See also: Tomato information from various sources.

Explanation: Determinate/Indeterminate tomatoes

​In gardening, determinate and indeterminate describe the growth habits of plants, particularly tomatoes and potatoes. Determinate plants have a defined growth period, typically producing a single flush of fruit over a relatively short time. Indeterminate plants continue to grow and produce fruit throughout the growing season until killed by frost.
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Determinate:
  • Growth: Plants stop growing after reaching a certain size and set all their fruit at once. 
  • Size: Generally more compact and bush-like. 
  • Harvest: Fruit ripens within a shorter period, often making them good for canning. 
  • Maintenance: Determinate tomatoes, also known as bush tomatoes, are generally low-maintenance and don't require extensive pruning or staking. They naturally grow to a predetermined size, typically around three feet tall, and have a bushy, compact habit. While they don't need pruning, some support may be helpful when they are laden with fruit
  • Examples: Many bush tomato varieties and certain potato varieties. 
  • Pros: Lower maintenance, concentrated harvest, suitable for smaller spaces. 
  • Cons: May produce less overall fruit, shorter harvest window.

Indeterminate:
  • Growth: Plants continue to grow and produce fruit throughout the growing season. 
  • Size: Can grow much larger, often vining, and require support like stakes or cages. 
  • Harvest: Fruit ripens over a longer period, providing a more extended harvest.
  • Maintenance|: Indeterminate tomatoes require consistent maintenance to thrive, primarily through pruning and staking. Regularly removing side shoots ("suckers") and providing support like stakes or cages is essential for maximizing fruit production and preventing disease
  • Examples: Vining tomato varieties, many potato varieties.
  • Pros: Heavier yields, longer harvest window.
  • Cons: Require more space, more support, and more intensive pruning and maintenance. 

Some of the Tomato varieties we grew for the 2025 GHAS May plant sale

Cherry (indeterminate)
Sweet Aperitif         Sweet Million      Ildi       Gardener's Delight

Plum (indeterminate)
San Manzano

Medium (Indeterminate)
Alicante        Ailsa Craig        Cocktail Crush

Beef Steak (Indeterminate)
Marmande 

Dwarf Patio (Determinate)
Summer Last (Medium)        Tumbling Tiger (Cherry)
Tomato Pests and Diseases-What's Eating/Killing my Plants  www.growingyourownveg.com/tomato-pests-and-diseases.php