Before a few years ago, I had no idea there was a difference in types of tomato plants. Now, I knew there were different varieties, Beefsteak, Roma, Early Girl, etc., but I had no idea there was a difference in the plants themselves. Tomatoes come in either a determinate or indeterminate variety, meaning they have two very different growth and production habits. Maybe I paid no attention to them because confession: I don’t like tomatoes. I think they’re disgusting. I tried one two days ago just to confirm I still hate them. And I do. We all have shortcomings, this is one of mine and I’m ok with that. I grow tomatoes for everyone else in my family who loves them.

I know it’s the middle of July and well into the tomato growing season. But I decided to post this now as a reminder to myself next year to be more aware of the varieties I plant. I have a decent sized vegetable garden, but one could say my toxic trait is not necessarily believing what plant labels say in regards to how big a plant will grow. (I won’t even get into my pumpkin planting situation that is taking up the entire south end of my garden…) I intentionally planted both determinate and indeterminate tomato plants thinking I had plenty of room for both. I put cages around them and was ready for them to take off.

Well, take off they did. I was out in my garden yesterday, and my indeterminate tomato had just fallen over, cage and all. Bam. Like a tree in the woods.

So my son and I spent the evening trying to rig up a system to hold the cage up until my husband will be home and can help me secure it. We tried pounding a T-post into the ground to secure the cage to, but we couldn’t get it deep enough to stay stable. We ended up tying a rope to one fence post, looping it around the cage as we held it upright, and tying the other end of the rope to a post on the other side of the garden.

Here are the main differences in determinate and indeterminate tomato plants:

Determinate: Plant will only grow to a determined height based on the breed of the plant, typically 2-4′ and will appear more shrub like. Determinate tomato plants are great for container gardening or gardening in a smaller space. This variety will set most of its fruit within a few weeks and then the plant will be mostly done.

Indeterminate: Plant will continue to grow and produce throughout the growing season. It may need some pruning, if desired, as the plant can reach over 6′ tall if supported correctly. This variety is great if you have ample space in your garden.

So next year, I plan to grab a 16′ hog panel from my local feed store and some t-posts from my yard and create an arbor for the indeterminate tomatoes to grow up. Here is a great tutorial from DIY Type on how to build a Cattle Panel Arched Trellis.

What are your vegetable garden wins and fails?! Let me know in the comments below. Happy Gardening!