Better Boy Tomato in Zone 6B — Mountain West

Better Boy Tomato is a fantastic choice for Mountain West gardens. Its classic tomato flavor—that perfect balance of sweet and tangy—shines in our intense sunlight and cool nights. Plus, its versatility in the kitchen, from fresh salads to homemade sauces, makes it a rewarding crop for our short growing season.

High altitude gardening presents unique challenges, like intense UV and alkaline soil, but with careful planning and timing, you can absolutely enjoy delicious Better Boy Tomatoes. Our 163-day growing season is enough to bring this early producer to a good harvest if you get the timing right.

Starting Better Boy Tomato seeds indoors is key to getting a head start in our Mountain climate. Begin in late March through mid April, about six weeks before you plan to transplant outdoors. This gives them a fighting chance to mature before our first frosts hit in early October.

Use seed trays or small pots filled with seed-starting mix. Keep the soil consistently moist, and use bottom watering to avoid damping off. Provide warmth (around 70-75°F) and plenty of light – a grow light is ideal, especially with our late spring starts when daylight hours are still limited. Remember, our spring weather can be unpredictable so having strong seedlings ready to go when the time is right is essential.

Transplant your Better Boy Tomato seedlings outdoors in early May through early June, once the danger of frost has passed. Before planting them in the ground, harden them off by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions for about a week. This helps them adjust to the intense sun and cooler nights of our region.

Space your plants 24-36 inches apart to allow for good air circulation and plenty of room to grow. Keep an eye on the weather forecast – late frosts can still occur, so be prepared to cover your young plants if needed.

Consistent watering is essential for growing juicy, crack-free Better Boy Tomatoes in our dry Mountain climate. While this disease-resistant hybrid is more forgiving than some heirlooms, it still needs regular moisture, especially when fruit is developing.

During the peak of summer (typically July and August), aim to water deeply about 2-3 times per week, providing about 1-2 inches of water each time. Use the "finger test" – stick your finger about 2 inches into the soil; if it feels dry, it's time to water. Water at the base of the plant to avoid wetting the foliage, which can lead to disease in our low-humidity environment.

Signs of underwatering include wilting leaves and slow growth. Overwatering can cause yellowing leaves and potentially root rot. A good layer of mulch, like straw or wood chips, will help retain moisture in the soil and regulate soil temperature, which is important in our high-altitude gardens.

Better Boy Tomato is an indeterminate variety, which means it will continue to grow and produce fruit throughout the season. These vigorous vines need sturdy support to handle the weight of their abundant fruit.

Cages or stakes work well. Install your chosen support system at planting time to avoid disturbing the roots later. As the plant grows, gently weave the stems through the cage or tie them to the stake with soft twine. This will keep the fruit off the ground and improve air circulation, reducing the risk of disease.

Pruning your Better Boy Tomato helps to improve fruit size and overall plant health. Focus on removing suckers – the small shoots that grow in the "armpit" between the main stem and a branch.

Prune suckers regularly throughout the season, especially in the early stages of growth. Also, remove the lower leaves that touch the soil to improve air circulation and prevent disease. As the season winds down in late September, you can also top the plant to encourage the remaining green tomatoes to ripen before our first frost.

You can expect your first harvest of Better Boy Tomatoes in mid July through early September, about 72 days after transplanting. The fruits should be large, red, and have a slight give when gently squeezed.

To harvest, gently twist or cut the tomato from the vine, leaving a small piece of stem attached. Regular harvesting encourages continued production. As our first frost approaches in early October, harvest any remaining green tomatoes and bring them indoors to ripen. They'll continue to ripen on a sunny windowsill, though the flavor won't be quite as intense as vine-ripened fruit.

Here are some common problems you might encounter with Better Boy Tomato in our Mountain West gardens:

Blossom End Rot

• What it looks like: A sunken, dark brown or black leathery patch on the bottom of the tomato.
• What causes it: Calcium deficiency due to inconsistent watering, common with our dry conditions and alkaline soils.
• How to fix/prevent it: Water consistently, especially during fruit development. Mulch heavily to maintain even soil moisture. Avoid over-fertilizing with nitrogen.

Cracking

• What it looks like: Splits in the tomato skin, either in circles around the stem or radiating lines.
• What causes it: Rapid changes in soil moisture, often after heavy rain following a dry spell, which is common in our 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: Hornworm larvae can defoliate plants quickly.
• How to fix/prevent it: Handpick the hornworms. Use Bt spray. If you see white cocoons on a hornworm, leave it alone.

Early Blight

• What it looks like: Brown spots with concentric rings on lower leaves, spreading upward.
• What causes it: Fungal disease that thrives in warm conditions, spread by soil splash.
• How to fix/prevent it: Remove affected leaves. Mulch to prevent soil splash. Water at the base. Improve air circulation. Copper fungicide can slow the spread.

Mountain West Specific Challenges: Our moderate-at-altitude summer heat and low humidity typically reduce the risk of many fungal diseases that plague tomatoes in other regions. However, our intense UV can stress plants, making consistent watering and good soil health even more critical. The dry rainfall patterns mean you'll need to be diligent about irrigation to avoid blossom end rot and cracking.

Companion planting can help your Better Boy Tomatoes thrive in the Mountain West. Basil is a great companion because it repels tomato hornworms and other pests. Carrots improve the soil around tomato plants, and parsley attracts beneficial insects that prey on pests. French marigolds also 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 competes with tomatoes for nutrients and can also attract pests.