Better Boy Tomato in Zone 4B — Midwest

Better Boy Tomato is a classic for a reason, and it really shines in our Midwest gardens. The flavor is that perfect balance of sweet and tangy, making it fantastic for slicing, salads, or canning into sauce to enjoy all winter long. Plus, the satisfaction of harvesting those big, juicy fruits after a long season is hard to beat.

Our Midwest weather can throw some curveballs with variable spring temperatures and the occasional summer heat spells. But with a little attention to timing and some smart gardening practices, you can absolutely grow a bumper crop of Better Boys. Our 138-day growing season gives them plenty of time to mature if you start seeds indoors.

Starting Better Boy Tomato seeds indoors is the way to go here in the Midwest. Aim to sow your seeds early to late April, about six weeks before you plan to transplant them outdoors. This gives them a head start before our moderate-to-late spring really kicks into gear.

Use seed trays or small pots filled with a good seed-starting mix. Keep the soil consistently moist (bottom watering works great to prevent damping off) and provide warmth, ideally around 70-75°F. A heat mat can be helpful. Once the seedlings emerge, make sure they get plenty of light – a grow light is almost essential to prevent leggy growth indoors.

Transplanting your Better Boy Tomato seedlings outdoors should happen late May through late June, after the risk of frost has passed. Be sure to watch for a late frost, which can happen even around Memorial Day in the Midwest!

Before transplanting, harden off your seedlings by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions for about a week. Start with an hour or two of shade and increase the time and sun exposure each day. When you're ready to plant, space them 24-36 inches apart in fertile soil.

Better Boy Tomatoes need consistent watering, especially here in the Midwest where we can get periods of heavy rain followed by stretches of dry heat. These are not drought-tolerant plants, so don't let them dry out. The goal is to avoid those boom-and-bust cycles.

During the spring, when temperatures are cooler and rainfall is more frequent, you may only need to water once or twice a week. In the heat of summer, though, you might need to water every day, especially if it hasn't rained. Stick your finger about two inches into the soil; if it feels dry, it's time to water. Aim for about 1-2 inches of water per week, depending on rainfall. Water at the base of the plant to avoid getting the leaves wet, which can encourage fungal diseases in our moderate-to-humid climate.

Signs of underwatering include wilting leaves and dry soil. Overwatering can lead to yellowing leaves and potentially root rot. Mulching around your tomato plants with straw or shredded bark helps retain moisture in the soil and reduces water evaporation, which is key during our summer heat spells.

Better Boy Tomatoes are indeterminate, meaning they'll keep growing and producing fruit all season long. They get BIG, so they need strong support.

Cages or stakes both work well, but I prefer sturdy cages because they provide all-around support for those heavy vines loaded with tomatoes. Install your support system at planting time to avoid disturbing the roots later. As the plant grows, gently weave the vines through the cage or tie them to the stake with soft twine.

Pruning your Better Boy Tomato helps improve airflow and fruit size. The standard practice is to remove the suckers that grow in the "V" between the main stem and the branches. These suckers will just steal energy from fruit production.

Start pruning once the plant is about a foot tall and continue throughout the season. You can also remove the lower leaves that touch the soil to prevent soil-borne diseases from splashing up onto the plant. As we approach the end of the season in late September, with the first frost looming, you can top the plant to encourage the remaining green tomatoes to ripen.

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

To harvest, simply twist the tomato off 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'll ripen best in a single layer, not touching, in a cool, dark 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, which is common in our Midwest climate with its fluctuating rainfall.
• How to fix/prevent it: Water consistently, especially during dry spells. Mulch heavily to maintain even soil moisture. 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 spell, causing the fruit to absorb water too quickly. Our wet summers can make this a challenge.
• How to fix/prevent it: Water consistently to avoid the dry/wet cycle. Mulch to maintain even moisture. 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 feed voraciously.
• How to fix/prevent it: Handpick the hornworms (they're easy to spot once you know what to look for). Bt spray is an effective organic solution.
• Early Blight
• What it looks like: Brown spots with concentric rings on lower leaves, spreading upward.
• What causes it: A fungal disease that thrives in warm, humid conditions, which we often have in the Midwest.
• How to fix/prevent it: Remove affected leaves. Mulch to prevent soil splash. Water at the base. Improve air circulation through spacing and pruning.

Midwest Specific Challenges: Our moderate-to-hot summer heat combined with moderate-to-humid humidity and wet-summer rainfall creates ideal conditions for fungal diseases like early blight and also increases the risk of cracking due to inconsistent moisture. Consistent watering and good air circulation are key to mitigating these problems.

Companion planting can really benefit your Better Boy Tomatoes here in the Midwest. Basil is a classic companion because it repels tomato hornworms and other pests. Plus, it tastes great with tomatoes! Carrots and parsley are also good companions because they attract beneficial insects that prey on tomato pests. French marigolds deter nematodes and other soil pests.

Avoid planting tomatoes near brassicas (like cabbage and broccoli) because they can stunt tomato growth. Fennel is also a bad companion because it inhibits the growth of many plants, including tomatoes. Corn can shade your tomatoes too much, reducing fruit production.