Which tomatoes should you choose?
Spring is here, which means it’s finally tomato season! But once you start looking at all the different varieties, it can be hard to know which ones to choose. A good place to start is understanding the two main types of tomatoes and which one will work best in your garden.
The Two Types of Tomatoes
There are two types of tomato plants:
Determinate tomatoes grow to about 3–5 feet tall and produce a set number of fruits over a shorter period of time.
Indeterminate tomatoes grow much taller, often 6–8 feet or more, and continue producing fruit all season long, until the plant eventually dies.
How to Choose the Right One
The best tomato for you mostly depends on how much space you have and what kind of support you can give the plant.
If you have smaller garden beds, a simple obelisk, or very little support, determinate tomatoes are usually the easiest option. They stay relatively compact and manageable, so they won’t take over your entire bed. You may still need to do a little pruning, but overall they’re fairly easy to keep under control.
Some determinate varieties we like are Celebrity, Cherokee Purple, and Patio.
If you have a tall trellis, arch, or sturdy panel, then indeterminate tomatoes are a great choice. These plants can grow quite large and produce lots of fruit, but they do need a bit more attention throughout the season.
Unlike beans or cucumbers, tomato vines don’t naturally grab onto a trellis, so you’ll need to help them along by tying the vines as they grow. It’s a good idea to check on them regularly and tie up any long stems before they flop over.
Tomato stems are surprisingly fragile, so once a vine gets too long and falls, it can break easily if you try to lift it. A little regular tending goes a long way. You can also prune extra branches if the plant starts getting too wild. Tomatoes handle pruning very well and will keep on growing.
Our favorite indeterminate varieties are Sungold, Sweet Million, and Super Sweet 100. They’re some of the most productive and flavorful tomatoes you can grow, in our opinion. :)
Want to Learn More?
If you’d like more detailed tips for growing healthy, productive tomato plants, check out our online course Growing Great Tomatoes. It’s full of helpful information and includes a handy guide to keep you on track throughout the season.