Determinant and Indeterminate Tomatoes

Q. Please explain the difference between a "determinate" and an "indeterminate" variety of tomato.

A. A determinate tomato plant grows to a certain size, then produces its fruit all at once and generally does not grow much larger after the fruit is set. An indeterminate tomato plant, on the other hand, keeps on growing and setting fruit at regular intervals along the main stem all season long. Because of its constant growth, this variety benefits from caging or staking, as well as regular pinching out of any side shoots that develop in the axils or the main stem and the side branches.