Better Boy Tomato in Zone 6B — Texas

Better Boy Tomato is a classic choice for Texas gardens, and for good reason. Its fantastic flavor, meaty texture, and versatility in the kitchen make it a winner. Plus, the satisfaction of harvesting those big, red tomatoes after nurturing them through the Texas heat? It's hard to beat, and you can even get two tomato seasons in some years.

Our unpredictable weather can throw curveballs, but with smart timing and a little extra care, you can absolutely succeed with Better Boy. We've got a long growing season, about 230 days, so there's plenty of time to get a great harvest.

Starting your Better Boy Tomato seeds indoors from mid February through mid March gives them a head start before the Texas heat really kicks in. That's about 6 weeks before you want to transplant them outside. Use seed trays or small pots filled with a good seed-starting mix. Keep them warm (around 70-75°F) and provide plenty of light—a grow light works great.

Don't forget to water from the bottom! Place the tray in a shallow pan of water and let the soil soak it up. This encourages strong root growth and prevents damping-off. With our early spring character here in Texas, starting indoors is a smart move to get ahead of the game.

Transplanting your Better Boy Tomato seedlings outdoors from early April through early May is the next step. Before you plant them in the ground, harden them off. This means gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions for about a week. Start with an hour or two of shade and increase the time each day.

Plant your seedlings 24-36 inches apart in well-drained soil and in full sun. Keep an eye on the weather forecast. We sometimes get late freezes, so be ready to cover your plants if necessary.

Better Boy Tomatoes need consistent watering, especially in the Texas heat. Aim for about 1-2 inches of water per week, but adjust based on rainfall and soil conditions. Stick your finger about 2 inches deep into the soil. If it feels dry, it's time to water.

During the hottest part of the summer, you might need to water more frequently. Water at the base of the plant to avoid wetting the leaves, which can lead to fungal diseases, especially with our variable humidity. Signs of underwatering include wilting leaves and dry soil. Overwatering can cause yellowing leaves and root rot.

A good layer of mulch around your plants helps retain moisture and regulate soil temperature. I recommend using straw or shredded bark mulch. It also helps keep those pesky fire ants away from the base of your plants.

Better Boy Tomatoes are indeterminate, which means they'll keep growing and producing fruit all season long. They need strong support to handle the weight of all those tomatoes. Cages or stakes work well. I prefer cages because they provide all-around support and require less maintenance.

Install your 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 Tomatoes helps improve air circulation and fruit size. Focus on removing the suckers that grow between the main stem and the branches. These suckers will steal energy from the plant and produce smaller fruits.

Prune regularly throughout the growing season, especially after a rain. As the first frost approaches in early November, top the plant to encourage the remaining green tomatoes to ripen.

You can expect your first harvest of Better Boy Tomatoes from mid June through early August, about 72 days after transplanting. The tomatoes are ripe when they are a deep red color and have a slight give when gently squeezed.

Harvest by gently twisting the tomato from the vine. Regular harvesting encourages the plant to produce more fruit. As the first frost nears, harvest any remaining green tomatoes and bring them indoors to ripen. They'll ripen best in a single layer, not touching, in a cool, dark place.

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

• Blossom End Rot
• What it looks like: A sunken, dark brown or black leathery patch on the bottom of the fruit.
• What causes it: Calcium deficiency caused by inconsistent watering. In our Texas weather, we often get cycles of drought and flash floods.
• How to fix/prevent it: Water consistently and mulch heavily to maintain even soil moisture. 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. Large green caterpillars with white diagonal stripes.
• What causes it: Larvae of hawk moths. They can defoliate plants quickly.
• How to fix/prevent it: Handpick them (they don't bite). Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) 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: Fungal disease that thrives in warm, humid conditions. Spreads via soil splash.
• How to fix/prevent it: Remove and destroy affected leaves. Mulch to prevent soil splash. Water at the base. Improve air circulation. Copper fungicide slows spread. Rotate crops yearly.

Texas Specific Challenges: The hot-to-extreme heat can stress tomato plants, making them more susceptible to problems. Variable humidity and unpredictable rainfall can exacerbate issues like blossom end rot and cracking. Consistent watering and careful monitoring are key to success.

Companion planting can help your Better Boy Tomatoes thrive. Basil is a great companion because it repels tomato hornworms and other pests. Carrots improve soil aeration, and parsley attracts beneficial insects. 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, and corn can attract tomato pests.