Better Boy Tomato in Zone 7A — Mid-Atlantic

Better Boy Tomato is a fantastic choice for Mid-Atlantic gardeners looking for that classic, juicy tomato flavor. Its versatility shines in everything from sandwiches and salads to sauces and canning, and the satisfaction of harvesting plump, red tomatoes from your own garden is hard to beat. Plus, this disease-resistant hybrid holds up well in our humid summers, giving you a reliable harvest.

We do face some challenges in the Mid-Atlantic, like humidity and variable spring weather. But with a little planning and attention to timing, you can absolutely succeed. Our 208-day growing season gives us plenty of time to bring those Better Boys to a beautiful, delicious maturity.

Starting your Better Boy Tomato seeds indoors in early to late March gives them a head start on our growing season. Sow your seeds in seed trays or small pots filled with seed-starting mix. Keep them in a warm location (around 70-75°F) and provide plenty of light, either from a sunny window or a grow light.

Water from the bottom by placing the tray in a shallow dish of water until the soil surface is moist. This encourages strong root growth and prevents damping-off disease. Remember, our spring weather can be moderate, so be prepared to provide consistent warmth and light indoors until it's safe to transplant.

Transplant your Better Boy Tomato seedlings outdoors from mid April through mid May, 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 an hour or two of shade and increase the time each day.

Plant them 24-36 inches apart in a sunny spot with well-drained soil. Keep an eye on the weather forecast during this time; those late-season cold snaps can still sneak in and damage tender tomato plants.

Better Boy Tomatoes are thirsty plants, and consistent watering is key to preventing problems like blossom end rot and cracking, especially with our humid summers. Aim for about 1-2 inches of water per week, depending on rainfall. Stick your finger about 2 inches into the soil; if it feels dry, it's time to water.

In the Mid-Atlantic, it's often best to water at the base of the plant to avoid wetting the foliage, which can encourage fungal diseases in our humid climate. Water deeply and less frequently, rather than shallow, daily watering.

Signs of underwatering include wilting leaves and slow growth. Overwatering can lead to yellowing leaves and root rot. A good layer of mulch around your tomato plants will help retain moisture and keep the soil evenly moist.

Better Boy Tomatoes are indeterminate, meaning they'll keep growing and producing fruit all season long. These vigorous vines get heavy with fruit, so sturdy support is essential. Cages or stakes both work well.

Install your chosen support at planting time to avoid disturbing the roots later. For staking, tie the main stem to the stake every foot or so with soft twine. Cages are easier to manage for some gardeners.

Pruning your Better Boy Tomatoes helps improve airflow and fruit size. The standard practice is to remove the "suckers" that grow in the crotch between the main stem and branches. Pinch them off when they're small.

Focus on removing suckers from the bottom of the plant to improve air circulation and reduce the risk of disease. As we approach late October and the threat of our first frost, you can pinch off the top of the plant to encourage the remaining tomatoes to ripen.

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

Gently twist or cut the tomato from the vine, being careful not to damage the plant. Regular harvesting encourages continued production. As the first frost approaches in late October, 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 to watch out for with Better Boy Tomatoes in the Mid-Atlantic:

• Blossom End Rot
• What it looks like: A dark, sunken spot on the bottom of the tomato.
• What causes it: Inconsistent watering leads to calcium deficiency. Our variable spring and summer weather can cause fluctuations in soil moisture.
• How to fix/prevent it: Water consistently, especially during dry spells. Mulch heavily. Avoid over-fertilizing with nitrogen.
• Cracking
• What it looks like: Splits in the tomato skin, either around the stem or radiating outwards.
• What causes it: Sudden influx of water after a dry period. Our even rainfall can sometimes turn into deluges.
• How to fix/prevent it: Maintain consistent soil moisture through regular watering and mulching. Harvest ripe tomatoes promptly.
• Hornworms
• What it looks like: Stripped leaves, large green caterpillars, and dark droppings.
• What causes it: Hawk moth larvae that feed voraciously on tomato plants.
• How to fix/prevent it: Handpick hornworms (they're easy to spot once you know what to look for). Use Bt spray.
• Early Blight
• What it looks like: Brown spots with concentric rings on lower leaves.
• What causes it: Fungal disease that thrives in warm, humid conditions. Our humid summers are perfect for it.
• How to fix/prevent it: Remove affected leaves. Mulch to prevent soil splash. Water at the base of the plant. Improve air circulation.

Mid-Atlantic Specific Challenges: Our moderate-to-hot, humid summers and even rainfall can create ideal conditions for fungal diseases and blossom end rot. Consistent watering, good air circulation, and careful monitoring are key to success with Better Boy Tomatoes here.

Good companions for Better Boy Tomatoes in the Mid-Atlantic include:

• Basil: Repels tomato hornworms and whiteflies. Plus, nothing beats fresh basil and tomatoes together!
• Carrots: Improve soil aeration and don't compete for the same nutrients.
• Parsley: Attracts beneficial insects that prey on tomato pests.
• French Marigolds: Repel nematodes and other soil pests.

Avoid planting these near your tomatoes:

• Brassicas (cabbage, broccoli, etc.): Can stunt tomato growth.
• Fennel: Inhibits the growth of many plants, including tomatoes.
• Corn: Attracts tomato hornworms.