Better Boy Tomato in Zone 7B — Southeast

Better Boy Tomato is a classic for a reason, and it thrives in our long Southeast growing season. Its reliable flavor and meaty texture make it perfect for everything from BLTs to canning, and there's real satisfaction in harvesting armfuls of juicy tomatoes from your own backyard, especially after nursing them through our hot and humid summers.

Our Southeast climate can be a challenge, with high humidity and disease pressure. But with careful timing and attention, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of Better Boy Tomatoes, taking full advantage of our 235-day growing season.

Starting your Better Boy Tomato seeds indoors from mid-February through early March gives them a head start before our warm season truly kicks in. That's about 6 weeks before you plan to transplant them outside. Use seed trays or small pots filled with a good seed-starting mix.

Keep the soil consistently moist (but not soggy) by bottom watering – set the tray in a shallow dish of water and let the soil soak it up from the bottom. This helps prevent damping-off disease. Place the trays in a warm spot and provide plenty of light, either from a sunny window or a grow light. Spring here in the Southeast is moderate, but those little seedlings need a boost.

Transplant your Better Boy Tomato seedlings outdoors from early April through early May, after the danger of frost has passed. Before transplanting, harden off your seedlings by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions for about a week. Start with an hour or two of shade and increase the time and sun exposure each day.

Plant them 24-36 inches apart in well-drained soil. Even though we get reliable summer rain, those afternoon thunderstorms can be intense. Make sure your soil drains well to prevent root rot.

Better Boy Tomatoes need consistent watering, especially during our hot and humid summers here in the Southeast. Aim for about 1-2 inches of water per week, depending on rainfall. Stick your finger about 2 inches deep into the soil – if it feels dry, it's time to water.

Water deeply at the base of the plant, avoiding overhead watering, which can encourage fungal diseases in our humid climate. If we're getting regular rainfall, you might not need to water as much. However, during dry spells, be sure to give them a good soak.

Wilting leaves in the afternoon heat are normal, but if they're still wilted in the morning, that's a sign of underwatering. Yellowing leaves can indicate overwatering. Mulching around your plants with straw or pine straw helps retain moisture and suppress weeds, which is especially helpful with our clay soil.

Better Boy Tomatoes are indeterminate, meaning they'll keep growing and producing fruit all season long. They need strong support to handle the weight of those big tomatoes. Cages or stakes work well. I prefer cages because they offer all-around support and reduce the need for tying.

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

Pruning your Better Boy Tomatoes helps improve airflow and fruit size. Focus on removing the suckers, which are the small shoots that grow between the main stem and the branches. Pinch them off when they're small.

Also, remove the lower leaves that touch the ground to prevent soil-borne diseases from splashing onto the plant. Start pruning a few weeks after transplanting and continue throughout the growing season. As we approach the first frost in early November, you can top the plant to encourage the remaining green tomatoes to ripen.

You can expect your first harvest of Better Boy Tomatoes from mid-June through early August, about 72 days after transplanting. The tomatoes are ripe when they're a deep red color and have a slight give when you gently squeeze them.

To harvest, grasp the tomato firmly and twist or cut it 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 and bring them indoors to ripen. Place them in a paper bag with an apple or banana to speed up the ripening process.

Here are some common problems you might encounter with Better Boy Tomatoes in the Southeast:

Blossom End Rot

• What it looks like: A sunken, dark brown or black leathery patch on the bottom of the tomato.
• What causes it: Calcium deficiency due to inconsistent watering. Our alternating periods of drought and heavy rain are a perfect trigger.
• How to fix/prevent it: Water consistently, especially during dry spells. Mulch heavily to maintain even soil moisture.

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 to avoid the dry/wet cycle. Mulch to maintain even moisture. Harvest promptly when ripe.

Hornworms

• What it looks like: Large sections of leaves stripped overnight. You'll see large green caterpillars with white diagonal stripes and dark droppings on the leaves below.
• What causes it: These are the larvae of hawk moths, which lay their eggs on tomato plants.
• How to fix/prevent it: Handpick them (they're easy to spot). Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) spray is effective and organic.

Early Blight

• What it looks like: Brown spots with concentric rings (target pattern) on lower leaves first, spreading upward. Leaves yellow and drop.
• What causes it: A fungal disease that thrives in our warm, humid conditions. Spreads via soil splash onto lower leaves.
• How to fix/prevent it: Remove and destroy affected leaves. Mulch to prevent soil splash. Water at the base, not overhead. Improve air circulation through spacing and pruning.

Southeast Specific Challenges: Our hot heat, humid humidity, and wet-summer rainfall create the perfect environment for fungal diseases like early blight. Consistent watering is critical to prevent blossom end rot and cracking, but it can be a challenge with our unpredictable rainfall. Be vigilant about scouting for pests like hornworms, which can quickly defoliate plants in our long summer.

Companion planting can help your Better Boy Tomatoes thrive in the Southeast. Basil is a great companion because it repels tomato hornworms and other pests. Carrots and parsley attract beneficial insects that prey on tomato pests. French marigolds also deter 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 also compete with tomatoes for nutrients and sunlight.