Better Boy Tomato in Zone 6B — Mid-Atlantic

Better Boy Tomato is a classic for a reason, and it does well in our Mid-Atlantic gardens. The taste is just right – not too acidic, not too sweet – perfect for slicing, sauces, or canning. Plus, you'll get a real sense of satisfaction from harvesting those big, juicy tomatoes after nurturing them through our humid summers.

We definitely have our challenges here in Zone 6B, Mid-Atlantic, from variable spring weather to hungry deer. But with careful timing and a little know-how, you can absolutely enjoy a bumper crop of Better Boys. Our long, 198-day growing season gives us plenty of time to get it right.

Start your Better Boy Tomato seeds indoors from early to late March, about six weeks before you plan to transplant them outside. This gives them a head start before our last frost. You'll need seed trays, a good seed-starting mix, and a warm spot (around 70-75°F).

A heat mat can really help with germination. Once the seedlings emerge, make sure they get plenty of light – a grow light is ideal. Don't forget to water them! I like to water from the bottom by placing the tray in a shallow dish of water, letting the soil soak it up. This encourages strong root growth and prevents damping off, which can be a problem in our moderate Mid-Atlantic springs.

Transplant your Better Boy Tomato seedlings outdoors from late April through late May. Be sure to harden them off first! This means gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions for about a week. Start with an hour or two of shade, then slowly increase the time and sun exposure each day.

When transplanting, space your plants 24-36 inches apart. This gives them room to grow and helps with air circulation, which is important in our humid climate. Watch the weather forecast carefully, as we can get some unexpected chilly nights even in late spring.

Better Boy Tomatoes are thirsty plants, and consistent watering is key, especially during our moderate-to-hot, humid summers. Aim for about 1-2 inches of water per week, depending on rainfall. Use the "finger test" to check the soil moisture – stick your finger about 2 inches deep, and if it feels dry, it's time to water.

Water deeply at the base of the plant, avoiding overhead watering as much as possible. Wet foliage in our humid climate can lead to fungal diseases. Signs of underwatering include wilting leaves and dry soil. Overwatering can cause yellowing leaves and potentially blossom end rot.

Mulching around your tomato plants with straw or shredded leaves helps retain moisture, suppresses weeds, and moderates soil temperature. It's especially helpful in our region, where the soil can dry out quickly between rainfalls.

Better Boy Tomatoes are indeterminate, meaning they'll keep growing and producing all season long. These vigorous vines need sturdy support, like a tall cage or strong stakes, to keep them off the ground and prevent the heavy fruit from weighing them down. I prefer cages because they offer more all-around support as the plant grows.

Install your chosen support at planting time to avoid disturbing the roots later. As the plant grows, gently guide the stems through the cage or tie them to the stake with soft twine. This will help keep the plant upright and prevent the fruit from touching the soil.

Pruning your Better Boy Tomato can improve air circulation and fruit size. Focus on removing the suckers that grow in the "armpit" between the main stem and branches. These suckers will just create more foliage and fewer tomatoes.

I like to prune suckers early in the morning on a dry day. This allows the cuts to heal quickly and reduces the risk of disease. Toward the end of the season (late October in the Mid-Atlantic) as our first frost approaches, you can also prune the top of the plant to encourage the remaining tomatoes to ripen.

You can expect your first harvest of Better Boy Tomatoes from early July through late August. The tomatoes are ready to pick when they are a deep red color, slightly soft to the touch, and easily detach from the vine. Their strong disease resistance here in Zone 6B means you should have a reliable harvest all season long.

To harvest, gently twist the tomato until it separates from the stem. Avoid pulling, which can damage the plant. Harvest frequently to encourage continued production.

As our first frost approaches in late October, harvest any remaining green tomatoes. You can ripen them indoors by placing them in a paper bag with an apple or banana. They won't taste quite as good as vine-ripened tomatoes, but they'll still be delicious!

Here are some common problems you might encounter with Better Boy Tomatoes in the Mid-Atlantic:

• 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 leads to calcium deficiency. The variable rainfall we sometimes get in the Mid-Atlantic makes it tricky to keep the soil moisture even.
• How to fix/prevent it: Water consistently! Mulch heavily to maintain even soil moisture. Remove affected fruit.
• Cracking
• What it looks like: Splits in the tomato skin, either circles around the stem or lines radiating from the stem.
• What causes it: Heavy watering or rain after a dry spell. Our even rainfall can be unpredictable, leading to these fluctuations in soil moisture.
• 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. You'll see big green caterpillars with white stripes and dark droppings.
• What causes it: These are the larvae of hawk moths. They can defoliate a plant quickly if you don't catch them.
• How to fix/prevent it: Handpick them (they're easy to spot). Bt 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 our warm, humid conditions. It spreads from soil splash onto lower leaves.
• How to fix/prevent it: Remove and destroy affected leaves. Mulch to prevent soil splash. Water at the base. Improve air circulation. Copper fungicide can slow the spread.

Mid-Atlantic Specific Challenges: Our humid summers create a perfect environment for fungal diseases like early blight. Consistent watering is critical to avoid blossom end rot and cracking, but it can be a challenge with our variable rainfall. Keep a close eye on your plants and act quickly to address any problems that arise.

Companion planting can really help your Better Boy Tomatoes thrive in the Mid-Atlantic. Basil is a classic companion because it repels tomato hornworms and whiteflies. Plus, it enhances the flavor of your tomatoes! Carrots are also great companions as they improve soil aeration, which is especially helpful in our often-heavy clay soil. 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 your tomatoes, as they can stunt their growth. Fennel is also a bad companion because it inhibits the growth of many plants. Corn can attract tomato pests like the corn earworm, which can also damage your tomatoes.