Better Boy Tomato in Zone 9B — Gulf Coast

Better Boy Tomato is a fantastic choice for Gulf Coast gardeners. The flavor is classic tomato – juicy, slightly sweet, and perfect for everything from BLTs to homemade sauce. The plants produce a lot of fruit over our long growing season, and it's always satisfying to harvest your own tomatoes right here in the humid South.

Our high humidity and frequent afternoon storms can definitely bring disease pressure, but don't worry. Starting your Better Boys at the right time and giving them good care will get you through. Our 319-day growing season means you'll have plenty of time to enjoy the fruits of your labor.

Get your Better Boy Tomato seeds going indoors from late December through mid January. This gives them about 6 weeks to get a head start before transplanting. Use seed starting trays and a good seed starting mix.

Keep the trays warm and provide plenty of light – a simple shop light works great. To avoid damping off, water from the bottom by setting the tray in a shallow pan of water until the soil surface is moist. Starting early gives them the jump they need to thrive in our early spring.

Transplant your Better Boy Tomato seedlings outdoors from mid February through mid March. Before planting, harden them off. This means gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions for about a week.

Plant them 24-36 inches apart in well-drained soil. Keep an eye on the weather forecast – we sometimes get a late cold snap that could damage young plants. A frost blanket can be a lifesaver.

Better Boy Tomatoes need consistent watering, especially in our Gulf Coast heat. The goal is about 1-2 inches of water per week, depending on rainfall. Stick your finger about 2 inches deep into the soil. If it feels dry, it's time to water.

In the spring, you might only need to water a couple of times a week, but during the hottest part of summer, you may need to water daily, especially if it hasn't rained. Water at the base of the plant to avoid getting the leaves wet, which can encourage fungal diseases in our humid environment. A good layer of mulch will also help retain moisture.

If the leaves are wilting even when the soil is moist, you might be overwatering. Yellowing leaves can also be a sign of overwatering. On the other hand, if the leaves are dry and brittle, you're likely underwatering. Adjust your watering schedule accordingly.

Better Boy Tomatoes are indeterminate, meaning they'll keep growing and producing fruit all season long. That means they need strong support. I recommend using either sturdy tomato cages or strong stakes.

Install the support at planting time to avoid damaging the roots later. As the plant grows, gently tie the stems to the support to keep them upright. This will help prevent the fruit from touching the ground and rotting.

Prune your Better Boy Tomatoes to improve air circulation and encourage larger fruit. Remove the suckers that grow in the "V" between the main stem and the branches. These suckers will just steal energy from the plant.

Also, remove any yellowing or diseased leaves near the bottom of the plant. Pruning is especially important in our humid climate to reduce disease pressure. Towards the end of the season, around late October through early November, you can top the plant to encourage the remaining fruit to ripen before the first frost.

You can expect your first harvest of Better Boy Tomatoes from late April through mid June. The tomatoes are ready to pick when they are a deep red color and have a slight give when you gently squeeze them.

To harvest, simply twist the tomato off the vine, being careful not to damage the plant. The more you harvest, the more the plant will produce. As the first frost approaches around mid- December, harvest any remaining green tomatoes and bring them indoors to ripen. They'll ripen best in a paper bag with a banana or apple.

Here are some common problems you might encounter with Better Boy Tomatoes in the Gulf Coast:

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 with our unpredictable rainfall patterns.
• How to fix/prevent it: Water regularly and deeply, especially during dry spells. Mulch around the plants to help retain moisture.

Cracking

• What it looks like: Splits in the tomato skin, either around the stem or radiating from it.
• What causes it: Rapid changes in soil moisture, like a heavy rain after a dry period.
• How to fix/prevent it: Consistent watering is key. Mulch to keep the soil moisture even. Harvest tomatoes as soon as they ripen.

Hornworms

• What it looks like: Large caterpillars eating leaves, often leaving only stems behind. You'll also see dark droppings on the leaves.
• What causes it: These are the larvae of hawk moths, and they love tomato plants.
• How to fix/prevent it: Handpick them off the plants (they're easy to spot). Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) spray is an effective organic treatment.

Early Blight

• What it looks like: Brown spots with concentric rings on the lower leaves, which then turn yellow and drop off.
• What causes it: A fungal disease that thrives in our warm, humid conditions.
• How to fix/prevent it: Remove and destroy affected leaves. Mulch to prevent soil splash. Water at the base of the plant. Copper fungicide can help slow the spread.

Gulf Coast Specific Challenges: Our hot heat, very-high humidity, and wet-year-round rainfall create the perfect environment for fungal diseases, so be vigilant about pruning and watering at the base of the plant. Be prepared for periods of heavy rain and potential flooding, which can stress the plants and lead to blossom end rot and cracking.

Companion planting can really help your Better Boy Tomatoes thrive here. Basil is a great companion because it repels tomato hornworms and other pests. Plus, it improves the flavor of the tomatoes. Carrots and parsley also make good companions because they attract beneficial insects.

French marigolds are another excellent choice because they repel nematodes and other soil pests. Avoid planting brassicas (like cabbage and broccoli) near your tomatoes, as they can stunt their growth. Fennel is also a bad companion because it inhibits the growth of many plants. Finally, corn can block sunlight and compete for nutrients.