How Big Does a Better Bush Tomato Plant Get?

If you want to grow tomatoes but don’t have a lot of space, the Better Bush variety might be just what you need. It’s a compact plant that produces good yields of juicy, flavorful tomatoes. But how big does a Better Bush tomato plant get? Let’s find out.

The Size of a Mature Better Bush Tomato Plant

The Better Bush tomato plant is classified as a determinate type, which means it grows to a certain size and then stops. An adult Better Bush plant will reach a height of around three to four feet and a width of up to two feet. This compact size makes it ideal for gardens with limited space, raised beds, and containers.

The Benefits of Growing Better Bush Tomatoes

Besides their smaller size, there are several other benefits to growing Better Bush tomatoes. For one, they are relatively disease-resistant, which reduces the chances of losing your crop to blight or other common tomato diseases. Additionally, the ripe fruit tends to all ripen at once, which can be helpful for home gardeners who want to harvest their tomatoes for canning, freezing, or cooking.

How to Grow Better Bush Tomatoes

If you’re interested in growing Better Bush tomatoes, here are some tips to get you started:

Choose a location that gets at least six hours of full sun per day.

Plant seeds or transplants after the last frost of the season, when soil temperatures have warmed up to around 60 degrees Fahrenheit.

Provide support for the plants, such as a cage or stake, to keep them upright as they grow.

Water the plants deeply and regularly, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged.

Fertilize the plants with a balanced tomato fertilizer, following the package instructions.

Harvest the ripe tomatoes as they become ready. If you have more than you can use, preserve them by canning, freezing, or dehydrating.

Troubleshooting Common Problems

Even if you follow all the tips for growing Better Bush tomatoes, you may still encounter some problems along the way. Here are a few things to watch out for:

Yellowing leaves can indicate over- or under-watering.

Blossom end rot (a dark spot on the bottom of the fruit) can occur if the plants aren’t getting enough calcium or water.

Aphids or other pests can infest the plants and damage the fruit; you can avoid this by using insecticidal soap or other organic pest control methods.

In Conclusion

The Better Bush tomato plant is a great choice for home gardeners who want to grow tomatoes but don’t have a lot of space. With a mature height of three to four feet and a relatively disease-resistant nature, this compact plant produces tasty, ripe fruit that can be used in a variety of ways. By following a few simple growing tips and troubleshooting common problems, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of Better Bush tomatoes in your own backyard.