What is the difference between indeterminate and determinate?

Indeterminate and determinate are terms used to describe the growth habit of certain plants, particularly tomatoes. Here is a brief overview of the differences between indeterminate and determinate plants:

• Indeterminate plants: Indeterminate plants are plants that continue to grow and produce new flowers and fruit throughout the growing season. They do not have a predetermined size or shape, and they can grow indefinitely until the end of the season. Indeterminate tomatoes are often called "vining tomatoes" because they grow long vines that need to be staked or supported.

• Determinate plants: Determinate plants are plants that grow to a predetermined size and shape, and then stop growing. They typically produce all of their flowers and fruit at once, and then die back at the end of the season. Determinate tomatoes are often called "bush tomatoes" because they grow into a compact, bushy shape that does not require staking.