cold snap, so be ready to cover your plants if necessary.

Better Boy Tomatoes need consistent watering, especially during our Midwest summers. Aim to keep the soil evenly moist, as inconsistent watering can lead to problems like blossom end rot and cracking. During hot summer spells, you might need to water deeply every day or every other day.

The finger test is a good way to check moisture levels: stick your finger about two inches into the soil. If it feels dry, it's time to water. Generally, you'll want to provide about 1-2 inches of water per week, either from rainfall or irrigation.

Water at the base of the plant to avoid wetting the leaves, which can encourage fungal diseases in our moderate-to-humid climate. A good layer of mulch, like straw or shredded leaves, will help retain moisture and keep the soil temperature consistent. Signs of underwatering include wilting leaves and dry soil, while overwatering can lead to yellowing leaves and root rot.

Better Boy Tomatoes are indeterminate, meaning they'll keep growing and producing fruit all season long. These vigorous vines need strong support to handle the weight of the heavy fruit. Cages or stakes work well.

Install your chosen support system at planting time to avoid disturbing the roots later. For cages, make sure they're tall and sturdy enough to accommodate the full-grown plant. For staking, tie the main stem loosely to the stake every foot or so as it grows.

Pruning Better Boy Tomatoes helps improve airflow and fruit size. The main thing to prune is the suckers – the small shoots that grow in the "V" between the main stem and branches. Pinch them off when they're small.

You can also remove the lower leaves that touch the soil to prevent disease spread. Start pruning a few weeks after transplanting and continue throughout the growing season. As the first frost approaches around mid- September, you can top the plant to encourage the remaining green tomatoes to ripen.

You can expect your first Better Boy Tomato harvest in early August through mid September in our Midwest climate. The tomatoes are ready to pick when they're a deep red color and have a slight give when gently squeezed.

Gently twist or cut the tomato from the vine, being careful not to damage the plant. Regular harvesting encourages continued production. Even with their excellent disease resistance, damaged fruit can attract pests.

As the first frost nears in mid- September, harvest any remaining mature green tomatoes and bring them indoors to ripen. They'll ripen best in a single layer, not touching, in a moderately cool, dry place.

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

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, common with our variable rainfall.
• How to fix/prevent it: Water consistently, especially during dry spells. Mulch heavily to maintain even soil moisture.

Cracking

• What it looks like: Splits in the tomato skin, either circles around the stem or lines radiating from it.
• What causes it: Heavy rain or watering after a dry spell, causing the fruit to swell too quickly.
• How to fix/prevent it: Water consistently. Mulch to maintain even moisture. Harvest promptly when ripe.

Hornworms

• What it looks like: Large sections of leaves stripped overnight, large green caterpillars with white stripes, dark droppings on leaves.
• What causes it: Hawk moth larvae that can defoliate plants quickly.
• How to fix/prevent it: Handpick them (they're easy to spot). Use Bt spray. Leave any hornworms with white cocoons on them.

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 and spreads via soil splash.
• How to fix/prevent it: Remove affected leaves. Mulch to prevent soil splash. Water at the base. Improve air circulation. Use copper fungicide.

Midwest Specific Challenges: Our moderate-to-hot summer heat and moderate-to-humid humidity can create ideal conditions for fungal diseases like early blight, so good air circulation and watering practices are crucial. The wet-summer rainfall patterns can also lead to inconsistent soil moisture, contributing to blossom end rot and cracking.

Good companions for Better Boy Tomatoes in the Midwest include basil, carrots, parsley, and French marigolds. Basil is said to improve tomato flavor and repel pests. Carrots loosen the soil and don't compete for nutrients. Parsley attracts beneficial insects. French marigolds deter nematodes and other soil pests.

Avoid planting brassicas (like cabbage and broccoli) near tomatoes, as they can stunt tomato growth. Fennel is also a bad companion, as it inhibits the growth of many plants. Corn can attract tomato pests like the tomato hornworm.