The Better Boy variety of tomato yields large, one-pound fruits midseason in about 70 to 75 days after planting. It is resistant to verticillium wilt, fusarium wilt, and other diseases. Its dense foliage protects the fruit from too much sun exposure, preventing sunscald. This variety grows quite large, so it is not suitable for container growing and requires staking or caging to keep it upright. At planting, trim off the bottom two sets of leaves, dig a deep planting hole, and bury the plant down to its first set of leaves. Tomatoes are able to produce roots along their stems so planting them deeply creates a strong root system and produces a strong, sturdy plant. Because this variety grows so large, staking, caging, or some other means of plant support are essential. To help the soil retain its moisture, add a layer of mulch around the base of the plants. Better Boy tomatoes are disease resistant and often do not struggle with many of the most common tomato-related diseases. Always be on the lookout for pests that might attack the plant. Rotating crops each year is a best practice to reduce the chance of building up soil-borne pests and diseases, increasing soil health, and balancing soil nutrients.
Light
Better Boy tomatoes produce abundant fruit when planted in full sun: garden beds that receive at least 6 to 8 or more hours of direct sun each day.
Soil
Better Boy tomatoes adapt to soil suitable for a wide range of tomato varieties, but slightly acidic, nutrient-rich soil high in organic matter will yield the healthiest plants. Soil pH should be in the range of 6.5 to 6.8.
Water
Keep the soil consistently moist to avoid fruit split or blossom end rot, which can ruin the yield of Better Boy tomato plants. When watering, aim the steam of water at the base of the plants and avoid wetting the foliage and splashing soil up onto the leaves. This will help prevent problems with fungal or other soil-borne diseases.
Temperature and Humidity
Better Boy tomatoes perform well in warm weather. They prefer moderate humidity, and high humidity can lead to moisture-related diseases. Frost can easily kill tomato plants, so be sure to protect your plants from cold temperatures. If temperatures approach a frost or freezing, cover them with a sheet.
Fertilizer
Compost is a natural way to enrich the soil and provide additional nutrients to tomato plants. Mix in compost to the soil before planting and again midseason when the plant starts to produce fruits. Well-balanced fertilizer designed for vegetable plants can also be used.
Pruning Better Boy Tomatoes
Proper pruning is important for healthy, productive tomato plants. Trim lower leaves several inches from the ground to prevent leaves or fruit from touching the soil. This helps prevent rot and allows better airflow. To direct the plant’s energy into its one or two main stems, remove suckers. Trim off early buds to encourage strong growth and plentiful fruit production. Near the end of summer, trim off the tip of the plant to divert energy into the last remaining fruits.
Propagating Better Boy Tomatoes
These simple tools and a bit of patience are all that is needed to propagate Better Boy tomato plants.:
How to Grow Better Boy Tomatoes from Seed
Many gardeners prefer to start their tomato plants from seed.
Overwintering Better Boy Tomato Plants
Though it is possible to grow tomatoes as perennials in warm climates, they are annuals in most areas of the country. If you are determined to overwinter a Better Boy tomato plant, try these options:
Grow the plant in a very large bucket and move it indoors when temperatures drop below freezing. Overwinter sucker propagations. To do so, plant suckers in a large container filled with good quality potting soil and keep them in a warm location with sufficient moisture and sunlight.
Keep in mind that the plant might not produce fruit as abundantly in its second year; for the best results, grow these tomatoes as annuals each year.
