Better Boy Tomato in Zone 7A — Texas

Better Boy Tomato is a Texas garden staple for good reason. Its classic tomato flavor shines in everything from BLTs to homemade sauce, and its disease resistance makes it a reliable producer even with our unpredictable weather. There's nothing quite like biting into a sun-ripened Better Boy you grew yourself.

Texas gardening comes with its own set of challenges, including the brutal Texas heat and variable rainfall. But with a long growing season of around 245 days, you've got plenty of time to get a fantastic tomato harvest. Careful timing and smart gardening practices will help you succeed.

Get a jump start on your tomato season by starting seeds indoors from early February through early March. This gives your Better Boy seedlings about 6 weeks to develop before transplanting time. You'll need seed trays or small pots, a good seed-starting mix, and a warm, brightly lit spot.

A heat mat can speed up germination, but isn't essential. A sunny windowsill might work if it gets enough light, but grow lights are ideal for consistent growth. Water your seedlings from the bottom to encourage strong root growth and prevent damping-off. Just set the seed tray in a shallow dish of water and let the soil soak it up.

Remember that Texas has an early spring, so starting early indoors is key to getting those first juicy tomatoes before the worst of the summer heat hits.

Transplant your Better Boy Tomato seedlings outdoors from late March through late April, after 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, gradually increasing the time and sun exposure each day.

Plant your seedlings 24-36 inches apart in a sunny spot with well-drained soil. Keep an eye on the weather forecast, as late freezes are not unheard of. Have some frost cloth handy to protect your young plants if temperatures dip unexpectedly.

Watering is critical for Better Boy Tomatoes, especially in the Texas heat. These plants are not drought-tolerant and need consistent moisture to produce large, crack-free fruit. But overwatering can be just as bad, leading to root rot and other problems.

During the spring, aim for about 1-2 inches of water per week, depending on rainfall. As the Texas heat ramps up in the summer, increase that to 2-3 inches per week. Use the "finger test" to check soil moisture: 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, rather than overhead, to reduce the risk of fungal diseases, especially with our variable humidity.

Signs of underwatering include wilting leaves and dry soil. Overwatering can cause yellowing leaves and soggy soil. A good layer of mulch around your plants helps retain moisture and regulate soil temperature, which is essential during those hot summer months.

Better Boy Tomatoes are indeterminate, meaning they'll keep growing and producing fruit all season long. These vines get big and heavy with fruit, so sturdy support is essential.

Cages or stakes both work well. Cages offer more overall support as the plant grows, while stakes require more regular tying. Install your support at planting time to avoid disturbing the roots later. As the plant grows, gently weave the stems through the cage or tie them to the stake with soft twine.

Pruning helps improve airflow and fruit production on your Better Boy Tomato plants. The standard approach is to prune suckers, which are the small shoots that grow between the main stem and the branches. Removing these suckers directs the plant's energy into fruit production.

Start pruning suckers early in the season, as soon as you see them. You can also remove the lower leaves of the plant to improve air circulation and reduce the risk of disease. Near the end of the season (around mid- November, as the first frost approaches), you can top the plant to encourage the remaining green tomatoes to ripen.

You can expect your first Better Boy Tomatoes to ripen from early June through late July, about 72 days after transplanting. The tomatoes are ready to harvest when they are a deep red color and slightly soft to the touch.

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 (around mid- November), 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, common in Texas's drought/flood cycles.
• How to fix/prevent it: Water consistently, mulch heavily, and 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, which is common given our unpredictable rainfall.
• How to fix/prevent it: Water consistently, mulch to maintain even moisture, and harvest promptly when ripe.
• Hornworms
• What it looks like: Large sections of leaves stripped overnight. Large green caterpillars with white stripes.
• What causes it: Larvae of hawk moths that feed voraciously.
• How to fix/prevent it: Handpick them (they don't bite!), or use Bt spray. Leave any hornworms with white cocoons on them — those are beneficial parasitic wasp eggs.
• Early Blight
• What it looks like: Brown spots with concentric rings on lower leaves, spreading upward.
• What causes it: 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, improve air circulation, and rotate crops yearly. Copper fungicide can slow its spread.

Texas Specific Challenges: The hot-to-extreme Texas heat, variable humidity, and unpredictable rainfall can exacerbate these problems. Consistent watering is key to preventing blossom end rot and cracking. Regular monitoring for pests and diseases is crucial, especially during periods of high humidity.

Companion planting can help your Better Boy Tomatoes thrive in Texas.

Good companions:

• Basil: Repels pests and improves tomato flavor.
• Carrots: Improve soil aeration and don't compete for nutrients.
• Parsley: Attracts beneficial insects and deters some pests.
• French Marigolds: Repel nematodes and other soil pests.

Bad companions:

• Brassicas (cabbage, broccoli, etc.): Can stunt tomato growth.
• Fennel: Inhibits the growth of many plants, including tomatoes.
• Corn: Competes for nutrients and sunlight.