Better Boy Tomato in Zone 9A — Southern California

Better Boy Tomato is a classic for a reason, and it thrives in our Southern California climate. You’ll get juicy, flavorful tomatoes perfect for slicing, sauces, and everything in between. The satisfaction of harvesting armfuls of delicious tomatoes from your own garden, especially with our long warm season, is hard to beat.

We know our SoCal gardens face challenges like drought and intense summer heat, especially inland. But with careful planning and smart watering, you can absolutely enjoy a bountiful harvest of Better Boy Tomatoes. Our 322-day growing season gives you plenty of time to get it right.

Starting your Better Boy Tomato seeds indoors from late December through mid January gives them a head start before our mild winters transition into a very-early spring. This is about six weeks before you'll want to transplant them outside. Use seed trays or small pots filled with seed-starting mix.

Keep the trays consistently warm (a heat mat helps) and provide plenty of light – a grow light is ideal. Water gently from the bottom to avoid disturbing the delicate seedlings and preventing damping-off. It also encourages strong root growth.

Transplant your Better Boy Tomato seedlings outdoors from mid February through mid March, after the last expected frost. Be sure to harden them off for about a week beforehand by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions. This helps them adjust to the sun and wind.

Space the plants 24-36 inches apart to allow for good air circulation and plenty of room to grow. Even though our winters are mild, keep an eye on the weather forecast around transplant time. A late cold snap can still happen, so be prepared to cover your young plants if necessary.

Better Boy Tomatoes need consistent watering, especially during our hot, dry summers. The key to preventing problems like blossom end rot and cracking is to avoid letting the soil dry out completely. During the warmer months, you'll likely need to water deeply several times a week.

Stick your finger about two inches deep into the soil. If it feels dry, it's time to water. Aim for providing about 1-2 inches of water per week, depending on the weather. Water at the base of the plant to avoid wetting the leaves, which can encourage fungal diseases in our low-to-moderate humidity.

Signs of underwatering include wilting leaves and slow growth. Overwatering can lead to yellowing leaves and root rot. A good layer of mulch around the base of the plant will help retain moisture in the soil and suppress weeds, a must with our water restrictions.

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 the heavy fruit. Cages or stakes are both good options.

Install your chosen support at planting time to avoid damaging the roots later. As the plant grows, gently train the vines to climb up the support, tying them loosely if needed. This will keep the fruit off the ground and prevent disease.

Pruning your Better Boy Tomato helps improve air circulation and encourages larger, earlier fruit. The standard practice is to remove the "suckers" that grow in the crotch between the main stem and the branches. These suckers will eventually produce their own stems and fruit, but they can overcrowd the plant.

Also, prune the lower leaves that touch the soil to prevent soil-borne diseases from splashing up onto the plant. Start pruning a few weeks after transplanting and continue throughout the growing season. As our first frost approaches around mid- December, you can stop pruning and let the remaining fruit ripen.

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

To harvest, simply twist the tomato off the vine, being careful not to damage the plant. Regular harvesting encourages continued production. Even with our long growing season, keep an eye on the forecast as we approach mid- December.

If a frost threatens, harvest any remaining green tomatoes and bring them indoors to ripen. They'll ripen just fine on a windowsill.

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

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 in our drought-prone climate.
• How to fix/prevent it: Water consistently, especially during dry spells. Mulch heavily. Avoid over-fertilizing with nitrogen.

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 after a dry spell, or a sudden influx of water from summer thunderstorms.
• How to fix/prevent it: Water consistently to avoid the dry/wet cycle. Mulch to maintain even moisture. Harvest ripe tomatoes promptly.

Hornworms

• What it looks like: Large sections of leaves stripped overnight. You might see large green caterpillars with white stripes.
• What causes it: These are the larvae of hawk moths, which lay their eggs on tomato plants.
• How to fix/prevent it: Handpick the hornworms and drop them in soapy water. Use Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) spray if needed.

Early Blight

• What it looks like: Brown spots with concentric rings on lower leaves, spreading upwards.
• What causes it: A fungal disease that thrives in warm conditions, especially if water splashes from the soil onto the leaves.
• 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.

Southern California Specific Challenges: Our hot, dry summers and periodic Santa Ana winds can stress tomato plants, making them more susceptible to these problems. Consistent watering is key, especially with our water restrictions, and choose disease-resistant varieties like Better Boy to help mitigate these issues.

Companion planting can help your Better Boy Tomatoes thrive in your SoCal garden. Basil is a great companion because it repels tomato hornworms and other pests. Plus, it tastes great with tomatoes! Carrots improve the soil around your tomato plants and are said to enhance their flavor.

Parsley attracts beneficial insects like ladybugs and hoverflies, which prey on aphids and other pests. French marigolds deter nematodes in the soil and also repel whiteflies. Avoid planting brassicas (like broccoli and cabbage) near tomatoes, as they compete for nutrients. Fennel inhibits the growth of many plants, including tomatoes, and corn can shade your tomato plants too much, reducing their yield.