Better Boy Tomato in Zone 7A — Northern California

Better Boy Tomatoes are a classic for a reason, and they thrive in our Northern California gardens. Their fantastic flavor, meaty texture, and all-around versatility make them perfect for everything from fresh salads to homemade sauces. Plus, their disease resistance means you'll actually get to enjoy that flavor!

Our Mediterranean climate definitely has its challenges, from drought to the occasional heat spike. But with a 235-day growing season, we've got plenty of time to get Better Boys from seedling to harvest, as long as you plan accordingly.

Starting your Better Boy Tomato seeds indoors gives them a head start on our long growing season. Aim to sow seeds indoors from mid-February through early March, roughly six weeks before you plan to transplant them outside. This timing takes advantage of our early spring warmth.

Use seed trays or small pots filled with a good seed-starting mix. Keep the soil consistently moist (bottom watering is your friend here!) and provide warmth, either with a heat mat or in a warm location in your house. Once seedlings emerge, make sure they get plenty of light – a sunny windowsill or grow lights work well.

Transplant your Better Boy Tomato seedlings outdoors in early April through early May, once the danger of frost has passed. Even though we have a long growing season, a late frost can still sneak up on you. Before planting, harden off your seedlings by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions for about a week.

Plant them 24-36 inches apart in a sunny spot with well-drained soil. Adding some compost to the planting hole will give them a good boost. Keep an eye on the weather forecast – if a late cold snap is predicted, be prepared to cover your young plants.

Better Boy Tomatoes need consistent watering, especially during our dry summers. Aim to provide about 1-2 inches of water per week, depending on the weather. Use the "finger test" – stick your finger about 2 inches into the soil; if it feels dry, it's time to water.

Water deeply at the base of the plant to encourage strong root growth. Since we have low humidity here, overhead watering isn't a huge concern for disease, but watering at the base is still more efficient. During the hottest part of the summer, you might need to water more frequently.

Signs of underwatering include wilting leaves and dry soil. Overwatering can lead to yellowing leaves and root rot. Applying a layer of mulch around your tomato plants will help retain moisture and keep the soil cool.

Better Boy Tomatoes are indeterminate, meaning they'll keep growing and producing fruit throughout the season, and they get BIG. These vigorous vines need strong support. Cages or stakes both work well, but I prefer sturdy cages for Better Boys because they can handle the weight of the abundant fruit.

Install your support system at planting time to avoid disturbing the roots later. As the plant grows, gently guide the stems into the cage or tie them to the stake.

Pruning your Better Boy Tomatoes helps improve air circulation and encourages larger, earlier fruit. Focus on removing suckers – those small shoots that grow in the "V" between the main stem and branches. Pinch them off when they're small.

Also, remove the lower leaves that touch the soil to prevent soil-borne diseases from splashing onto the plant. Towards the end of the season, around early November, you can top the plant (cut off the top growth) to encourage the remaining green tomatoes to ripen before frost.

You can usually start harvesting Better Boy Tomatoes from mid-June through early August, about 72 days after transplanting. The fruit should be a deep red color and slightly soft to the touch. Give it a gentle squeeze; it should have a little give.

Gently twist or cut the tomato from the vine, being careful not to damage the plant. Harvest regularly to encourage continued production. As the first frost approaches in early November, harvest any remaining green tomatoes.

Green tomatoes will ripen indoors if you place them in a paper bag with an apple or banana. The ethylene gas emitted by these fruits helps speed up the ripening process.

What it looks like: A dark, sunken spot on the bottom of the tomato. What causes it: Inconsistent watering leading to calcium deficiency. Our dry summers can make this a real problem. How to fix/prevent it: Water deeply and consistently, especially during dry spells. Mulch well. Remove affected fruit.

What it looks like: Splits in the tomato skin, either in circles around the stem or radiating out from it. What causes it: Rapid changes in soil moisture, like a heavy watering after a dry period. How to fix/prevent it: Maintain consistent watering. Mulch to even out moisture levels. Harvest ripe tomatoes promptly.

What it looks like: Missing leaves and large green caterpillars with white stripes. What causes it: These are hungry pests that can defoliate a plant overnight. How to fix/prevent it: Handpick them (wear gloves if you're squeamish). Bt spray is effective and organic.

What it looks like: Brown spots with concentric rings on the lower leaves. What causes it: A fungal disease that thrives in warm, humid conditions. How to fix/prevent it: Remove affected leaves. Mulch to prevent soil splash. Water at the base of the plant. Improve air circulation.

Northern California Specific Challenges: Our moderate-to-hot summers, combined with low humidity and dry-summer rainfall, mean that consistent watering and good air circulation are key to preventing problems with Better Boy Tomatoes. Be vigilant about monitoring soil moisture and addressing any issues early on.

Companion planting can really benefit your Better Boy Tomatoes here in Northern California. Basil is a great companion because it repels tomato hornworms and whiteflies, plus it improves the flavor of the tomatoes. Carrots help loosen the soil and deter nematodes. Parsley attracts beneficial insects. French marigolds repel 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, including tomatoes. Corn can attract tomato pests like the corn earworm.