Introduction

Growing determinate and indeterminate tomato plants together can be a bit challenging. Indeterminate tomato plants continue to grow and produce fruit throughout the growing season, while determinate tomato plants only produce fruit for a set period before their growth is limited. However, with the right techniques, you can successfully grow both tomato varieties side by side.

Choose a suitable location

It is crucial to plant your tomato plants in the right location to ensure their growth and fruit production. Choose a sunny location that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. Make sure the soil is fertile, drains well, and has a pH level between 6.0 and 7.0. Indeterminate plants can grow tall and leggy, so it is essential to provide support, such as a trellis or cages, to keep them upright.

Separate the plants

Keeping determinate and indeterminate plants separate can be challenging, especially if you have limited space. Consider separating the plants by at least four feet, allowing adequate space for each plant to grow and prevent them from competing for nutrients and water. You can also grow short determinate plants in the front and taller indeterminate plants in the back to maximize space.

Prune the indeterminate plants

Pruning indeterminate tomato plants is critical to prevent them from taking over the garden and reduce the competition with determinate plants. Remove any suckers that grow between the main stem and branches of the plant, allowing them to focus their energy on fruit production. You can also prune the lower leaves of the plant, allowing more sunlight and air to reach the lower branches of the plant.

Fertilize both plants regularly

Tomato plants require adequate nutrients and water to grow and produce fruit. Regularly fertilize both determinate and indeterminate plants with a balanced tomato fertilizer throughout the growing season. Make sure to follow the recommended application rate and avoid over-fertilizing, which can damage the plants.

Harvest the fruit regularly

Regularly harvest the ripe fruit from both determinate and indeterminate plants throughout the season. Leaving ripe fruit on the plant can slow down the plant's growth and fruit production. Harvesting also allows the plant to focus its energy on producing new fruit.

Conclusion

Growing determinate and indeterminate tomato plants side by side can be a bit challenging, but it is possible with the right techniques. Ensure you choose a suitable location, separate the plants, prune the indeterminate plants, fertilize regularly, and harvest the fruit regularly. Following these steps will ensure a bountiful harvest of delicious tomatoes.