Better Boy Tomato in Zone 6B — Pacific Northwest

Better Boy Tomato is a classic for a reason, and it's a rewarding choice for Pacific Northwest gardeners. Its reliable yields of flavorful, all-purpose tomatoes are fantastic in salads, sauces, or simply sliced with a little salt. The robust disease resistance of this hybrid makes it a dependable producer, even with our occasionally overcast spring days and mild summer heat.

While we may not have the scorching temperatures some regions do, our cool nights and wet springs can present unique challenges for tomatoes. But with a 162-day growing season, careful timing, and a few tricks, you can absolutely enjoy a bountiful harvest of Better Boys here in the PNW.

Starting Better Boy Tomato seeds indoors in late March through mid April gives them a head start before our soil warms up. You have about a 3-week window here, so don't sweat the exact timing. Use seed trays or small pots filled with a good seed-starting mix.

Keep the trays consistently moist by bottom watering – set the tray in a shallow dish of water and let the soil soak it up. This prevents damping off. Provide warmth (around 70-75°F) using a heat mat and ensure they get plenty of light with grow lights, especially with our often slow-starting springs.

Transplant your Better Boy Tomato seedlings outdoors from mid May through mid June, once the danger of frost has passed. Before planting, harden off your seedlings by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions for about a week. Start with a few hours of shade and increase the time and sun exposure each day.

Plant them 24-36 inches apart in a sunny spot with well-drained soil. Keep an eye on the weather – our springs can still bring cool spells, so be ready to cover them if a late frost is predicted.

Better Boy Tomatoes need consistent watering, especially during our dry summer months. Aim to keep the soil evenly moist, but not waterlogged. Strive to avoid boom-and-bust watering cycles.

During the spring and early summer, when rainfall is more frequent, check the soil moisture regularly using the "finger test" – stick your finger about 2 inches deep into the soil. If it feels dry, it's time to water. During our drier summer months, you might need to water deeply a couple of times a week, providing about 1-2 inches of water each time. Water at the base of the plant to avoid wetting the foliage, which can encourage fungal diseases.

Underwatering can lead to blossom end rot and smaller fruits, while overwatering can cause root rot. Wilting leaves can be a sign of either, so check the soil moisture before adding more water. A good layer of mulch, such as straw or compost, will help retain moisture and keep the soil temperature even.

Better Boy Tomatoes are indeterminate, meaning they'll keep growing and producing fruit all season long. They get BIG. These vigorous vines need sturdy support to keep the heavy fruit off the ground.

Cages or stakes work well. Install your chosen support at planting time to avoid damaging the roots later. As the plant grows, gently weave the stems through the cage or tie them to the stake with soft twine.

Pruning your Better Boy Tomato 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.

Pinch off these suckers when they are small. You can also prune away the lower leaves that touch the ground to prevent soil splash and disease. As the end of the season approaches (early October), you can top the plant to encourage the remaining green tomatoes to ripen before the 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 ready to pick when they are a deep red color, slightly soft to the touch, and easily pull away from the vine.

Gently twist or snip the stem just above the fruit to avoid damaging the plant. Consistent harvesting encourages continued production. As the first frost approaches, harvest any remaining green tomatoes and bring them indoors to ripen in a cool, dark place.

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

Blossom End Rot

• What it looks like: A sunken, dark brown or black leathery patch on the bottom (blossom end) of the fruit, often affecting the first fruits of the season.
• What causes it: Calcium deficiency caused by inconsistent watering. Our wet springs followed by dry summers can create this problem.
• How to fix/prevent it: Water consistently, especially during dry spells. Mulch heavily to maintain even soil moisture. Avoid over-fertilizing with nitrogen. Remove affected fruit.

Cracking

• What it looks like: Splits in the tomato skin, either concentric (circles around the stem) or radial (lines radiating from the stem).
• What causes it: Heavy watering or rain after a dry spell. The fruit absorbs water faster than the skin can expand.
• How to fix/prevent it: Water consistently to avoid the dry/wet cycle. Mulch to maintain even moisture. Harvest promptly when ripe.

Hornworms

• What it looks like: Large sections of leaves stripped overnight. You might see large (up to 4 inches) green caterpillars with white diagonal stripes and dark droppings on the leaves below.
• What causes it: Larvae of hawk moths. They can decimate a plant in days.
• How to fix/prevent it: Handpick them (they're easy to spot). Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) spray is effective and organic.

Early Blight

• What it looks like: Brown spots with concentric rings (target or bullseye pattern) on lower leaves first, spreading upward. Leaves yellow and drop.
• What causes it: Fungal disease (Alternaria solani) that thrives in warm, humid conditions. Spreads via soil splash onto lower leaves.
• How to fix/prevent it: Remove and destroy affected leaves. Mulch to prevent soil splash. Water at the base, not overhead. Improve air circulation through spacing and pruning. Copper fungicide can slow the spread.

Pacific Northwest Specific Challenges: Late blight can be a concern in our region, especially during wet summers. While Better Boy has good disease resistance, it's still a good idea to monitor your plants and take preventative measures like ensuring good air circulation and avoiding overhead watering. Slugs can also be a nuisance, especially for young plants, so use slug bait or traps as needed.

Companion planting can help your Better Boy Tomatoes thrive. Basil is a classic companion, improving tomato flavor and repelling pests. Carrots and parsley attract beneficial insects that prey on tomato pests. French marigolds are also helpful, as they deter nematodes and other soil pests.

Avoid planting tomatoes near brassicas (like cabbage and broccoli), as they can inhibit tomato growth. Fennel is also a bad companion, as it releases chemicals that can stunt the growth of many plants. Corn can block sunlight and compete for nutrients.