Better Boy Tomato in Zone 6B — Midwest

Better Boy Tomato is a classic for a reason, and it's a fantastic choice for Midwest gardens. The reliably delicious, juicy tomatoes are perfect for slicing, sandwiches, or canning, and you'll get such satisfaction from harvesting your own homegrown fruit. Plus, the plant's disease resistance is a real boon in our sometimes humid summers.

We Midwest gardeners know our weather can be a bit unpredictable, with those late frosts in spring and the occasional summer heat spells. But with a little planning and attention to timing, you can absolutely grow beautiful Better Boy Tomatoes. Our fertile soil and adequate rainfall give us a great head start for making the most of our 183-day growing season.

Starting Better Boy Tomato seeds indoors is the way to go in the Midwest. You'll want to start your seeds mid-March through early April, about six weeks before you plan to transplant them outside. This gives them a good head start before our moderate-to-late spring finally kicks in.

Use seed trays with a good seed-starting mix, and make sure they're in a warm spot, ideally with a heat mat underneath. Provide plenty of light, either from a sunny window or a grow light. Don't forget to water from the bottom by placing the tray in a shallow dish of water so the seedlings don't damp off.

Transplanting your Better Boy Tomato seedlings outdoors should happen late April through late May, after the danger of frost has passed. Before you plant them in the ground, you'll need to harden them off. This means gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions for about a week before planting, starting with just a couple of hours a day.

Plant your seedlings 24-36 inches apart in well-drained soil. Keep an eye on the weather forecast; we often get unexpected cold snaps even late in spring, so be prepared to cover your plants if necessary.

Better Boy Tomatoes need consistent watering to produce those big, juicy fruits we all crave. In the Midwest, with our wet summers and moderate-to-humid conditions, it's important to find the right balance. While we get decent rainfall, those summer heat spells can dry things out quickly.

A good rule of thumb is to check the soil moisture about two 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 rainfall. When you water, do it at the base of the plant to avoid getting the leaves wet, which can encourage fungal diseases in our humid climate.

Keep an eye out for signs of underwatering (wilting leaves) or overwatering (yellowing leaves). A layer of mulch around the base of the plants helps retain moisture and regulate soil temperature, and it's especially useful with our clay soil.

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 those heavy tomatoes.

Cages or stakes both work well, but I prefer cages because they provide more support as the plant gets larger. Install your chosen support at planting time to avoid damaging the roots later. As the plant grows, gently guide the vines into the cage or tie them to the stake.

Pruning your Better Boy Tomato plants helps improve airflow and fruit size. The standard advice is to remove the suckers that grow in the "V" between the main stem and the branches.

Do this throughout the growing season, especially early on, to encourage the plant to put its energy into fruit production. You can also remove the lower leaves as they start to yellow or show signs of disease. As we approach the first frost around mid- October, you can top the plant to encourage the remaining green tomatoes to ripen.

You can expect your first harvest of Better Boy Tomatoes early July through late August, depending on when you transplanted. These tomatoes typically take about 72 days to mature.

A ripe Better Boy Tomato will be a deep red color and have a slight give when you gently squeeze it. To harvest, simply twist the tomato until it separates from the vine. Regular harvesting encourages the plant to keep producing. As the season winds down and frost threatens, you can harvest any remaining green tomatoes and ripen them indoors in a paper bag.

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

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. Our variable spring weather can make consistent watering a challenge.
• How to fix/prevent it: Water regularly, especially during dry spells. Mulch around the plants to maintain even soil moisture.

Cracking

• What it looks like: Splits in the tomato skin, either around the stem or radiating from it.
• What causes it: Rapid changes in soil moisture, such as heavy rain after a dry period. This is common with our wet summers.
• How to fix/prevent it: Water consistently. Mulch to help maintain even soil moisture. Harvest ripe tomatoes promptly.

Hornworms

• What it looks like: Large, green caterpillars that can quickly defoliate your tomato plants.
• What causes it: These are the larvae of hawk moths and can appear seemingly overnight.
• How to fix/prevent it: Handpick them off the plants. Bt spray is an effective organic solution.

Early Blight

• What it looks like: Brown spots with concentric rings on the lower leaves, which then yellow and drop off.
• What causes it: A fungal disease that thrives in warm, humid conditions. Our moderate-to-humid summers make this a common problem.
• How to fix/prevent it: Remove and destroy affected leaves. Mulch to prevent soil splash. Water at the base of the plants. Improve air circulation by spacing and pruning.

Midwest Specific Challenges: Our moderate-to-hot heat combined with moderate-to-humid humidity and wet-summer rainfall creates ideal conditions for fungal diseases like early blight. Consistent watering is key to preventing blossom end rot and cracking, but it can be challenging to balance during our unpredictable weather patterns.

Companion planting can really help your Better Boy Tomatoes thrive. Basil is a classic companion because it repels tomato hornworms and other pests. Carrots improve the soil around tomatoes and are said to enhance their flavor. 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 their growth. Fennel inhibits the growth of many plants, including tomatoes. Corn can block sunlight and compete for nutrients, which isn't ideal in our already somewhat short growing season.