Better Boy Tomato in Zone 8B — Southern California

Better Boy Tomatoes are a SoCal garden staple for a reason. Their classic tomato flavor is perfect for everything from fresh salads to homemade sauces, and they're reliably productive in our long, warm growing season. There's real satisfaction in harvesting armfuls of these beauties from your own backyard, especially when you've nurtured them through our unique climate.

We definitely have our share of challenges here, from drought to the occasional heat wave, but with careful planning and attention, a bountiful Better Boy harvest is absolutely achievable. Our long 298-day growing season gives us plenty of time to get it right.

Starting your Better Boy Tomato seeds indoors gives them a head start against the sometimes unpredictable spring weather we experience here in Southern California. Aim to sow your seeds mid January through early February, about six weeks before you plan to transplant them outdoors. This timing takes advantage of our very-early spring character.

Use seed trays or small pots filled with a good seed-starting mix. Keep the soil consistently moist, but not soggy. Bottom watering is a great way to achieve this – just set the tray in a shallow dish of water and let the soil absorb it. Provide warmth (a heat mat is helpful) and plenty of light. A sunny windowsill might work, but a grow light ensures strong, even growth.

Transplanting your Better Boy Tomato seedlings outdoors should happen early to late March, after the danger of frost has passed. Before you move them permanently, harden them off by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions for about a week. Start with an hour or two of shade, increasing the time and sun exposure each day.

When transplanting, space your plants 24-36 inches apart to allow for good air circulation and plenty of room to grow. Even though we rarely freeze, keep an eye on the weather forecast. An unexpected cold snap can still stress young plants.

Watering is critical for Better Boy Tomatoes, especially here in Southern California where drought is a constant concern. They need consistent moisture to produce those big, juicy, crack-free fruits. While this hybrid is disease-resistant, it's still important to water properly.

During the cooler spring months, you might only need to water once or twice a week, providing about 1 inch of water each time. As the summer heat intensifies inland, increase that to 2-3 times a week, delivering 1.5-2 inches of water. Use the finger test: stick your finger about 2 inches into the soil. If it feels dry, it's time to water. Always water at the base of the plant to avoid wetting the foliage, which can encourage disease, especially in our low-to-moderate humidity.

Wilting leaves are a sign of underwatering, while yellowing leaves can indicate overwatering. A layer of mulch around your plants helps retain moisture, suppresses weeds, and keeps the soil temperature more even.

Better Boy Tomatoes are indeterminate, meaning they'll keep growing and producing fruit all season long. These vigorous vines need sturdy support to handle the weight of all those tomatoes. A tall tomato cage is a good option, providing all-around support as the plant grows.

Staking is another popular method, especially if you plan to prune your plants heavily. Install your chosen support at planting time to avoid disturbing the roots later. As the plant grows, gently tie the main stem to the stake with soft twine or plant ties.

Pruning your Better Boy Tomatoes helps improve airflow and fruit size. The standard approach is to remove the suckers that grow in the crotches between the main stem and branches. These suckers will eventually produce their own stems, leaves, and fruit, but they can also crowd the plant and reduce overall yield.

Pinch off the suckers when they're small, about 2-3 inches long. You can also remove the lower leaves that are touching the soil to prevent disease. As we approach the first frost around early December, you can top the plant to encourage the remaining green tomatoes to ripen.

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

To harvest, simply twist the tomato until the stem snaps. Avoid pulling, which can damage the plant. Regular harvesting encourages continued production, so check your plants every few days. As the weather cools in late fall and the first frost approaches in early December, harvest any remaining green tomatoes and bring them indoors to ripen. They'll ripen best in a single layer, out of direct sunlight.

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

• Blossom End Rot
• What it looks like: A dark, sunken spot on the bottom of the tomato.
• What causes it: Inconsistent watering leads to calcium deficiency, especially during our dry spells.
• How to fix/prevent it: Water consistently, especially during fruit development. Mulch heavily to maintain even soil moisture.
• Cracking
• What it looks like: Splits in the tomato skin, either around the stem or radiating outwards.
• What causes it: Sudden heavy watering after a dry period, especially after Santa Ana winds.
• How to fix/prevent it: Water consistently and mulch well. Harvest ripe tomatoes promptly.
• Hornworms
• What it looks like: Large sections of leaves disappear overnight. Big green caterpillars with white stripes.
• What causes it: Hawk moth larvae that feed voraciously on tomato plants.
• How to fix/prevent it: Handpick them (they're easy to spot). Use Bt spray if needed.
• Early Blight
• What it looks like: Brown spots with concentric rings on lower leaves, spreading upwards.
• What causes it: Fungal disease that thrives in warm, humid conditions, spread by soil splash.
• How to fix/prevent it: Remove affected leaves. Mulch to prevent soil splash. Water at the base. Improve air circulation with spacing and pruning.

Southern California Specific Challenges: Our hot summer heat inland and low-to-moderate humidity can stress tomato plants, making consistent watering even more crucial. The winter-wet rainfall can also contribute to fungal diseases like early blight if you're not careful.

Companion planting can really boost your Better Boy Tomato's health and productivity in Southern California. Basil is a classic companion because it repels tomato hornworms and other pests, plus it improves the flavor of the tomatoes. Carrots help loosen the soil, improving drainage, which is especially helpful in our sometimes heavy clay soils. Parsley attracts beneficial insects that prey on tomato pests. French marigolds deter nematodes and other soil pests.

Avoid planting brassicas (like broccoli and cabbage) 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.