How to Grow Better Boy Tomatoes: A Guide to Planting, Care, and Harvest

You can grow several varieties of tomatoes, but the Better Boy tomato is one of the most recommended. The Better Boy tomato is popular among gardeners because of its excellent taste and verticillium wilt, fusarium wilt, and other diseases resistance. This guide will take you through the step-by-step process of growing and caring for Better Boy tomatoes, from seed to harvest.

How to Grow Better Boy Tomatoes

Better Boy Tomato Overview

Taste and Texture: Characteristically juicy, crisp, and exploding with classic tomato taste.
Better Boy tomato fruit size: 400-450 Grams
Better Boy tomato plant height: 5 to 8 feet
Better Boy tomato spacing: Plant-to-Plant should be 24-36 inches, while row-to-row spacing should be 48 inches
Better Boy tomato yield per plant: 30-50 Tomatoes per plant

Best Soil Conditions for Growing Better Boy Tomatoes

pH Level: The ideal pH range for growing Better Boy tomatoes is between 6.0 and 6.8. This slightly acidic to neutral pH range provides the optimum conditions for plant nutrient availability. Conduct a soil test to know the pH level and adjust it accordingly by adding lime or sulfur, depending on the test results.

Well-Drained Soil: Better Boy tomatoes thrive in well-drained soil that allows excess water to escape. Ensure the soil has good drainage by incorporating organic matter like vermicompost or peat moss. This will improve soil structure, allowing water to drain properly.

Nutrient-Rich Soil: Better Boy tomatoes are heavy feeders and require nutrient-rich soil to support their vigorous growth. Enrich the soil with organic matter like well-rotted manure, compost, or aged composted leaves before planting.

Starting Better Boy Tomato Seeds Indoors

Start by filling the seed-starting trays or pots with the seed-starting mix. Moisten this mix with water until evenly damp but not soaking wet. Gently press the mix down to remove any air pockets.
Next, sow the better Boy tomato seeds on the moistened seed-starting mix. Space the seeds about an inch apart to allow room for growth.
Cover the tomato seeds with a thin layer of the seed-starting mix or vermiculite, following the recommended depth on the seed packet.
Once the seeds are planted, mist the soil surface with water from the spray bottle. Be careful not to overwater.
Place the seed trays or pots in a warm location, ideally around 70-75°F (21-24°C).
To provide adequate light, place the seed trays or pots under a grow light or near a sunny window sill. If using a grow light, position it about 2-3 inches above the seedlings.

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Growing Better Boy Tomato Seedlings in Containers

Transplant Better Boy tomato seedlings outdoors when the last frost date has passed and the temperature of the soil has reached around 15°C. Usually, this occurs in late spring or early summer.
Before transplanting, choose a sunny location with at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Ensure the soil is well-drained and enriched with organic matter.
Dig a hole that is larger than the size of the seedling’s root ball.
Gently remove the Better Boy tomato seedling from its container, carefully not damaging the roots.
Place the seedling in the prepared hole, ensuring that the root ball’s top is level with or slightly above the surface of the soil. Fill the hole with soil gently around the base of the seedling.
Regularly monitor the moisture level and water as needed, especially during hot and dry periods.

Providing Adequate Sunlight for Better Boy Tomatoes

Choosing an ideal location for planting is important to maximize sunlight exposure for Better Boy tomatoes. Select a spot that receives at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily. This can be achieved by planting them in an area with minimal shade from buildings, trees, or other structures. Additionally, ensure that the chosen location has good air circulation to prevent the formation of excess moisture, which can lead to fungal diseases.

Better Boy Tomato Water Requirements

Tomatoes may need to be watered more frequently, whereas watering can be less frequent in cooler and more humid climates. Providing enough water to reach the root zone is important when watering Better Boy tomatoes. This is typically around 6 to 8 inches deep. To ensure proper moisture penetration, apply water slowly and deeply, allowing it to soak into the soil rather than run off. A general guideline is to provide approximately 1 inch of water weekly through rainfall or supplemental watering.

Fertilizing Better Boy Tomato Plants

Better Boy tomato plants require a balanced supply of essential nutrients to thrive. The three primary macronutrients needed are nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K). Nitrogen promotes leaf and stems growth, phosphorus supports root development and fruit formation, and potassium aids in overall plant health and disease resistance.

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To provide a strong start, apply a slow-release fertilizer with a balanced ratio of NPK (such as 10-10-10 or 14-14-14) before planting. Incorporate the fertilizer into the soil as per the package instructions. This initial fertilization helps establish a healthy root system.

Pruning and Supporting Better Boy Tomato Plants

To direct the plant’s energy into one or two main stems, remove suckers by pruning Better Boy tomato plants. To promote strong growth and abundant fruit production, trim off early buds. Toward the end of summer, trim the plant’s tip to ensure that the remaining fruits receive the most energy.

Supporting Better Boy Tomato Plants

Install sturdy tomato cages around each plant shortly after transplanting. The cages should be 4 feet tall to accommodate the plants’ growth.
Gently guide the plant’s main stem through the cage’s central opening, ensuring it remains upright.
As the plant grows, periodically check that the stems are properly supported within the cage. Adjust and reposition them if necessary to prevent bending or breaking.

Managing Pests and Diseases in Better Boy Tomatoes

Pest Management

Aphids: These are soft-bodied small insects that suck sap from tomato plants. Regularly inspect plants for aphid infestations and use insecticidal soaps or else neem oil to control them.
Whiteflies: These are small flying insects that feed on tomato leaves. Introduce natural predators like ladybugs or use sticky traps to manage whitefly populations.
Tomato Hornworms: These large, green caterpillars can defoliate tomato plants rapidly. Handpick and destroy hornworms or use Bacillus thuringiensis (BT) to control them

Disease Management

Early Blight: A common disease caused by a fungus that affects tomato plants. Practice crop rotation, remove infected plant branches, and apply fungicides containing copper or chlorothalonil to manage early blight.
Late Blight: It is a devastating disease caused by a fungus-like organism. Rotate crops, improve air circulation, and apply fungicides containing mancozeb or copper to control late blight.
Blossom End Rot: This rot disease is a physiological disorder caused by calcium deficiency. Maintain consistent soil moisture, avoid over-fertilization, and add calcium-rich amendments to prevent blossom end rot.

Harvesting and Storing Better Boy Tomatoes

The best way to ripen Better Boy Tomatoes is to let them ripen on the vine. To make the first tomato ripen, the seedling must be planted outdoors approximately 72 days after planting. You will have to wait 70-75 days after planting the seedling before picking the first tomatoes. A Better Boy tomato is ripe when its peel is a rich red color, and the fruit has just started softening. When squeezed gently, the tomatoes should still be firm but have a bit of give.

Storing Better Boy Tomatoes

Better Boy Tomatoes can last up to two months if stored in a cool, dry area. For storage, make sure the tomatoes are whole and undamaged. For fresh use or processing into a cooked sauce or another recipe, less-than-perfect tomatoes can be stored on the kitchen counter out of direct sunlight for 2-3 days. Finding an area that is neither cold nor hot is the most important part of tomato storage. The best temperature for storing tomatoes is between 12°C and 16°C.

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Conclusion

Growing and caring for Better Boy tomatoes requires time, patience, and attention to detail. Following the steps outlined here, you can cultivate healthy plants and enjoy the delicious taste of homegrown tomatoes. Remember to observe proper watering, fertilizing, and pest management practices to ensure a bountiful harvest. With a little effort and knowledge, you can successfully nurture and enjoy the journey from seed to harvest.

How to Grow Better Boy Tomatoes: A Guide to Planting, Care, and Harvest