Better Boy Tomato in Zone 6A — Pacific Northwest

Better Boy Tomato is a classic for a reason, and it earns its place in PNW gardens. The reliably flavorful, juicy fruits are perfect for slicing, sauces, and everything in between. Plus, our cool nights actually intensify the sweetness, making for truly delicious tomatoes.

Growing tomatoes in the Pacific Northwest does come with a few unique challenges, like our cool springs and the risk of late blight. But with careful timing and a few simple strategies, you can absolutely enjoy a bountiful harvest of Better Boys within our 148-day growing season.

To get a jump start on the season, begin your Better Boy Tomato seeds indoors in early to late April. This gives them plenty of time to develop before our weather warms up. You'll want to use seed trays or small pots filled with a good seed-starting mix.

Keep the trays in a warm location, ideally around 70-75°F, and provide plenty of light. A heat mat can help with germination, and grow lights are almost essential during our often overcast spring days. Don't forget to water gently from the bottom to avoid damping off. This encourages strong root growth.

Transplant your Better Boy Tomato seedlings outdoors in late May through late June, once the risk 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 sunlight, wind, and temperature changes.

Choose a sunny spot with well-drained soil, and space the plants 24-36 inches apart. Even in late May, our soil can still be cool, so consider using black plastic mulch to warm it up and give your tomatoes a boost.

Better Boy Tomatoes need consistent watering to produce large, crack-free fruit, especially during our dry summer months. While this variety is disease-resistant, inconsistent watering can still lead to problems. During our mild summers, you likely won't need to water *every* day.

A good rule of thumb is to check the soil moisture about 2 inches deep – the "finger test." If it feels dry, it's time to water. Aim for about 1-2 inches of water per week, depending on the weather. Water deeply at the base of the plant to encourage strong root growth and avoid wetting the foliage, which can increase the risk of disease.

During our dry summer, overhead watering isn't as big of a concern as it would be in more humid climates, but watering at the base is still preferable. Signs of underwatering include wilting leaves and slow growth. Overwatering can lead to yellowing leaves and root rot. A layer of mulch, like straw or compost, will help retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.

Better Boy Tomatoes are indeterminate, meaning they'll keep growing and producing fruit all season long. This also means they need strong support to handle the weight of all those tomatoes. Cages or stakes work well, but cages are often easier since they require less tying.

Install your chosen support at planting time to avoid disturbing the roots later on. As the plants grow, gently weave the stems through the cage or tie them to the stake with soft twine.

Pruning Better Boy Tomatoes can improve air circulation and fruit size. Focus on removing suckers, which are the small shoots that grow in the "V" between the main stem and branches. Removing these suckers directs the plant's energy into fruit production.

Prune suckers early in the morning on a dry day. You can start pruning once the plant is about 18 inches tall, and continue throughout the season. As we approach the first frost in early October, you can also top the plant to encourage the remaining green tomatoes to ripen.

You can expect your first Better Boy Tomato harvest from early August through late September. The tomatoes are ready to pick when they're a deep red color and have a slight give when gently squeezed. Avoid pulling the fruit, which can damage the plant. Instead, use pruning shears or snips to cut the stem just above the tomato.

To encourage continued production, harvest ripe tomatoes regularly. As the first frost approaches in early October, harvest any remaining green tomatoes. These can be ripened indoors by placing them in a paper bag with an apple or banana.

Here are some common problems you might encounter with Better Boy Tomatoes in the Pacific Northwest:

Blossom End Rot

• What it looks like: A dark, sunken spot on the bottom of the tomato.
• What causes it: Inconsistent watering leading to calcium deficiency. Common during our dry summers if watering isn't consistent.
• How to fix/prevent it: Water deeply and consistently, especially during dry spells. Mulch around the plants to retain moisture. Remove affected fruit.

Cracking

• What it looks like: Splits in the tomato skin, either around the stem or radiating outwards.
• What causes it: Rapid changes in soil moisture, often after heavy rain following a dry period.
• How to fix/prevent it: Water consistently to avoid fluctuations in soil moisture. Mulch well. Harvest ripe tomatoes promptly.

Hornworms

• What it looks like: Missing chunks of leaves, and large green caterpillars with white stripes.
• What causes it: These caterpillars are voracious eaters and can defoliate plants quickly.
• How to fix/prevent it: Handpick the hornworms and drop them in soapy water. Bt spray is an organic option.

Early Blight

• What it looks like: Brown spots with concentric rings on the lower leaves.
• What causes it: A fungal disease that thrives in warm, humid conditions. Spreads via soil splash.
• How to fix/prevent it: Remove affected leaves. Mulch to prevent soil splash. Water at the base of the plant. Copper fungicide can help slow the spread.

Pacific Northwest Specific Challenges: Late blight is a concern in the PNW, though Better Boy’s disease resistance helps. Cool spring soils can slow early growth, so consider warming the soil with plastic mulch. Our mild summer heat is generally favorable, but consistent watering is key during the dry months.

Companion planting can help your Better Boy Tomatoes thrive in the Pacific Northwest.

Good companions include:

• Basil: Improves tomato flavor and repels pests.
• Carrots: Loosen the soil and don't compete for nutrients.
• Parsley: Attracts beneficial insects.
• French Marigolds: Repel nematodes and other soil pests.

Avoid planting tomatoes near:

• Brassicas (cabbage, broccoli, kale): Can stunt tomato growth.
• Fennel: Inhibits the growth of many plants.
• Corn: Attracts tomato pests like the corn earworm.