Better Boy Tomato in Zone 8B — Pacific Northwest

Better Boy Tomato is a classic for a reason, and it performs beautifully here in the Pacific Northwest. The flavor is outstanding – a perfect balance of sweet and acidic – and they're incredibly versatile in the kitchen. Plus, there's nothing quite like the satisfaction of harvesting armfuls of juicy tomatoes from your own garden after our overcast spring days.

Our mild summers and cool nights can present challenges for heat-loving tomatoes, and late blight is always a concern. But with careful timing and a few smart strategies, you can absolutely grow a bumper crop of Better Boys during our 210-day growing season.

Starting Better Boy Tomato seeds indoors gives them a head start on our relatively short warm season. Aim to sow your seeds indoors from early to late March, about six weeks before you plan to transplant them outside. This timing lets you take advantage of our long, mild fall.

Use seed trays or small pots filled with a good seed-starting mix. Keep the soil consistently moist, and a warm location (around 70-75°F) is key for germination. Bottom watering is a great way to prevent damping-off; just set the tray in a shallow dish of water and let the soil soak it up. Once the seedlings emerge, provide plenty of light – a grow light works wonders, especially with our slow spring starts.

Transplant your Better Boy Tomato seedlings outdoors from mid April through mid May, once the soil has warmed up a bit. Before planting, harden them off by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions for about a week. This helps them adjust to the sun, wind, and temperature changes.

Space the plants 24-36 inches apart in a sunny spot with well-drained soil. Keep an eye on the weather forecast, as late frosts can still occur during this time. If frost threatens, cover your seedlings with blankets or row covers.

Consistent watering is critical for Better Boy Tomatoes, especially during our dry summer months. These plants are thirsty, and inconsistent moisture can lead to blossom end rot and cracking. However, in the PNW, we rarely see the scorching heat that other regions do, so you won't need to water as intensely.

During the wet springs, you might not need to water much at all. Once the dry summer months arrive, check the soil moisture regularly using the "finger test" – stick your finger about 2 inches deep 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. Water at the base of the plant to avoid wetting the leaves, which can increase the risk of fungal diseases in our region, even though our humidity is low.

Signs of underwatering include wilting leaves and slow growth. Overwatering can lead to yellowing leaves and root rot. Mulching around your tomato plants with straw or compost helps retain moisture and regulate soil temperature, which is especially helpful in our climate.

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

Cages or sturdy stakes work best. Install the support at planting time to avoid disturbing the roots later. As the plant grows, gently tie the stems to the stake or weave them through the cage to keep them upright and prevent the fruit from touching the ground.

Pruning Better Boy Tomatoes helps improve air circulation and encourages the plant to focus its energy on producing larger, higher-quality fruit. The standard approach is to remove the suckers that grow in the "armpit" between the main stem and the branches.

Prune these suckers early in the morning on a dry day. As the season progresses, you can also remove the lower leaves that touch the ground to prevent soil-borne diseases from splashing onto the plant. As first frost approaches in early November, you can prune away any new blossoms to encourage the plant to ripen existing fruit.

You can expect your first harvest of Better Boy Tomatoes from late June through mid August, about 72 days after transplanting. The fruits are ready to pick when they're a deep red color and have a slight give when gently squeezed.

To harvest, simply twist or snip the tomato off the vine, leaving a small piece of stem attached. Regular harvesting encourages the plant to keep producing more fruit. As the first frost approaches in early 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 you might encounter with Better Boy Tomatoes in the Pacific Northwest:

• 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 wet springs followed by dry summers can create this problem.
• 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 in concentric circles around the stem or radiating lines.
• What causes it: Rapid changes in soil moisture, often after heavy rain following a dry period.
• How to fix/prevent it: Water consistently and mulch well. Harvest tomatoes promptly when ripe.
• Hornworms
• What it looks like: Large sections of leaves stripped overnight, along with large green caterpillars with white stripes and dark droppings.
• What causes it: These caterpillars are voracious feeders and can defoliate plants quickly.
• How to fix/prevent it: Handpick the hornworms (they're easy to spot). Bt spray is an effective organic control.
• 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 and spreads via soil splash.
• How to fix/prevent it: Remove and destroy affected leaves. Mulch to prevent soil splash. Water at the base of the plant. Improve air circulation.

Pacific Northwest Specific Challenges: Late blight is a significant concern in our region due to our wet springs and mild summers. Choose disease-resistant varieties like Better Boy. Cool soil in spring can slow growth, so be patient and wait until the soil has warmed up before transplanting. Our short heat can limit fruit production, so start seeds indoors to get a head start. Slugs can also be a problem, especially for young seedlings, so use slug bait or other control methods.

Companion planting can help your Better Boy Tomatoes thrive in the Pacific Northwest. Basil is a great companion because it repels tomato hornworms and other pests. Carrots improve soil drainage and aeration, which is helpful in our sometimes heavy soils. Parsley attracts beneficial insects that prey on tomato pests. French marigolds deter nematodes and other soil pests.

Avoid planting tomatoes near brassicas (cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower), as they can inhibit tomato growth. Fennel also inhibits growth and should be kept away. Corn can attract tomato pests and diseases.