Better Boy Tomato in Zone 7B — Desert Southwest

Better Boy Tomato is a classic for a reason, and it's a rewarding choice for Desert Southwest gardeners. The reliable yields of juicy, flavorful tomatoes are perfect for sandwiches, sauces, and salads, bringing that homegrown taste to your table. Plus, the satisfaction of harvesting your own sun-ripened tomatoes in our challenging climate is hard to beat.

Growing tomatoes in the Desert Southwest definitely has its hurdles, with the extreme heat and intense sun. But with careful planning and attention to timing, you can absolutely succeed. Our long 245-day growing season gives you two opportunities to get it right, making Better Boy a great option.

Starting your Better Boy Tomato seeds indoors is the way to go in our Zone 7B Desert Southwest gardens. You'll want to get those seeds going from early February through early March, about six weeks before it's safe to put them outside. This gets them a head start before the extreme heat kicks in.

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 windowsill. Don't forget to water from the bottom to encourage strong root growth and prevent damping off. Starting early is key in our region, as spring can arrive quickly.

Transplanting your Better Boy Tomato seedlings outdoors should happen from late March through late April, after the last frost. Before you commit, make sure to harden them off by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions for about a week. This helps them adjust to the intense Desert Southwest sun and wind.

Plant your seedlings 24-36 inches apart in well-drained soil. Keep an eye on the weather forecast, as unexpected late frosts can still happen. Be ready to cover your young plants if temperatures dip.

Watering is absolutely critical for Better Boy Tomatoes in our arid Desert Southwest climate. These guys need consistent moisture to produce those big, juicy fruits. A good rule of thumb is to water deeply two to three times per week, providing about 1-2 inches of water each time. During the hottest part of the summer, you may need to water even more frequently.

Stick your finger about two inches into the soil to check moisture levels before watering. The soil should feel slightly damp, not bone dry or soggy. Water at the base of the plant to avoid wetting the leaves, which can encourage fungal diseases in our monsoon season. Mulching around your tomato plants with a few inches of organic matter like straw or wood chips will help retain moisture and keep the soil cool.

Underwatering will lead to blossom end rot and smaller fruit. Overwatering can lead to root rot, even in our dry climate. Watch for signs like yellowing leaves or wilting, and adjust your watering schedule accordingly. Remember, even with our monsoon moisture, supplemental watering is almost always necessary for consistent tomato production.

Better Boy Tomatoes are indeterminate, meaning they'll keep growing and producing fruit all season long. Those vigorous vines need sturdy support to handle the weight of the heavy fruit. Cages or stakes both work well, but I prefer cages because they offer more overall support as the plant gets bigger.

Install your support system at planting time to avoid damaging the roots later. As the plant grows, gently weave the vines through the cage or tie them to the stake with soft twine. This will keep the fruit off the ground and prevent diseases.

Pruning your Better Boy Tomato plants can help improve air circulation and fruit size. Focus on removing suckers, which are the small shoots that grow in the "crotch" between the main stem and a branch. Pinch them off when they're small to redirect the plant's energy into fruit production.

You can also remove the lower leaves as they start to yellow or show signs of disease. This improves airflow around the base of the plant and reduces the risk of fungal problems. As the end of the season approaches (around mid- November), you can top the plant to encourage the remaining green tomatoes to ripen before the first frost.

The anticipation is worth it! You can expect your first Better Boy Tomato harvest from early June through late July, about 72 days after transplanting. The tomatoes are ready to pick when they're a deep red color and have a slight give when you gently squeeze them.

To harvest, simply twist the tomato off the vine, leaving the stem attached. Regular harvesting encourages the plant to keep producing more fruit. As the first frost approaches (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 to watch out for with Better Boy Tomatoes in the Desert Southwest:

• 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. Our desert climate swings between dry spells and monsoon moisture, making it tough for plants to get calcium.
• How to fix/prevent it: Water consistently! Mulch heavily to maintain even soil moisture. Avoid over-fertilizing with nitrogen. Remove affected fruit.
• Cracking
• What it looks like: Splits in the tomato skin, either circles around the stem or lines radiating from it.
• What causes it: Heavy watering or rain after a dry spell. The fruit absorbs water too quickly.
• How to fix/prevent it: Water consistently. Mulch to maintain even moisture. Harvest promptly when ripe.
• Hornworms
• What it looks like: Large sections of leaves stripped overnight. Big green caterpillars with white stripes.
• What causes it: These are the larvae of hawk moths. They can defoliate a plant in no time.
• How to fix/prevent it: Handpick them (they're easy to spot). Bt 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.
• How to fix/prevent it: Remove and destroy affected leaves. Mulch to prevent soil splash. Water at the base. Improve air circulation. Copper fungicide can help.

Desert Southwest Specific Challenges: The extreme heat can stress tomato plants, making them more susceptible to problems. Sunscald can also be an issue, so consider using shade cloth during the hottest part of the day. Our alkaline soil can also affect nutrient uptake, so amend your soil with compost before planting. The monsoon season brings humidity that can encourage fungal diseases, so good air circulation is key.

Companion planting can give your Better Boy Tomatoes a boost in the Desert Southwest. Basil is a great choice because it repels tomato hornworms and other pests. Carrots improve the soil around your tomato plants and deter nematodes. Parsley attracts beneficial insects that prey on tomato pests. French marigolds repel nematodes and other soil pests.

Avoid planting brassicas (like cabbage and broccoli) near your tomatoes, as they can stunt their growth. Fennel inhibits the growth of many plants, including tomatoes. Corn can attract tomato hornworms and create too much shade.