Better Boy Tomato in Zone 7B — Texas

Better Boy Tomato is a classic for a reason, and it's a winner in Texas gardens. The flavor is balanced, making it perfect for slicing, sauces, or canning. Plus, the satisfaction of harvesting those big, juicy tomatoes after battling the Texas heat is hard to beat.

Our unpredictable weather, from drought to flash floods, can throw curveballs. But with a long growing season like ours (around 255 days) and careful timing, you can absolutely enjoy two tomato seasons with Better Boy.

Starting your Better Boy Tomato seeds indoors gives them a head start before the Texas heat really kicks in. Aim to sow your seeds indoors from early to late February, roughly six weeks before you plan to transplant them outside.

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 – a grow light works wonders. A little tip: water from the bottom by placing the tray in a shallow dish of water; this encourages strong root growth. Because spring can arrive early here, it's best to be ready.

Transplant your Better Boy Tomato seedlings outdoors from late March through late April. Before you do, harden them off by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions for about a week. This helps them adjust to the sun and wind.

Plant them 24-36 inches apart in well-drained soil. Keep an eye on the weather forecast – a late freeze can still happen. Be ready to cover your young plants if temperatures dip unexpectedly.

Better Boy Tomatoes need consistent watering, especially in the Texas heat. They aren't drought-tolerant, and inconsistent moisture can lead to problems like blossom end rot and cracking.

During the spring, when temperatures are milder and rainfall is more frequent (though still unpredictable), check the soil moisture with the "finger test" – stick your finger about 2 inches into the soil. If it feels dry, it's time to water. Aim for about 1-2 inches of water per week, depending on rainfall. As the summer heat intensifies, you might need to water more frequently, even daily during the hottest stretches. Water at the base of the plant to avoid wetting the leaves, which can encourage fungal diseases, especially with our variable humidity.

Signs of underwatering include wilting leaves and slow growth. Overwatering can cause yellowing leaves and root rot. Mulching around your plants with a few inches of organic matter helps retain moisture and regulate soil temperature, which is a big help in our climate.

Better Boy Tomatoes are indeterminate, meaning they'll keep growing and producing fruit all season. These vigorous vines need strong support to handle the weight of those big tomatoes.

Cages or stakes work well. Install them at planting time to avoid disturbing the roots later. Cages are easy to use, but make sure they're tall and sturdy enough to handle the plant's growth. Stakes are another option, but you'll need to tie the plant to the stake as it grows.

Pruning your Better Boy Tomatoes helps improve airflow and fruit size. Focus on removing suckers – the 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 disease. As the end of the season approaches (first frost around mid- November), you can top the plant to encourage the remaining fruit to ripen.

You can expect your first harvest of Better Boy Tomatoes from early June through late July, about 72 days after transplanting. Look for large, red fruit that has a slight give when you gently squeeze it.

To harvest, simply twist the tomato until it comes off the vine. Regular harvesting encourages continued production. As the first frost approaches in mid- November, harvest any remaining green tomatoes and bring them indoors to ripen. They'll still taste great!

Even with the Better Boy's disease resistance, you might encounter some common problems in Texas:

• 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, common with our drought/flood cycles.
• How to fix/prevent it: Water consistently. Mulch heavily. Avoid over-fertilizing with nitrogen.
• 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 after a dry spell. The fruit absorbs water too quickly.
• How to fix/prevent it: Water consistently. Mulch to maintain even moisture. Harvest ripe fruit promptly.
• Hornworms
• What it looks like: Large sections of leaves stripped overnight. Big green caterpillars with white stripes.
• What causes it: Hawk moth larvae eating your tomato plants.
• 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.
• What causes it: Fungal disease thriving in our warm, humid conditions.
• How to fix/prevent it: Remove affected leaves. Mulch. Water at the base. Improve air circulation. Copper fungicide.

Texas Specific Challenges: The hot-to-extreme heat can stress your plants, making them more susceptible to problems. Variable humidity can promote fungal diseases. Unpredictable rainfall can lead to inconsistent watering, causing blossom end rot and cracking. Fire ants can also be a nuisance, so keep an eye out for them around your plants.

Companion planting can help your Better Boy Tomatoes thrive. Basil is a great companion because it repels tomato hornworms and whiteflies. Carrots improve soil aeration. Parsley attracts beneficial insects. French marigolds deter nematodes and other pests.

Avoid planting brassicas (like cabbage and broccoli) near your tomatoes, as they can stunt tomato growth. Fennel inhibits the growth of many plants, including tomatoes. Corn can attract the same pests and diseases as tomatoes.