Description
Better Boy Plus Tomato: The Ultimate Guide to Growing and Caring for This High-Yielding Favorite
If you’ve ever dreamed of growing a tomato that checks all the boxes—flavor, size, yield, and resilience—the Better Boy Plus Tomato might just be your perfect match. This tomato isn’t just good. It’s dependable, delicious, and designed to thrive.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to grow your own crop of Better Boy Plus tomatoes—from planting your first seedling to picking your final juicy harvest. Whether you’re a weekend gardener or managing a small farm, this tomato has something special to offer. So grab your gloves and let’s get growing!
🌱 What Is the Better Boy Plus Tomato?
Let’s start with the basics.
The Better Boy Plus is a hybrid variety. It’s an improved version of the already popular Better Boy tomato, developed to have even better disease resistance, larger fruits, and an extended harvest window.
But what really sets it apart?
It’s indeterminate, which means it keeps growing and producing all season long. That’s right—you’re not limited to just one harvest. Instead, you can enjoy plump, flavorful tomatoes week after week.
Quick Snapshot:
- Growth Habit: Indeterminate
- Days to Maturity: 75–80 days from transplant
- Fruit Size: 10–16 oz per tomato
- Flavor: Rich, juicy, and balanced (sweet + tangy)
- Resistance: Verticillium Wilt, Fusarium Wilt, and Root-Knot Nematodes
- Best For: Sandwiches, slicing, salads, sauces, and canning
In other words, this tomato isn’t just versatile—it’s a garden superstar.
🍅 Why Gardeners Love It
There are hundreds of tomato varieties out there. So why choose Better Boy Plus?
Let’s count the reasons:
1. Flavor That Feels Like Summer
This tomato delivers that true, old-fashioned tomato flavor—bright, sweet, slightly tangy, and deeply satisfying. Slice it for a sandwich or eat it fresh with a sprinkle of salt… it just tastes like sunshine.
2. Big Fruit, Big Yield
Each Better Boy Plus tomato can weigh over a pound. And because it keeps producing all season, you’ll get pounds of tomatoes from just a few plants. This makes it ideal if you want to make sauces, salsa, or do some summer canning.
3. Disease Resistance You Can Rely On
Tomatoes are prone to a whole host of diseases. But Better Boy Plus is bred to resist some of the worst ones, including:
- Verticillium Wilt
- Fusarium Wilt (Races 1 & 2)
- Root-Knot Nematodes
That means less stress and fewer losses for you.
4. Strong Plants That Don’t Give Up
This tomato doesn’t just survive—it thrives. With proper care, it forms vigorous vines that can reach 5–8 feet tall. That means you’ll want to support it properly (more on that below), but it also means you’ll enjoy a long, heavy harvest.
🌞 How to Grow Better Boy Plus Tomatoes
Ready to grow your own? Here’s how to set your plants up for success.
Step 1: Start with Quality Plants or Seeds
You can grow Better Boy Plus tomatoes from seed indoors or buy healthy transplants from a trusted nursery. If you start from seed, begin 6–8 weeks before your last frost date.
Tip: Use a seed-starting mix and keep your seedlings under grow lights or near a sunny window.
Step 2: Transplant Outdoors at the Right Time
Wait until all danger of frost has passed and the soil is warm—at least 60°F. These tomatoes love heat and sunlight.
Choose a spot that gets at least 6–8 hours of full sun each day.
Step 3: Prepare the Soil
Tomatoes are heavy feeders. Prepare your garden bed or container with:
- Well-draining soil
- Plenty of compost or aged manure
- A balanced fertilizer (5-10-10 or similar)
You want soil that holds moisture but doesn’t stay soggy. Aim for a slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0–7.0).
Step 4: Plant Deep
Bury the plant up to its first set of true leaves. Tomatoes grow roots along their stems, so planting deep encourages strong root systems.
Space your plants about 24–36 inches apart, with at least 3 feet between rows for air circulation.
Step 5: Stake or Cage Early
These tomatoes get big. Install a sturdy tomato cage or trellis when you plant so you don’t damage the roots later.
Tall stakes, wire cages, or trellis systems will help keep fruit off the ground and make harvesting easier.
💧 Watering and Feeding Tips
Watering
Tomatoes love consistent moisture. Here’s the rule of thumb:
- 1–2 inches of water per week, either from rainfall or irrigation
- Water deeply at the base of the plant
- Avoid wetting the leaves (to prevent disease)
Tip: Mulching with straw, compost, or shredded leaves helps retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Feeding
Feed your plants regularly to keep them thriving:
- At planting: Add a slow-release organic fertilizer
- Every 2–3 weeks during the growing season: Use a tomato-specific fertilizer (low nitrogen, higher phosphorus and potassium)
Watch for signs of deficiency, like yellowing leaves or blossom-end rot, and adjust accordingly.
🌸 Flowering and Pollination
Tomatoes are self-pollinating, but they still need movement—either from wind, bees, or your helping hand—to transfer pollen between flowers.
If you’re growing in a greenhouse or still conditions, try:
- Gently shaking the plant a few times a week
- Using a soft brush to move pollen between flowers
More pollination = more fruit!
🍅 Harvesting Your Better Boy Plus Tomatoes
You’ve waited patiently. Now it’s time to reap the rewards!
Better Boy Plus tomatoes are ready to harvest when they’re fully red and just slightly soft to the touch. You don’t want to wait until they’re mushy—pick them when they’re firm and vibrant.
If frost is in the forecast and you still have green fruit on the vine, you can harvest early and let them ripen indoors on a sunny windowsill.
Don’t refrigerate your tomatoes unless you absolutely have to. Cold temps dull their flavor and texture.
🌿 Common Problems (and Easy Fixes)
Even a hardy tomato like Better Boy Plus can face a few challenges. Here’s how to tackle them:
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| Yellow leaves | May be overwatering, nutrient deficiency, or early blight. Trim and fertilize. |
| Blossom-end rot | Caused by calcium imbalance. Water consistently and mulch. |
| Cracking fruit | Caused by uneven watering. Harvest promptly and maintain steady moisture. |
| Aphids or whiteflies | Use neem oil or insecticidal soap. Encourage ladybugs and lacewings. |
| Early blight or leaf spots | Prune affected leaves. Use copper fungicide if needed. Improve air flow. |
Better Boy Plus is naturally resistant to many diseases, but keeping plants dry, fed, and supported goes a long way.
🥫 What to Do with All Those Tomatoes
Once your harvest rolls in, you may have more tomatoes than you know what to do with! Here are some ideas:
- Fresh: Slice onto sandwiches, burgers, or toast with basil and olive oil
- Roast: Toss with garlic and herbs, then freeze or blend into sauce
- Sauce: Make marinara, pizza sauce, or tomato soup for winter meals
- Salsa: Combine with onion, pepper, lime, and cilantro for a garden-fresh dip
- Canning: Preserve whole, diced, or crushed tomatoes for long-term storage
Better Boy Plus holds up well in recipes and preserves beautifully—making it a real workhorse in the kitchen.
🌟 Final Thoughts: Is the Better Boy Plus Tomato Right for You?
If you’re looking for a reliable, flavorful, and productive tomato, Better Boy Plus is a top-tier choice. It grows vigorously, resists common diseases, and delivers large, delicious fruit all summer long.
This tomato works equally well in backyard plots, raised beds, and even large containers. With just a little care and attention, you’ll enjoy weeks (or even months!) of rich, juicy tomatoes that taste better than anything from the store.
So yes—whether you’re growing for your family or sharing with the whole neighborhood, Better Boy Plus is a tomato you can count on.
🌼 Let’s Grow Together!
Got a favorite way to use your Better Boy Plus tomatoes? Or a question about pruning, feeding, or companion planting? I’d love to hear from you!
Drop your thoughts in the comments, share your garden wins, and let’s celebrate this incredible tomato—together.
Happy planting! 🌿🍅💚
