Better Boy Tomato in Zone 4A — Great Plains

Growing Better Boy tomatoes in our Zone 4A gardens is absolutely worth the effort. These tomatoes offer that classic, rich tomato flavor that’s perfect for slicing, sauces, and canning. Plus, there's nothing quite like the satisfaction of harvesting big, juicy tomatoes from your own backyard, especially after our long winters.

Now, we all know the Great Plains can throw some curveballs with extreme temperature swings and the occasional hail storm. But with a little planning and attention to timing, you can successfully grow Better Boys within our roughly 138-day growing season. Don't let the challenges scare you!

Starting your Better Boy tomato seeds indoors in early to late April gives them the head start they need for our shorter growing season. Aim to start them about 6 weeks before you plan to transplant them outside. This timing is key, as our spring weather can be quite variable.

Use seed trays or small pots filled with a good seed-starting mix. Keep the soil consistently moist and provide warmth (a heat mat helps!) and plenty of light. A sunny south-facing window might work, but grow lights are more reliable. Also, remember to water from the bottom to avoid damping off — set the tray in a shallow pan of water and let the soil soak it up.

Transplant your Better Boy tomato seedlings outdoors in late May through late June, after the risk of frost has passed. 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 to allow for good air circulation and growth. Keep an eye on the weather forecast – a late cold snap can still happen, so be ready to cover your plants if needed. Wind protection is essential too, especially when the plants are young and vulnerable.

Better Boy tomatoes need consistent watering, especially during our hot Plains summers, but variable rainfall means it’s up to you to provide it. They are definitely *not* drought-tolerant. Aim to give your plants about 1-2 inches of water per week, depending on the weather. Stick your finger about 2 inches deep into the soil near the base of the plant. If it feels dry, it's time to water.

During the hottest part of the summer, you might need to water more frequently, especially if you're experiencing a dry spell. Water at the base of the plant to avoid wetting the foliage, as this can encourage disease, but with our typically low-to-moderate humidity, overhead watering isn’t as risky as it might be elsewhere. Wilting leaves are a sign of underwatering, while yellowing leaves can indicate overwatering.

A good layer of mulch around your plants helps retain moisture and regulate soil temperature. Straw, grass clippings, or compost work well.

Better Boy tomatoes are indeterminate, meaning they'll keep growing and producing fruit all season long. They also get BIG. That means they need strong support. Cages or sturdy stakes are both good options, but cages are often easier to manage in the long run.

Install your chosen support at planting time to avoid disturbing the roots later. As the plant grows, gently train the vines to grow within or around the support. In our windy Plains climate, make sure your support system is well-anchored to prevent it from toppling over.

Pruning your Better Boy tomatoes helps improve air circulation and encourages larger fruit. Focus on removing suckers, which are the small shoots that grow in the "V" between the main stem and branches. Removing the lower leaves that touch the soil also helps prevent disease.

Start pruning a few weeks after transplanting and continue throughout the season. Since Better Boy is a disease-resistant hybrid, you don't need to be as aggressive with pruning as you might with other varieties. As the end of the season approaches (late September), you can top the plant to encourage the remaining green tomatoes to ripen before frost.

You can expect your first Better Boy tomatoes to ripen from early August through late September, about 72 days after transplanting. The tomatoes are ready to harvest when they are a deep red color and have a slight give when gently squeezed.

To harvest, gently twist or cut the tomato from the vine, being careful not to damage the plant. Regular harvesting encourages continued production. As the first frost approaches in late September, harvest any remaining green tomatoes and bring them indoors to ripen. They can ripen on a windowsill or in a paper bag with an apple.

Here are some common problems you might encounter with Better Boy tomatoes in the Great Plains:

• Blossom End Rot
• What it looks like: A dark, sunken spot on the bottom of the tomato.
• What causes it: Inconsistent watering leads to calcium deficiency. The variable rainfall we get in the Plains makes this a common issue.
• How to fix/prevent it: Water consistently, especially during dry spells. Mulch heavily. Remove affected fruit.
• Cracking
• What it looks like: Splits in the tomato skin, either around the stem or radiating from it.
• What causes it: Rapid changes in soil moisture, like a heavy rain after a dry period.
• How to fix/prevent it: Water consistently. Mulch to maintain even moisture. Harvest ripe tomatoes promptly.
• Hornworms
• What it looks like: Large green caterpillars eating leaves, often leaving only bare stems.
• What causes it: These are the larvae of hawk moths.
• How to fix/prevent it: Handpick them off the plants. Use Bt spray.
• Early Blight
• What it looks like: Brown spots with concentric rings on the lower leaves, spreading upwards.
• What causes it: A fungal disease that thrives in warm, humid conditions (though our humidity is usually low-to-moderate, it can still occur).
• How to fix/prevent it: Remove and destroy affected leaves. Mulch to prevent soil splash. Water at the base.

Great Plains Specific Challenges: The hot, dry summers and variable rainfall in the Great Plains can stress tomato plants, making them more susceptible to problems like blossom end rot and cracking. Wind can also damage plants, so provide adequate support and wind protection.

Companion planting can give your Better Boy tomatoes a boost in the Great Plains:

• Basil: Repels tomato hornworms and whiteflies. Plus, it loves the sun just as much as your tomatoes do!
• Carrots: Improve soil aeration and may deter some pests.
• Parsley: Attracts beneficial insects that prey on tomato pests.
• French Marigolds: Repel nematodes and other soil pests.

Avoid planting these near your tomatoes:

• Brassicas (cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower): Can stunt tomato growth.
• Fennel: Inhibits the growth of many plants, including tomatoes.
• Corn: Can block sunlight and compete for nutrients and water, especially in our shorter growing season.