Better Boy Tomato in Zone 5A — Midwest

Better Boy Tomato is a classic for a reason. The reliably delicious flavor and all-around versatility are perfect for Midwest gardens. It's satisfying to harvest those big, juicy red tomatoes after a summer of tending, especially knowing they thrived in our fertile soil and warm summer days.

While Midwest weather can be unpredictable, especially with temperature swings in spring and the occasional summer heat spells, Better Boy's 72-day maturity fits nicely into our roughly 157-day growing season. Careful timing is key, but you can definitely enjoy a bountiful tomato harvest even here in Zone 5A.

For Better Boy Tomatoes, starting seeds indoors around late March through mid April is ideal. This gives them a good head start before our transplant window opens up. You'll want to use seed trays or small pots filled with a good seed-starting mix.

Keep the soil consistently moist, and bottom watering is a great way to avoid damping off. Provide plenty of warmth and light – a heat mat and grow lights will really boost germination and early growth. Remember, our spring can be moderate-to-late here in the Midwest, so getting those seedlings going indoors is crucial.

Transplanting your Better Boy Tomato seedlings outdoors from mid May through mid June is the goal. Before you do, harden them off by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions for about a week. This helps them adjust to the sun and wind.

Space the plants 24-36 inches apart to allow for good air circulation. Keep an eye on the weather forecast – we can still get a late frost in May here, so be ready to cover the plants if needed.

Better Boy Tomatoes need consistent watering, especially here in the Midwest where we can have periods of both heavy rain and summer heat spells. The key is to maintain even soil moisture to prevent blossom end rot and cracking. Stick your finger about 2 inches deep into the soil – if it feels dry, it's time to water.

During the peak of summer, your Better Boys will likely need 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.

Signs of underwatering include wilting leaves and dry soil, while overwatering can lead to yellowing leaves and root rot. Mulching around the base of the plants with straw or wood chips helps retain moisture and regulate soil temperature, which is especially helpful with our temperature swings.

Better Boy Tomatoes are indeterminate, meaning they'll keep growing and producing fruit all season long. This also means they need sturdy support to keep those heavy vines and fruits off the ground. Cages or stakes work well – I personally prefer cages because they offer more overall support as the plant gets massive.

Install your chosen support at planting time to avoid disturbing the roots later. As the plant grows, gently guide the vines through the cage or tie them to the stake.

Pruning Better Boy Tomatoes helps improve air circulation and fruit size. The standard practice is to remove the suckers, which are the small shoots that grow in the "V" between the main stem and a branch. Pinch them off when they're small.

You can also prune the lower leaves as the plant grows to improve airflow and reduce the risk of disease. In late summer, as our first frost approaches around early October, you can top the plant to encourage the remaining green tomatoes to ripen.

You can expect your first Better Boy Tomato harvest from late July through mid September here in the Midwest. 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 or cut the tomato from the vine, being careful not to damage the plant. Regular harvesting encourages continued production. As the first frost approaches, harvest any remaining green tomatoes and bring them indoors to ripen. They'll still taste great, even if they're not quite as flavorful as vine-ripened ones.

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. Our variable spring and summer heat spells can cause the soil to dry out quickly, followed by heavy rains, leading to this issue.
• 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 circles around the stem or lines radiating from the stem.
• What causes it: Heavy watering or rain after a dry spell. The fruit absorbs water faster than the skin can expand. Our wet summers can make this a challenge.
• 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. You'll find large green caterpillars with white stripes.
• What causes it: These are the larvae of hawk moths. They can defoliate plants quickly.
• How to fix/prevent it: Handpick them (they're surprisingly easy to spot once you know what to look for). Bt spray is effective and organic.
• 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 our warm, humid conditions. Spreads via soil splash.
• How to fix/prevent it: Remove and destroy affected leaves. Mulch to prevent soil splash. Water at the base. Improve air circulation. Copper fungicide can help.

Midwest Specific Challenges: The combination of moderate-to-hot heat, moderate-to-humid humidity, and wet-summer rainfall in the Midwest creates ideal conditions for fungal diseases like early blight. Monitor your plants closely, especially after periods of heavy rain, and take preventative measures to ensure a healthy harvest.

Companion planting can really help your Better Boy Tomatoes thrive. Basil is a classic companion because it repels tomato hornworms and other pests. Carrots improve the soil around the tomato plants. Parsley attracts beneficial insects that prey on tomato pests. French marigolds deter nematodes and other soil pests.

Avoid planting brassicas (like cabbage and broccoli) near tomatoes, as they can stunt tomato growth. Fennel inhibits the growth of many plants, including tomatoes. Corn can also be a bad companion because it attracts the same pests, like tomato hornworms.