Better Boy Tomato in Zone 4B — Mountain West

Better Boy Tomato is a reliable choice for us Mountain gardeners. The flavor is classic tomato – great for slicing, sauces, or canning. Plus, its disease resistance gives us a real edge in our short season, meaning you're more likely to get a good harvest before the first frost hits.

Our high altitude, intense sun, and cool nights can be tough on tomatoes. But with a little planning and attention to timing, you can absolutely grow delicious Better Boys here. Our 128-day growing season means starting indoors is essential, but it's totally doable.

Starting your Better Boy Tomato seeds indoors is the way to go in our Mountain climate. You'll want to aim for starting in early April through early May, about six weeks before you plan to put them outside. This gives them a good head start before our late spring arrives.

Use seed trays or small pots with good drainage. Keep the soil consistently moist (but not soggy) with bottom watering. The seeds need warmth to germinate, so a heat mat can be helpful. Once they sprout, make sure they get plenty of light, either from a sunny window or a grow light. Our intense sun, even indoors, can be a lot, so consider some light filtering if using a south-facing window.

Transplant your Better Boy Tomato seedlings outdoors in late May through late June, after the danger of frost has passed. Before planting, you'll need to harden them off. This means gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions for about a week. Start with an hour or two of shade, then gradually increase the time and sun exposure each day.

Plant them 24-36 inches apart in a sunny spot with well-drained soil. Our spring weather can be unpredictable, so keep an eye on the forecast and be prepared to cover them if a late frost threatens.

Consistent watering is critical for Better Boy Tomatoes in our dry Mountain climate. Aim to water deeply about 1-2 times per week, providing around 1-2 inches of water each time. Use the "finger test" – stick your finger about 2 inches into the soil. If it feels dry, it's time to water.

Because of our low humidity, watering at the base of the plant is best, as overhead watering isn't as likely to cause disease issues as it would in more humid climates. Just be sure to avoid splashing soil onto the leaves.

If the leaves are wilting and the soil is dry, you're underwatering. If the leaves are yellowing and the soil is constantly soggy, you're overwatering. A good layer of mulch around the base of the plants will help retain moisture and keep the soil temperature even, which is especially important with our intense sun.

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

Install your chosen support at planting time to avoid disturbing the roots later. As the plant grows, gently train the vines to grow up the support, using soft ties if needed. This will keep the fruit off the ground, improve air circulation, and make harvesting easier.

Pruning your Better Boy Tomatoes can help improve fruit size and overall plant health. Focus on removing suckers – the small shoots that grow in the "V" between the main stem and branches. These suckers will just sap energy from the plant without producing much fruit.

Prune suckers early in the morning on a dry day. As the end of our short season approaches (mid- September), you can also pinch off the top of the plant to encourage the remaining tomatoes to ripen before the first frost.

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

To harvest, simply twist the tomato gently until it separates from the vine. Avoid pulling, as this can damage the plant. Keep harvesting regularly to encourage continued production.

As the first frost approaches (mid- September), harvest any remaining green tomatoes. They can ripen indoors in a paper bag or on a windowsill.

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. Our dry climate makes this a common issue.
• 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 around the stem or radiating outwards.
• What causes it: Rapid changes in soil moisture, like heavy rain after a dry period.
• How to fix/prevent it: Water consistently and mulch. Harvest ripe tomatoes promptly.

Hornworms

• What it looks like: Missing leaves and large green caterpillars on the plant.
• What causes it: Hornworm caterpillars are voracious eaters and can defoliate a plant quickly.
• How to fix/prevent it: Handpick the hornworms. Use Bt spray for control.

Early Blight

• What it looks like: Brown spots with concentric rings on lower leaves, spreading upwards.
• What causes it: Fungal disease that thrives in warm, humid conditions (less of a problem with our low humidity, but still possible with inconsistent watering).
• How to fix/prevent it: Remove affected leaves. Water at the base of the plant. Improve air circulation through pruning.

Mountain West Specific Challenges: The intense sun can stress plants and make them more susceptible to problems. Our alkaline soil can also affect nutrient uptake. Be sure to amend your soil with compost and water deeply and consistently to help your Better Boy Tomatoes thrive.

Basil is a great companion for Better Boy Tomatoes because it repels pests and improves the flavor of the tomatoes. Carrots and parsley also make good companions, as they attract beneficial insects. French marigolds help deter nematodes and other soil pests.

Avoid planting brassicas (like cabbage and broccoli) near tomatoes, as they can inhibit tomato growth. Fennel is also a bad companion, as it inhibits the growth of many plants. Corn can compete for nutrients and sunlight.