Better Boy Tomato in Zone 8B — Texas

Better Boy Tomato is a classic for a reason, and it earns its place in Texas gardens. The flavor is that perfect balance of sweet and tangy, making it ideal for slicing on sandwiches, dicing into salsas, or simmering into a rich sauce. Plus, its reliability and disease resistance mean you're more likely to get a good harvest even with our unpredictable weather.

Growing anything in Texas has its challenges. From the brutal Texas heat to the occasional flash flood, our weather keeps us on our toes. But with a long growing season that stretches for nearly nine months, you have plenty of time to get those delicious tomatoes. Timing is everything, and with a little planning, you can enjoy two tomato seasons!

Starting your Better Boy Tomato seeds indoors is key to getting a jump start on the season here in Texas. Aim to sow your seeds from late January through mid February. This gives the seedlings about six weeks to grow strong before transplanting.

You'll need seed trays or small pots, a good seed-starting mix, and a warm, bright location. A heat mat can help speed up germination, but isn't absolutely necessary. Make sure you provide plenty of light, either with a grow light or a sunny windowsill. An early spring warm spell will trick the seedlings into thinking they can go outside, so don't jump the gun.

Water your seedlings from the bottom to encourage strong root growth and prevent damping-off. Simply place the tray in a shallow container of water and let the soil absorb the moisture. This helps keep the leaves dry, which is especially important with our variable humidity.

Transplant your Better Boy Tomato seedlings outdoors from mid March through early April. This is when the danger of frost has usually passed, but keep an eye on the forecast – those late freezes can still sneak up on you.

Before transplanting, you'll need to harden off your seedlings. This means gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions for about a week. Start with an hour or two of shade, and gradually increase the time and sunlight each day.

Plant your Better Boy Tomato seedlings 24-36 inches apart in a sunny spot with well-drained soil. Dig a hole deep enough to bury the stem up to the first set of leaves. This encourages more root growth and a stronger plant.

Better Boy Tomatoes need consistent watering, especially during our hot Texas summers. They aren’t drought tolerant, so don’t let them dry out. Inconsistent watering is a recipe for blossom end rot and cracking, so try to stay on top of it.

During the spring, when temperatures are milder and rainfall is more frequent, you might only need to water once or twice a week, giving them about 1-2 inches of water each time. But once the Texas heat hits, you'll likely need to water every day or every other day, especially if it's dry. Use the finger test: stick your finger about 2 inches deep into the soil. If it feels dry, it's time to water.

Water at the base of the plant to avoid wetting the leaves, which can encourage fungal diseases in our humid climate. Signs of underwatering include wilting leaves and dry soil. Overwatering can lead to yellowing leaves and root rot. Mulching around your tomato plants with straw or shredded bark helps retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.

Better Boy Tomatoes are indeterminate, meaning they'll keep growing and producing fruit all season long. These plants get BIG and heavy with fruit, so they need strong support.

A sturdy tomato cage is a good option, but staking is often better for managing the plant. Install your 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 fabric strips.

Pruning your Better Boy Tomato plants helps improve air circulation and fruit production. The standard practice is to remove suckers, which are the small shoots that grow in the "armpit" between the main stem and branches. Pinch them off when they're small.

Removing suckers directs the plant's energy into producing larger, earlier fruit. Also prune any yellowing or diseased leaves, especially near the bottom of the plant. As the first frost approaches in late November, you can top the plant to encourage the remaining green tomatoes to ripen.

You can expect your first Better Boy Tomato harvest from late May through early July, 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, simply twist the tomato off the vine, leaving the stem attached. Regular harvesting encourages the plant to keep producing. If a freeze is in the forecast, harvest any remaining green tomatoes and bring them indoors to ripen. They'll ripen best in a single layer, not touching, in a cool dry place.

Here are a few common problems you might encounter with Better Boy Tomatoes in Texas:

• 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. This is especially common during our periods of drought followed by heavy rain.
• How to fix/prevent it: Water deeply and consistently. Mulch to maintain even soil moisture. Remove affected fruit.
• Cracking
• What it looks like: Splits in the tomato skin, either in circles around the stem or radiating out from it.
• What causes it: Rapid changes in soil moisture, often after heavy rain following a dry spell.
• How to fix/prevent it: Water consistently. Mulch to regulate soil moisture. Harvest ripe tomatoes promptly.
• Hornworms
• What it looks like: Large sections of leaves missing. Big green caterpillars with white stripes.
• What causes it: These guys are hungry! They can defoliate a plant overnight.
• How to fix/prevent it: Handpick them (wear gloves if you're squeamish). Bt spray is effective.
• Early Blight
• What it looks like: Brown spots with concentric rings on lower leaves, spreading upward.
• What causes it: Fungal disease that thrives in warm, humid conditions. Soil splash spreads it.
• How to fix/prevent it: Remove affected leaves. Mulch to prevent soil splash. Water at the base of the plant. Copper fungicide can help.

Texas Specific Challenges: The hot-to-extreme heat can stress tomato plants, making them more susceptible to problems. Variable humidity can also create conditions favorable for fungal diseases. Unpredictable rainfall can lead to inconsistent soil moisture, causing blossom end rot and cracking.

Companion planting can help your Better Boy Tomatoes thrive in Texas. Basil is a classic companion because it repels pests and improves tomato flavor. Carrots and parsley attract beneficial insects that prey on tomato pests. French marigolds deter nematodes and other soil pests.

Avoid planting brassicas (like cabbage and broccoli) near your tomatoes, as they can stunt their growth. Fennel also inhibits tomato growth. Corn can block sunlight and compete for nutrients.