Better Boy Tomato in Zone 7A — Midwest

Better Boy Tomato is a Midwest garden staple for a reason. Its classic tomato flavor is perfect for slicing, sandwiches, and sauces, and the yields are impressive. Plus, with our fertile soil and plenty of summer heat, you'll be enjoying homegrown tomatoes all summer long.

Our Midwest weather can be unpredictable, with temperature swings in spring and occasional summer heat spells. But with a little planning and attention to timing, you can easily grow Better Boy Tomatoes in our region's 193-day growing season.

Starting your Better Boy Tomato seeds indoors in early to late March gives them a head start on our moderate-to-late spring. 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, either with a grow light or a sunny window.

Bottom watering is a great way to keep the soil moist without overwatering. Simply place the tray in a shallow container of water and let the soil absorb the moisture from the bottom. This encourages strong root growth.

Remember, our springs here in the Midwest can be variable. So, keep an eye on the weather forecast and be prepared to protect your seedlings if a late frost is predicted.

Transplant your Better Boy Tomato seedlings outdoors in late April through late May, once the danger of frost has passed. Before transplanting, harden them off by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions for about a week. This helps them adjust to the sun, wind, and cooler temperatures.

Plant your seedlings 24-36 inches apart in well-drained soil. Here in the Midwest, we sometimes get late frosts, even after the average last frost date. So, keep an eye on the forecast and be ready to cover your plants if necessary.

Better Boy Tomatoes need consistent watering, especially during our summer heat spells. Aim for about 1-2 inches of water per week, depending on rainfall. The finger test is a good way to check soil moisture: stick your finger into the soil about 2 inches deep. If it feels dry, it's time to water.

Water at the base of the plant to avoid wetting the leaves, which can increase the risk of fungal diseases in our moderate-to-humid climate. Overhead watering is okay if done early in the morning so the leaves have time to dry out before nightfall.

Underwatering can cause blossom end rot, while overwatering can lead to root rot. Signs of underwatering include wilting leaves and dry soil. Overwatering can cause yellowing leaves and soggy soil. Mulching around your plants helps retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.

Better Boy Tomatoes are indeterminate, meaning they'll keep growing and producing fruit all season long. These vigorous vines need strong support to prevent them from sprawling on the ground and to keep the heavy fruit off the soil. Cages or stakes both work well.

Install your chosen support at planting time to avoid disturbing the roots later. For cages, choose sturdy ones that are tall enough to accommodate the plant's mature size. For stakes, tie the main stem to the stake every foot or so as the plant grows.

Pruning your Better Boy Tomato plants helps improve air circulation and fruit production. Focus on removing suckers, which are the small shoots that grow in the crotch between the main stem and the branches. Removing these suckers directs the plant's energy into fruit production.

Also, remove any yellowing or diseased lower leaves. Prune suckers and lower leaves throughout the growing season. As the first frost approaches in mid- October, you can top the plant to encourage the remaining green tomatoes to ripen.

Your first Better Boy Tomatoes should be ready to harvest in early July through late August, about 72 days after transplanting. Look for large, red fruit that is slightly soft to the touch. Gently twist the fruit off the vine, being careful not to damage the plant.

Harvest regularly to encourage continued production. As the first frost approaches in mid- October, harvest any remaining green tomatoes. These can be ripened indoors by placing them in a paper bag with an apple or banana.

Here are some common problems to watch out for with Better Boy Tomatoes in the Midwest:

Blossom End Rot

• What it looks like: A sunken, dark brown or black leathery patch on the bottom of the tomato.
• What causes it: Inconsistent watering leads to calcium deficiency. Especially common after summer heat spells followed by heavy rain.
• How to fix/prevent it: Water consistently and mulch heavily. 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 and mulch to maintain even moisture. Harvest ripe tomatoes promptly.

Hornworms

• What it looks like: Large sections of leaves stripped overnight. You might find large green caterpillars with white stripes and dark droppings on the leaves.
• What causes it: Hawk moth larvae that feed voraciously on tomato plants.
• How to fix/prevent it: Handpick the hornworms. Bt spray is effective and organic.

Early Blight

• What it looks like: Brown spots with concentric rings on the lower leaves, spreading upward. Leaves yellow and drop.
• What causes it: Fungal disease that thrives in warm, humid conditions. Common in our wet-summer climate.
• How to fix/prevent it: Remove and destroy affected leaves. Mulch to prevent soil splash. Water at the base. Copper fungicide can help.

Midwest Specific Challenges: Our moderate-to-hot summers and moderate-to-humid conditions can create an ideal environment for fungal diseases like early blight. Consistent watering is key to preventing blossom end rot and cracking, especially with our variable rainfall. Also, keep an eye out for hornworms, which can quickly defoliate plants during our warm summer months.

Good companions for Better Boy Tomatoes include basil, which is said to improve tomato flavor and repel pests. Carrots loosen the soil and deter nematodes. Parsley attracts beneficial insects and marigolds (especially French marigolds) repel nematodes and other pests.

Avoid planting tomatoes near brassicas (like cabbage and broccoli), which can stunt their growth. Fennel inhibits the growth of many plants, and corn can attract tomato pests like the corn earworm (which is the same as the tomato fruitworm).