Better Boy Tomato in Zone 4B — Great Plains

Better Boy Tomato is a fantastic choice for Plains gardeners. The reliably large, flavorful fruits are perfect for slicing, sauces, or canning, and their disease resistance means you'll actually get a harvest even with our extreme weather. Plus, there's nothing quite like the satisfaction of biting into a sun-warmed tomato you grew yourself in the heart of the prairie.

We know our region can throw curveballs: wind, drought, and hail are all real concerns. But with careful timing and a few extra precautions, you can absolutely enjoy a bountiful tomato harvest within our 149-day growing season.

Starting Better Boy Tomato seeds indoors is essential for our short growing season. Aim to start your seeds late March through late April. This gives them about six weeks to get a head start before transplanting outdoors.

Use seed trays and a good seed-starting mix. Consistent warmth (around 70-75°F) is key for germination, so a heat mat can be helpful. Provide plenty of light – a grow light works best, especially with our variable spring weather. Water from the bottom to avoid damping off; set the tray in a shallow pan of water until the soil surface is moist.

Transplant your Better Boy Tomato seedlings outdoors mid May through mid June, once the risk 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.

Space plants 24-36 inches apart in a sunny spot with well-drained soil. Be prepared for temperature swings: keep an eye on the forecast and cover your transplants if a late frost threatens.

Better Boy Tomatoes need consistent watering, especially in our Plains climate. The goal is to provide about 1-2 inches of water per week, depending on rainfall. Stick your finger about 2 inches deep into the soil; if it feels dry, it's time to water.

During the hottest part of the summer, you may need to water more frequently. Water deeply at the base of the plant to encourage strong root growth and avoid wetting the foliage, which can lead to disease. Low-to-moderate humidity means overhead watering is less of a risk here than in other regions, but base-watering is still better.

Underwatering can lead to blossom end rot and cracking, while overwatering can cause root rot. Mulch around your plants with straw or wood chips to help retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.

Better Boy Tomatoes are indeterminate, meaning they'll keep growing and producing fruit all season long. They need strong support to keep the heavy vines and fruits off the ground. Cages or sturdy stakes work best.

Install your support at planting time to avoid disturbing the roots later. As the plants grow, gently train the vines to climb the support. In our windy climate, make sure your support is well anchored to prevent it from toppling over.

Pruning Better Boy Tomatoes helps improve air circulation and fruit size. Remove suckers (the small shoots that grow in the junction between the main stem and branches) to encourage the plant to put more energy into fruit production. Also, prune the lower leaves as they start to yellow or develop disease.

Start pruning once the plant is about 18 inches tall and continue throughout the growing season. As the first frost approaches in early October, you can top the plant to encourage the remaining green tomatoes to ripen.

You can expect your first Better Boy Tomato harvest late July through mid September, about 72 days after transplanting. The fruits are ripe when they are fully red, slightly soft to the touch, and easily pull away from the vine.

Harvest regularly to encourage continued production. If a frost is in the forecast, harvest any remaining green tomatoes and bring them indoors to ripen. They'll ripen best in a single layer in a cool, dark place.

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

Blossom End Rot

• What it looks like: Sunken, dark brown or black leathery patch on the bottom of the fruit.
• What causes it: Calcium deficiency caused by inconsistent watering, common during our variable rainfall patterns.
• How to fix/prevent it: Water consistently, especially during dry spells. Mulch heavily to maintain even soil moisture. Remove affected fruit.

Cracking

• What it looks like: Splits in the tomato skin, either concentric circles around the stem or radial lines radiating from the stem.
• What causes it: Heavy watering or rain after a dry spell, causing the fruit to absorb water 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 and dark droppings.
• What causes it: Larvae of hawk moths that can quickly defoliate plants.
• How to fix/prevent it: Handpick them. Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) spray is effective.

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, often spread by soil splash.
• How to fix/prevent it: Remove affected leaves. Mulch to prevent soil splash. Water at the base. Copper fungicide slows spread.

Great Plains Specific Challenges: Our hot summers, low-to-moderate humidity, and variable rainfall create a challenging environment for tomatoes. Consistent watering is critical to prevent blossom end rot and cracking. Wind protection is essential to prevent damage to the vines and fruits.

Good companions for Better Boy Tomatoes include:

• Basil: Repels pests like tomato hornworms and whiteflies.
• Carrot: Improves soil drainage and deters root-knot nematodes.
• Parsley: Attracts beneficial insects like hoverflies and parasitic wasps.
• French Marigold: Repels nematodes and other soil pests.

Avoid planting tomatoes near:

• Brassicas (cabbage, broccoli): Can stunt tomato growth.
• Fennel: Inhibits the growth of many plants.
• Corn: Attracts tomato pests like corn earworms.