Better Boy Tomato in Zone 8A — Gulf Coast

Better Boy Tomato is a classic for a reason, and it absolutely earns its place in any Gulf Coast garden. The reliably delicious, juicy fruits are perfect for slicing, sandwiches, or sauces, and the plant's disease resistance gives you a fighting chance against the challenges of our humid climate. There's nothing quite like the taste of a homegrown tomato, and Better Boy delivers that satisfaction in spades.

Sure, our long growing season is a blessing, but it also means a long stretch of high humidity and disease pressure. Don't let that scare you off! With proper timing and a little extra care, you can absolutely enjoy a bountiful harvest of Better Boy tomatoes. Our 269-day growing season gives you plenty of opportunity to get it right.

Starting your Better Boy Tomato seeds indoors in late January through mid February gives them a head start on our long growing season. You'll want to set up your seed trays with a good seed-starting mix, providing consistent warmth (a heat mat works wonders) and plenty of light (grow lights are your best bet).

Bottom watering is key to prevent damping-off, a common fungal disease that thrives in our humid conditions. Just set the seed tray in a shallow dish of water and let the soil soak it up from the bottom.

Because our spring can arrive early, getting your seedlings going indoors ensures they're strong enough to handle any temperature swings that may occur.

Transplant your Better Boy Tomato seedlings outdoors in mid March through mid April, after the danger of frost has passed. Before planting them directly in the ground, be sure to harden them off over about a week by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions.

Space your plants 24-36 inches apart to allow for good air circulation, which is crucial in our humid climate to prevent fungal diseases. Keep an eye on the weather forecast; we can still get some unexpected cool snaps, even that late in the season, so be prepared to cover your young plants if needed.

Watering is critical for Better Boy Tomatoes, especially with our Gulf Coast climate's tendency for both heavy rainfall and dry spells. Aim for consistent soil moisture to prevent blossom end rot and cracking, two common problems.

During the warmer months, from late spring through summer, your Better Boy Tomatoes will likely need at least 1-2 inches of water per week, either from rainfall or irrigation. Stick your finger about 2 inches deep into the soil; if it feels dry, it's time to water. During periods of heavy rain, you may not need to water at all.

Always water at the base of the plant to avoid wetting the leaves, which can encourage fungal diseases in our humid environment. Signs of underwatering include wilting leaves and slow growth, while overwatering can lead to yellowing leaves and root rot. Mulching around your tomato plants with straw or pine straw will help retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Better Boy Tomatoes are indeterminate, meaning they'll keep growing and producing fruit all season long, so they need strong support. Cages or stakes both work well, but sturdy cages are often the easiest option for Gulf Coast gardeners.

Install your chosen support at planting time to avoid damaging the roots later. As the plant grows, gently weave the stems through the cage or tie them loosely to the stake with soft twine.

Pruning your Better Boy Tomato plants can improve airflow and fruit production. Focus on removing suckers, which are the small shoots that grow in the crotch between the main stem and a branch.

Pinch these off when they're small to redirect the plant's energy into fruit production. Also, remove any yellowing or diseased lower leaves to improve air circulation and prevent fungal diseases. Since Better Boy is a disease-resistant hybrid, it can handle less pruning if you prefer a more hands-off approach. As the first frost approaches around late 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 late May through mid July, about 72 days after transplanting. The tomatoes are ripe when they're a deep red color and have a slight give when gently squeezed.

Grasp the tomato gently and twist or clip the stem just above the fruit. To encourage continued production, harvest ripe tomatoes regularly. As the first frost approaches in late November, harvest any remaining green tomatoes and bring them indoors to ripen. They'll ripen best in a single layer, away from direct sunlight.

Here are some common problems with Better Boy Tomatoes in the Gulf Coast, and how to deal with them:

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 Gulf Coast weather patterns of heavy rain followed by dry spells exacerbate this.
• How to fix/prevent it: Water consistently, especially during dry periods. 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 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. Mulch to maintain even moisture. Harvest promptly when ripe.

Hornworms

• What it looks like: Large sections of leaves stripped overnight. You'll find large green caterpillars (up to 4 inches) with white stripes.
• What causes it: These are the larvae of hawk moths. They can defoliate plants quickly.
• 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, spreading upward.
• What causes it: Fungal disease (Alternaria solani) 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 through spacing and pruning. Copper fungicide can help.

Gulf Coast Specific Challenges: Our hot, humid climate and abundant rainfall create ideal conditions for fungal diseases like early blight. Consistent watering is crucial to prevent blossom end rot and cracking, but heavy rains can make that a challenge. Be vigilant about monitoring your plants and taking action at the first sign of trouble.

Companion planting can help your Better Boy Tomatoes thrive in the Gulf Coast.

Good companions:

• Basil: Repels tomato hornworms and whiteflies. Plus, it loves the same growing conditions as tomatoes.
• Carrots: Loosen the soil and their roots don't compete with tomato roots.
• Parsley: Attracts beneficial insects that prey on tomato pests.
• French Marigolds: Repel nematodes and other soil pests.

Bad companions:

• Brassicas (cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower): Can stunt tomato growth.
• Fennel: Inhibits the growth of many plants, including tomatoes.
• Corn: Attracts tomato hornworms.