How to Care for Better Boy Tomato Plants

Tomatoes are one of the most popular crops in home gardens, and Better Boy tomatoes are a favorite variety for their large, juicy fruit and reliable growing habits. If you want to get the most out of your Better Boy plants, follow these tips for caring for them throughout the growing season.

Choose a Good Location

Tomatoes need at least six hours of direct sun per day to grow and produce fruit. Choose a location in your garden that receives plenty of sunshine and has well-draining soil. Before planting, amend the soil with compost or other organic matter to improve its nutrient content and water retention.

Water Regularly and Deeply

Tomatoes need consistent moisture throughout the growing season, but they don't like to be waterlogged. Water deeply once or twice a week, depending on weather conditions and soil moisture. Aim to water at the base of the plant, rather than overhead, to avoid wetting the leaves and increase water use efficiency.

Prune and Support

Better Boy tomato plants can grow quite large and heavy, so it's important to provide them with support and prune them to keep them under control. As the plant grows, pinch off any suckers that emerge between the stem and branches, and tie the main stem to a stake or trellis. This will ensure that the main stem stays upright and the plant is well supported.

Fertilize Regularly

Tomatoes are heavy feeders and require plenty of nutrients to support healthy growth and fruit production. To ensure that your Better Boy plants are getting the nutrients they need, fertilize them regularly with a balanced fertilizer or add organic matter like compost or worm castings to the soil around the base of the plant.

Watch for Pests and Diseases

Tomatoes are vulnerable to a variety of pests and diseases, including aphids, hornworms, and fungal infections like blight. Inspect your plants regularly for any signs of infestation or disease, and treat them promptly with organic or chemical controls as needed.

Harvest Your Tomatoes

When your Better Boy tomatoes start to ripen, harvest them regularly to encourage the plant to produce more. Tomatoes can be harvested when they are slightly underripe and allowed to ripen off the vine, or when they are fully ripe and ready to eat. Be sure to handle the fruit gently to avoid bruising or damaging the skin.

By following these tips for caring for your Better Boy tomato plants, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of delicious, juicy tomatoes throughout the growing season. With a little care and attention, your plants will thrive and reward you with plenty of fresh, homegrown fruit to enjoy.