Better Boy Tomato in Zone 5B — Midwest

Better Boy Tomato is a classic choice for Midwest gardens, and for good reason. Its delicious, well-balanced flavor makes it perfect for slicing, sandwiches, and sauces. Plus, its disease resistance means you're more likely to get a bountiful harvest even with our sometimes unpredictable Midwest weather.

While our region can throw some curveballs – like a late frost or summer heat spells – the Better Boy's relatively short time to maturity (72 days) fits nicely within our 168-day growing season. With a little planning, you'll be enjoying homegrown tomatoes in no time.

To get a jump start on the season, start your Better Boy Tomato seeds indoors from late March through mid April. That's about six weeks before you plan to transplant them outside. Use seed trays or small pots filled with a good seed-starting mix.

Keep the soil consistently moist, but not soggy. Bottom watering is a great way to prevent damping-off. Provide plenty of warmth and light – a heat mat and grow light work wonders. Remember, spring in the Midwest can be moderate-to-late, so starting indoors gives your tomatoes a head start.

Once the danger of frost has passed (usually early May through early June here), it's time to transplant your Better Boy Tomato seedlings outdoors. 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.

Plant them 24-36 inches apart in fertile soil that drains well. Keep an eye on the weather forecast around transplant time; we can still get some chilly nights in early May.

Better Boy Tomatoes need consistent watering, especially during our moderate-to-hot Midwest summers. Aim for 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.

Water deeply at the base of the plant to encourage strong root growth and avoid wetting the foliage, which can lead to disease in our moderate-to-humid climate. During dry spells, you may need to water more frequently.

Underwatering can lead to blossom end rot and cracking, while overwatering can cause root rot. Mulching around your tomato plants helps retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.

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

Install your chosen support at planting time to avoid disturbing the roots later. As the plant grows, gently weave the vines through the cage or tie them to the stake. This will keep the fruit off the ground and prevent breakage.

Pruning your Better Boy Tomato plants can improve air circulation and fruit size. Focus on removing the suckers – those small shoots that grow in the "V" between the main stem and branches.

Prune suckers early in the morning on a dry day. As we approach our first frost around early October, you can top the plant to encourage the remaining green tomatoes to ripen.

You can expect your first harvest of Better Boy Tomatoes from mid July through early September. The tomatoes are ripe when they're a deep red color and have a slight give when gently squeezed.

Gently twist or cut the tomatoes from the vine, being careful not to damage the plant. Regular harvesting encourages continued production. As the weather cools in late September, keep an eye on the forecast.

If frost threatens, harvest any remaining green tomatoes and bring them indoors to ripen. They'll ripen best in a single layer, out of direct sunlight.

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 fruit.
• What causes it: Calcium deficiency due to inconsistent watering. Common during those early summer dry spells we sometimes get.
• How to fix/prevent it: Water consistently, especially during dry periods. Mulch heavily. Avoid over-fertilizing with nitrogen.

Cracking

• What it looks like: Splits in the tomato skin, either concentric circles around the stem or radial lines.
• What causes it: Heavy rain after a dry spell, a common occurrence in our wet-summer climate.
• 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. Big green caterpillars with white stripes.
• What causes it: These voracious pests can defoliate a plant 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.

Early Blight

• What it looks like: Brown spots with concentric rings on lower leaves, spreading upward.
• What causes it: A fungal disease that thrives in our warm, humid summers. Spreads via soil splash.
• How to fix/prevent it: Remove affected leaves. Mulch to prevent soil splash. Water at the base. Improve air circulation.

Midwest Specific Challenges: Our moderate-to-hot heat, moderate-to-humid humidity, and wet-summer rainfall create ideal conditions for fungal diseases like early blight. Consistent watering is key to preventing blossom end rot and cracking. Keep a close eye out for pests like hornworms, especially during those hot summer spells.

Companion planting can help your Better Boy Tomatoes thrive. Basil is a classic companion because it repels pests and is said to improve tomato flavor. Carrots and parsley also deter pests. French marigolds are great for keeping nematodes away from the roots.

Avoid planting tomatoes near brassicas (like cabbage and broccoli) 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 some of the same pests.