Better Boy Tomato in Zone 5A — Great Plains

Better Boy Tomato is a classic for a reason, and it earns its place in our Great Plains gardens. Its reliably delicious, medium-large fruit is perfect for slicing, sauces, or canning, and its vigorous growth means a satisfying harvest, even with our variable weather. Plus, the disease resistance bred into this hybrid is a real boon in our region, where environmental stressors can sometimes weaken other varieties.

Our Plains climate throws its share of curveballs, from extreme temperature swings to the ever-present wind and occasional hail. But with careful timing and a little extra attention, Better Boy Tomato can thrive in our 168-day growing season, rewarding you with a bounty of homegrown goodness.

Starting Better Boy Tomato seeds indoors from late March through mid April gives them a head start on our relatively short growing season. You'll want to aim for about 6 weeks before you plan to transplant them outdoors. Use seed trays or small pots filled with a good seed-starting mix, and provide consistent warmth (around 70-75°F) and bright light.

A heat mat can really help with germination. Once seedlings emerge, make sure they get plenty of light – a grow light is ideal, especially with our variable spring weather. Bottom watering is key to prevent damping-off; set the tray in a shallow dish of water and let the soil absorb it from below.

Remember, those late-season temperature swings can happen even indoors, so keep an eye on your seedlings and adjust their environment as needed.

Transplant your Better Boy Tomato seedlings outdoors from early May through early June, once the danger of frost has passed. Before planting, harden them off by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions for about a week. This helps them adjust to the sun and wind, which can be especially intense in our region.

Space the plants 24-36 inches apart to allow for good air circulation and growth. Choose a sunny spot with well-drained soil. Even in May, we can still get some surprise cold snaps, so be prepared to cover your young plants if frost threatens.

Better Boy Tomato needs consistent watering, especially during our hot Plains summers. Aim to provide about 1-2 inches of water per week, depending on rainfall. Use the "finger test" – stick your finger about 2 inches deep into the soil; if it feels dry, it's time to water.

Water deeply at the base of the plant, avoiding overhead watering, which can encourage disease, especially with our occasional humidity spikes. In the cooler spring and fall, you can water less frequently, but don't let the soil dry out completely. Mulching around the base of the plants helps retain moisture and regulate soil temperature – straw or shredded bark work well in our climate.

Signs of underwatering include wilting leaves and slow growth, while overwatering can lead to yellowing leaves and root rot. The disease resistance of Better Boy Tomato gives you a little wiggle room, but consistent moisture is still key to preventing blossom end rot and cracking.

Better Boy Tomato is an indeterminate variety, meaning it will keep growing and producing fruit all season long. These vigorous vines need strong support to handle the weight of the heavy fruit. Cages or sturdy stakes are both good options.

Install your chosen support at planting time to avoid disturbing the roots later. For staking, tie the main stem to the stake every 12-18 inches as it grows. Cages provide all-around support. Given our windy conditions on the Plains, make sure your support is well-anchored to prevent the plants from toppling over.

Pruning Better Boy Tomato can improve fruit size and overall plant health. The standard approach is to remove suckers – the small shoots that grow in the "armpit" between the main stem and branches. Pinch them off when they're small to direct the plant's energy into fruit production.

You can also remove the lower leaves that touch the soil to improve air circulation and reduce the risk of disease. As the first frost approaches in early October, you can top the plants to encourage the remaining green tomatoes to ripen. Since Better Boy Tomato is disease-resistant, you can get away with less-aggressive pruning if you prefer.

You can expect your first Better Boy Tomato harvest from mid July through early September, about 72 days after transplanting. The tomatoes are ripe when they are a deep red color, slightly soft to the touch, and easily detach from the vine. Gently twist or clip the fruit from the plant to avoid damaging the stem.

Harvest regularly to encourage continued production. Even though Better Boy Tomato is disease-resistant, keeping ripe fruit picked reduces the chance of problems. As the first frost approaches in early October, harvest any remaining green tomatoes and bring them indoors to ripen in a warm, dark place.

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

• 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 rainfall and tendency for dry spells make this a common issue.
• How to fix/prevent it: Water consistently, especially during dry periods. Mulch heavily to maintain even soil moisture. Avoid over-fertilizing with nitrogen.
• 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: Rapid changes in soil moisture, like a heavy rain after a dry spell. The fruit grows faster than the skin can expand.
• How to fix/prevent it: Water consistently to avoid the dry/wet cycle. Mulch to maintain even moisture. Harvest tomatoes promptly when ripe.
• Hornworms
• What it looks like: Large sections of leaves stripped overnight. You might find large green caterpillars with white stripes and dark droppings.
• What causes it: These are the larvae of hawk moths. They can defoliate plants quickly if left unchecked.
• How to fix/prevent it: Handpick them (they're easy to spot). Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) spray is effective and organic. Look for parasitic wasp eggs (white cocoons) on the hornworms and leave them be – they're beneficial.
• Early Blight
• What it looks like: Brown spots with concentric rings (target pattern) on lower leaves, spreading upward. Leaves yellow and drop.
• What causes it: A fungal disease that thrives in 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 through spacing and pruning. Copper fungicide slows spread.

Great Plains Specific Challenges: Our combination of hot heat, low-to-moderate humidity, and variable rainfall can stress tomato plants. Consistent watering is crucial to prevent blossom end rot and cracking. The wind can also be a factor, so provide adequate support and wind protection. The disease resistance of Better Boy Tomato helps it withstand these challenges, but vigilance is still key.

Companion planting can give your Better Boy Tomato a boost in the Great Plains.

• Good companions:
• Basil: Repels tomato hornworms and other pests.
• Carrots: Improve soil structure and attract beneficial insects.
• Parsley: Attracts beneficial insects that prey on tomato pests.
• French Marigolds: Repel nematodes and other soil pests.
• Bad companions:
• Brassicas (cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower): Can stunt tomato growth.
• Fennel: Inhibits the growth of many plants, including tomatoes.
• Corn: Can block sunlight and compete for nutrients, especially in our shorter growing season.