Description
Better Boy Plus Tomato: The Ultimate Guide to Growing and Caring for This High-Yielding Favorite
The Better Boy Plus Tomato is a hybrid variety renowned for its superior disease resistance, high productivity, and exceptional flavor. An improvement on the classic Better Boy tomato, this variety boasts a robust growth habit, larger fruit size, and a well-balanced, rich taste. Whether you’re a backyard gardener or a commercial grower, this tomato offers reliability and performance.
Better Boy Plus tomatoes are indeterminate, meaning they will continue to grow and produce fruit throughout the growing season. This makes them an excellent choice for gardeners looking for a steady supply of delicious, juicy tomatoes for slicing, salads, sauces, and more.
Characteristics of Better Boy Plus Tomato
- Growth Habit: Indeterminate (keeps producing throughout the season)
- Days to Maturity: Approximately 75-80 days from transplant
- Fruit Size: Large, averaging 10-16 ounces per tomato
- Flavor Profile: Rich, classic tomato taste with the perfect balance of sweetness and acidity
- Disease Resistance: Resistant to common tomato diseases, including Verticillium Wilt, Fusarium Wilt, and Root-Knot Nematodes
- Best Uses: Fresh eating, slicing, sandwiches, sauces, and canning
How to Grow Better Boy Plus Tomato
Growing Better Boy Plus tomatoes is straightforward with proper care and attention. Here’s a step-by-step guide to ensure a bountiful harvest:
1. Selecting the Right Location
Better Boy Plus tomatoes thrive in full sun, requiring at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day. Choose a well-drained spot with fertile soil to encourage healthy root development.
2. Soil Preparation
Tomatoes prefer loamy, well-drained soil rich in organic matter. Before planting, prepare the soil by:
- Mixing in compost or aged manure to improve fertility
- Ensuring the pH is between 6.0 and 6.8 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Adding a balanced fertilizer (10-10-10) before planting
3. Planting Better Boy Plus Tomato
- Starting Seeds Indoors: If growing from seed, start indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost date in your area.
- Transplanting Seedlings: When plants are about 6-8 inches tall and nighttime temperatures stay above 50°F, they are ready to be transplanted outdoors.
- Spacing: Space plants 18-24 inches apart with rows at least 3 feet apart to allow for airflow and easy maintenance.
- Deep Planting Method: Plant tomatoes deeply, burying the stem up to the first set of leaves to encourage strong root growth.
4. Watering Requirements
Tomatoes need consistent moisture for optimal growth and fruit production. Follow these watering tips:
- Water deeply at the base of the plant to encourage deep root development.
- Provide 1-2 inches of water per week, adjusting for rainfall.
- Avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal diseases.
- Use mulch (straw, wood chips, or grass clippings) to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
5. Staking and Support
Since Better Boy Plus is an indeterminate variety, it requires staking or caging for support. Options include:
- Tomato Cages: Easy to use and effective for supporting the plant.
- Stakes: Drive a sturdy stake into the ground and tie the plant loosely with soft ties.
- Trellising: Allows vertical growth and saves space in the garden.
6. Fertilizing for Maximum Yield
- At planting, use a balanced fertilizer (10-10-10).
- Once flowering begins, switch to a low-nitrogen, high-phosphorus fertilizer (e.g., 5-10-10) to encourage fruiting.
- Apply fertilizer every 3-4 weeks for continuous nourishment.
7. Pruning and Maintenance
- Remove suckers (small shoots between the main stem and branches) to direct energy toward fruit production.
- Trim lower leaves to improve air circulation and reduce the risk of disease.
- Regularly inspect for pests and diseases.
Common Pests and Diseases
Even with its superior disease resistance, Better Boy Plus tomatoes may encounter some challenges. Here’s how to manage them:
Pests
- Aphids: Use insecticidal soap or release ladybugs.
- Tomato Hornworms: Hand-pick and remove or use Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis).
- Whiteflies: Use yellow sticky traps to monitor and control infestations.
Diseases
- Early Blight: Prevent by keeping foliage dry and using mulch.
- Powdery Mildew: Improve airflow and avoid overhead watering.
- Blossom End Rot: Ensure consistent watering and provide calcium (crushed eggshells or lime).
Harvesting and Storing Better Boy Plus Tomatoes
When to Harvest
Better Boy Plus tomatoes are ready to harvest in 75-80 days after transplanting. Signs of ripeness include:
- Deep red coloration (unless growing a different color variety)
- Slightly firm but gives under gentle pressure
- Easily separates from the vine when twisted
Storing Tomatoes
- Fresh Storage: Keep ripe tomatoes at room temperature and avoid refrigeration to maintain flavor.
- Extended Storage: If you have an abundant harvest, consider canning, freezing, or making sauces.
Why Grow Better Boy Plus Tomatoes?
- High-Yielding: Produces an abundant harvest over a long season.
- Disease Resistance: Less worry about common tomato diseases.
- Superior Flavor: Perfect balance of sweetness and acidity.
- Versatility: Excellent for fresh eating, sauces, and preservation.
- Reliability: A strong, productive plant that’s easy to grow.
The Better Boy Plus Tomato is an excellent addition to any garden, offering impressive yields, great flavor, and disease resistance. By following proper planting, watering, staking, and maintenance techniques, you’ll enjoy a season-long supply of delicious, homegrown tomatoes. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced gardener, Better Boy Plus is a reliable and rewarding choice for your vegetable patch.
Start growing today and experience the satisfaction of harvesting your own flavorful, sun-ripened tomatoes straight from the garden!
