You could also cut off a branch and start that. Many seem to have good luck with that.

If conditions are ideal, which tomato plant will produce more fruit:

One that has been grown by previous tomato plant branches?

or

Starting tomato plants from seeds?

Maybe it doesn't make a difference at all since these are indeterminates.

1. Should I start from new seeds or keep my year old indeterminate?

2. What can I do to keep tomatoes properly watered (if I have clay soil along with plants in containers)?

Generally speaking, you'll get more and better production from a new plant. The odds are that your existing plant has already been stressed beyond its optimum tolerances.

New seed would be the ideal but a cutting, if it takes, will likely also do well IF the parent plant suffers from no stress-induced problems. It's your choice. Better yet, try both and see which works best for you. ;)

As to proper watering levels: container grown plants require much more frequent watering (and feeding) then in-ground plants do. In-ground clay soil needs to be amended with organic matter (compost) and several moisture control potting soil-less mixes (never use garden dirt in a container) are available for use in containers. They retain water in a gel form of additive and release it as needed by the plant. And for those who grow many plants in containers, an automatic drip irrigation system is almost a requirement unless time allows you to monitor and maintain moisture levels daily. They also work exceptionally well for in-ground plants.

Hope this is of help.

Dave

I'd suggest you try both, too. Most of us don't live in areas where they survive year-round, so only those who've nursed them through a year or so are the experts!

I do agree with Dave that new plants would PROBABLY produce most healthily and vigorously. In tropical areas they're considered to be perennials and just continue to grow until they die for some reason not related to cold weather. They'll root along the sprawling stem line if soil conditions are optimal, and that would give the plant new vigor, so who knows if a tomato plant that's "allowed" only one set of roots can adequately nourish itself as it grows larger and larger. Maybe not.

So you'll probably need to test it in your area and see how they do.

Thanks for the advice.

I'll try both and see what happens.

As for watering, installing an automatic drip irrigation system sounds like a good idea. I never really thought of using it because I had always thought it was too expensive to set one up; but, with my plants drying out too often looks like I don't have a choice.

You might want to try soaker hoses. They're pretty cheap. I did them for the first time last year and was very happy with them.