Better Boy Tomato in Zone 7B — Northern California

Better Boy Tomato is a classic for a reason, and it thrives in our Northern California gardens. You'll enjoy reliably delicious, medium-large tomatoes perfect for slicing, sandwiches, and sauces all summer long. Plus, the disease resistance of this hybrid gives you a real advantage in our variable conditions.

Our Mediterranean climate with its dry summers can present challenges, but with a bit of planning, you can easily grow Better Boys. Our long 245-day growing season gives you plenty of time to get a fantastic harvest.

Starting your Better Boy Tomato seeds indoors from early February through early March gives them a head start. This is about six weeks before you'll be able to transplant them outside. The earlier start takes advantage of our early spring warmth.

Use seed starting trays with a good seed starting mix. Keep them warm (a heat mat helps) and provide plenty of light – a grow light is ideal. Water gently from the bottom by setting the tray in a shallow pan of water until the soil surface is moist.

Transplant your Better Boy Tomato seedlings outdoors from late March through late April, once the danger of frost has passed. Harden them off for about a week beforehand. Gradually expose them to increasing amounts of sunlight and outdoor temperatures.

Space your plants 24-36 inches apart in a sunny spot with well-drained soil. Even though late freezes are rare, keep an eye on the weather forecast around transplant time.

Better Boy Tomatoes need consistent watering, especially during our dry summers. This is crucial for producing large, crack-free fruit. While this hybrid is disease-resistant, proper watering is key to preventing other problems.

During the warmer months, give your plants a deep watering 2-3 times per week, providing about 1-2 inches of water each time. Stick your finger about 2 inches into the soil. If it feels dry, it's time to water. Water at the base of the plant to avoid wetting the foliage, which can encourage fungal diseases in our low-humidity climate.

Underwatering can lead to blossom end rot and smaller fruit. Overwatering can lead to root rot, especially in heavy clay soils. A layer of mulch, like straw or wood chips, will help retain moisture and regulate soil temperature, which is especially important during our occasional heat waves.

Better Boy Tomato is an indeterminate variety, meaning it will continue to grow and produce fruit throughout the season. These vigorous vines will need sturdy support to handle the weight of the fruit.

Cages or stakes work well. Install your chosen support at planting time to avoid disturbing the roots later. As the plant grows, gently guide the vines into the cage or tie them to the stake with soft twine.

Pruning your Better Boy Tomato plants helps improve air circulation and fruit size. Focus on removing suckers, which are the small shoots that grow in the "armpit" between the main stem and a branch.

Prune these suckers regularly throughout the growing season. You can also remove the lower leaves that touch the soil to prevent soil-borne diseases. As we approach mid- November and the threat of frost, you can top the plant to encourage the remaining green tomatoes to ripen.

You can expect your first harvest of Better Boy Tomatoes from early June through late July, about 72 days after transplanting. The fruits will be large, red, and slightly soft to the touch.

Gently twist or cut the tomatoes from the vine, being careful not to damage the plant. Regular harvesting encourages continued production. As the first frost approaches in mid- November, harvest any remaining green tomatoes and bring them indoors to ripen.

Here are some common problems you might encounter with Better Boy Tomatoes in Northern California:

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 leading to calcium deficiency. Our dry summers can create drought/flood cycles.
• How to fix/prevent it: Water consistently and deeply. Mulch heavily. Avoid over-fertilizing with nitrogen. Remove affected fruit.

Cracking

• What it looks like: Splits in the tomato skin, either in circles around the stem or lines radiating from it.
• What causes it: Heavy watering after a dry spell. The fruit expands too quickly.
• How to fix/prevent it: Water consistently. Mulch to maintain even moisture. Harvest ripe tomatoes promptly.

Hornworms

• What it looks like: Large sections of leaves stripped overnight. You'll see big green caterpillars and dark droppings on the leaves.
• What causes it: Hawk moth larvae. They can defoliate a plant quickly.
• How to fix/prevent it: Handpick them. Use Bt spray. Leave hornworms with white cocoons — they're being parasitized by beneficial wasps.

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. Spreads via soil splash.
• How to fix/prevent it: Remove affected leaves. Mulch to prevent soil splash. Water at the base. Improve air circulation. Copper fungicide can help.

Northern California Specific Challenges: Our moderate-to-hot summers and dry conditions mean consistent watering is absolutely critical for Better Boy Tomatoes. Mulching is your best friend for retaining moisture and preventing blossom end rot and cracking.

Companion planting can help your Better Boy Tomatoes thrive. Basil is a great companion because it repels tomato hornworms and other pests. Carrots improve the soil around tomatoes. Parsley attracts beneficial insects that prey on tomato pests. French marigolds deter nematodes in the soil.

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.