Determinate tomatoes are small, compact plants. They grow to a certain height, stop, then flower and set all their fruit within a short period of time. The harvest period for determinate tomatoes is generally short, making them good choices for canning. Indeterminate tomatoes continue to grow, flower, and set fruit until killed by the first frost in the fall. Accordingly, the harvest from indeterminate varieties often extends over a 2 or 3 month period.
Yields are generally heavier than determinate types, but are usually later to mature.
Indeterminate tomatoes are tall, sprawling plants which often perform best when supported by stakes or a tall wire cage. Transplant tomatoes into the garden after the danger of frost is past. In central Iowa, May 10 is the suggested planting date. Gardeners in southern Iowa can plant one week earlier, while those in northern areas should wait an extra week. The last practical date for planting tomatoes is approximately June 20.