Better Boy Tomato in Zone 5B — Mountain West

Better Boy Tomato is a classic choice for Mountain gardeners, offering that perfect balance of juicy flavor and all-purpose versatility. In our short growing season, its relatively quick maturity and disease resistance mean you're more likely to get a reliable harvest of delicious tomatoes for slicing, sauces, or canning – a real victory at our altitude!

High altitude gardening definitely has its quirks, like intense sun and cool nights, but don't let that intimidate you. Better Boy's 72-day maturity can fit comfortably within our 149-day growing season if you start smart. With a little planning, you can enjoy homegrown tomatoes even with our unique climate.

To get a jump start on our short season, start your Better Boy Tomato seeds indoors from late March through late April. You'll want to aim for about 6 weeks before you plan to transplant them outside. Use seed starting trays with a good seed starting mix, and provide consistent warmth (around 70-75°F) and plenty of light.

A heat mat can be a big help, especially with our cool spring temperatures. Once the seedlings emerge, make sure they get 6-8 hours of direct light. If you don’t have a sunny window, use a grow light. Water gently from the bottom to avoid damping off. Just set the tray in a shallow dish of water and let the soil soak it up.

Remember, spring in the Mountain West can be unpredictable. Starting indoors gives your tomatoes a head start, so they're strong enough to handle our sometimes-challenging weather when transplant time rolls around.

Transplant your Better Boy Tomato seedlings outdoors from mid May through mid June, after the danger of frost has passed. Before you move them permanently, harden them off over about a week. This means gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions a little bit each day. Start with an hour or two in a sheltered spot, and slowly increase the time and sun exposure.

When transplanting, space your Better Boy plants 24-36 inches apart. This gives them plenty of room to grow and helps with air circulation, which is important for disease prevention. Be sure to keep an eye on the weather forecast, even in late May. A late frost can still happen, so be prepared to cover your plants if needed.

Better Boy Tomatoes need consistent watering, especially here in the Mountain West where our rainfall is scarce and the humidity is low. Aim to provide about 1-2 inches of water per week, depending on the weather. During hotter stretches, you might need to water more frequently.

Stick your finger about 2 inches deep into the soil near the base of the plant. If it feels dry, it's time to water. It's best to water at the base of the plant, rather than overhead, to minimize the risk of fungal diseases. Our dry air helps, but it's still a good practice.

Signs of underwatering include wilting leaves and slow growth. Overwatering can lead to yellowing leaves and root rot. A layer of mulch around your tomato plants can help retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and suppress weeds. Straw or bark mulch works well in our climate.

Better Boy Tomatoes are indeterminate, which means they'll keep growing and producing fruit all season long. These vigorous vines need strong support to handle the weight of all those tomatoes. Cages or sturdy stakes are both good options.

Install your support system at planting time to avoid disturbing the roots later. If you're using stakes, drive them into the ground a few inches away from the plant. As the tomato grows, gently tie the main stem to the stake with soft twine or plant ties. Cages should be tall enough to accommodate the plant's full growth potential – at least 4-5 feet.

Pruning your Better Boy Tomato plants can improve air circulation and encourage larger fruit. The standard approach is to remove the suckers that grow in the "armpit" between the main stem and the branches. These suckers will eventually become stems themselves, but they can overcrowd the plant and divert energy from fruit production.

Prune suckers early in the morning on a dry day. This helps the cuts heal quickly and reduces the risk of disease. Focus on removing suckers below the first flower cluster. As the end of the season approaches in late September, you can pinch off the top of the plant to encourage the remaining tomatoes to ripen before our first frost.

You can expect your first Better Boy Tomato harvest from late July through mid September, about 72 days after transplanting. The tomatoes are ripe when they're a deep red color and slightly soft to the touch. They should also come off the vine easily with a gentle twist.

Harvest your tomatoes regularly to encourage the plant to keep producing. Avoid pulling the tomatoes off the vine, as this can damage the plant. Use pruning shears or scissors to cut the stem just above the fruit.

As our first frost approaches in early October, harvest any remaining green tomatoes. They can be ripened indoors by placing them in a paper bag with an apple or banana. These fruits emit ethylene gas, which speeds up the ripening process.

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

• Blossom End Rot
• What it looks like: A dark, sunken spot on the bottom of the tomato.
• What causes it: Inconsistent watering leads to calcium deficiency. Common with our dry climate and intense sun.
• How to fix/prevent it: Water deeply and consistently. Mulch around your plants. Remove affected fruit.
• Cracking
• What it looks like: Splits in the tomato skin, usually around the stem.
• What causes it: Rapid changes in soil moisture, like a heavy rain after a dry spell.
• How to fix/prevent it: Water consistently. Mulch to maintain even moisture. Harvest ripe tomatoes promptly.
• Hornworms
• What it looks like: Missing leaves, large green caterpillars on the plant.
• What causes it: These pests love tomato plants and can defoliate them quickly.
• How to fix/prevent it: Handpick them off the plant. Use Bt spray.
• Early Blight
• What it looks like: Brown spots with concentric rings on the lower leaves.
• What causes it: Fungal disease that thrives in warm conditions. Spreads by soil splash.
• How to fix/prevent it: Remove affected leaves. Mulch to prevent soil splash. Water at the base of the plant.

Mountain West Specific Challenges: Our intense UV light can sometimes exacerbate cracking and blossom end rot. Consistent watering and providing some afternoon shade during the hottest part of the day can help. Also, watch out for hail damage, especially early in the season.

Companion planting can help your Better Boy Tomatoes thrive. Basil is a great companion because it repels tomato hornworms and other pests. Carrots improve the soil around tomatoes and deter nematodes. 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 shade tomatoes too much, especially in our short season where we need all the sun we can get.