Better Boy Tomato in Zone 5A — Mountain West

Better Boy Tomato is a classic for a reason, and it's a rewarding choice even in our high altitude gardens. The reliable yields of juicy, flavorful tomatoes make it perfect for slicing, salads, and sauces. Plus, there's real satisfaction in harvesting sun-ripened tomatoes you grew yourself in our challenging Mountain climate.

Our short growing season and intense sun can be tough on tomatoes, but Better Boy's relatively early maturity (72 days) gives us a good shot at a bountiful harvest. With careful timing and a few tricks, you can definitely enjoy homegrown tomatoes even with our 138-day season.

Starting your Better Boy Tomato seeds indoors is the way to go here in the Mountain West, giving you a head start against our short season. Aim to sow your seeds indoors from early to late April, about six weeks before you plan to transplant them outside. This allows you to get a jump while avoiding the risk of late frosts.

Use seed trays or small pots filled with seed-starting mix. Keep them warm (around 70-75°F) and provide plenty of light – a grow light works wonders, especially considering our often-cloudy spring weather. Don't forget to water from the bottom to avoid damping off; set the trays in a shallow pan of water until the surface is moist.

Transplanting your Better Boy Tomato seedlings outdoors happens from late May through late June, once the danger of frost has passed. Before planting, harden off your seedlings by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions for about a week. This helps them adjust to the intense sun and cooler nights we often experience in the spring.

Plant your seedlings 24-36 inches apart in well-drained soil. Be mindful of potential late-season hail, and consider protective measures.

Consistent watering is key to plump, delicious Better Boy tomatoes, especially since they aren't drought-tolerant. Our dry climate and low humidity mean you'll need to be diligent, even though our summer heat is moderate-at-altitude. Aim for deep watering a couple of times a week, providing about 1-2 inches of water each time.

Stick your finger about 2 inches into the soil; if it feels dry, it's time to water. Water at the base of the plant to avoid splashing soil onto the leaves, which can help prevent disease. You want to keep the foliage dry, given the low humidity.

During hotter stretches, you might need to water more frequently. Signs of underwatering include wilting leaves and slow growth, while overwatering can lead to yellowing leaves and root rot. A good layer of mulch around your plants helps retain moisture and regulate soil temperature, which is especially helpful in our climate.

Better Boy Tomato is an indeterminate variety, meaning it will keep growing and producing tomatoes all season long. These vigorous vines need strong support to prevent them from sprawling and to keep the heavy fruit off the ground. Cages or sturdy stakes work well.

Install your support system at planting time to avoid disturbing the roots later. As the plant grows, gently guide the vines up the support, tying them loosely if needed. This helps keep the plant upright and allows for better air circulation, reducing the risk of disease.

Pruning your Better Boy Tomato plants helps improve air circulation and encourages larger fruit. Focus on removing suckers – the small shoots that grow in the "V" between the main stem and branches. Pinch these off early in the morning when the plant is dry.

Also, remove the lower leaves that touch the soil to prevent soil-borne diseases from splashing up onto the plant. As the end of the season approaches around late September, you can top the plant (cut off the growing tip) to encourage the remaining tomatoes to ripen before the first frost.

You can expect your first Better Boy Tomato harvest from early August through late September, about 72 days after transplanting. The tomatoes are ripe when they are a deep red color and have a slight give when gently squeezed. The strong disease resistance of this hybrid means you should have a reliable harvest window.

Harvest tomatoes carefully, twisting or snipping them off the vine to avoid damaging the plant. For continuous production, pick the tomatoes as they ripen. As the first frost approaches, harvest any remaining green tomatoes and bring them indoors to ripen. They'll continue to ripen on a windowsill or in a paper bag.

Here are some common problems you might encounter with Better Boy Tomato in the Mountain West:

Blossom End Rot

• What it looks like: A sunken, dark brown or black leathery patch on the bottom of the tomato.
• What causes it: Inconsistent watering, leading to a calcium deficiency. Our dry climate can exacerbate this.
• How to fix/prevent it: Water consistently, especially during fruit development. 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 out from the stem.
• What causes it: Rapid changes in soil moisture, often after heavy watering or rain following a dry spell.
• 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. You'll find large green caterpillars with white stripes and dark droppings.
• What causes it: Hornworm larvae are voracious eaters that can defoliate plants quickly.
• How to fix/prevent it: Handpick the hornworms off the plants. Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) 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: A fungal disease that thrives in warm, humid conditions.
• How to fix/prevent it: Remove and destroy affected leaves. Mulch to prevent soil splash. Water at the base, not overhead. Improve air circulation. Copper fungicide can slow the spread.

Mountain West Specific Challenges: Our moderate-at-altitude heat, combined with low humidity and dry rainfall, means consistent watering and good air circulation are critical for Better Boy Tomato. The intense UV light can also stress plants, so make sure they are well-watered and consider providing some afternoon shade during the hottest part of the day.

Companion planting can help your Better Boy Tomato thrive. Basil is a great companion because it repels tomato hornworms and whiteflies. Carrots improve soil structure and can deter some pests. Parsley attracts beneficial insects that prey on tomato pests. French marigolds deter nematodes and other soil pests.

Avoid planting tomatoes near brassicas (cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower) as they can inhibit tomato growth. Fennel also inhibits growth and should be kept away. Corn competes for nutrients and sunlight, so it's not a good companion either.