Tomato – Tiny Tim

Urban Homesteading

Description

Tiny Tim Tomatoes are a type of dwarf determinate tomato plant that produces small, flavorful fruits that
are typically around 1 inch in diameter. The plant grows to around 12-18 inches tall and is ideal for container gardening or for those with limited garden space. 

These tomatoes have a sweet flavor with a slight tang and are great for snacking, salads, or making sauces.
They are also ideal for growing in cooler climates or for those who want to start their tomato plants early in the season.

Tiny Tim Tomatoes are relatively easy to grow and can thrive in a variety of conditions, including in full sun or partial shade. They prefer well-drained soil and regular watering, but they can tolerate periods of drought.

One of the main benefits of growing Tiny Tim Tomatoes is that they are incredibly productive and can yield
an abundance of fruits throughout the growing season. Additionally, their small size makes them ideal for growing in small spaces or for those with limited mobility.

Overall, Tiny Tim Tomatoes are an excellent choice for anyone who loves fresh, homegrown tomatoes but doesn’t
have the space or time to grow larger, traditional varieties.

Nomenclature

Common Name
NameTomato
VarietyTiny Tim
Classification
Native ToSouth America
Invasive☒ No
Pet/Human Danger☑ (See Uses)
Botanical Name
FamilySOLANACEAE
GenusSolanum
Specieslycopersicum
Pollination
Requires?☑ Yes
TypeOpen

Cultivation

Sowing
Germination7-14 Days
Start Indoors6-8 weeks before last frost
Direct SowWarmer climates only
To Bloom / Harvest50 Days
Suitable For
Container☑ Yes
Inground☑ Yes
Small Space☑ Yes
Maturity Size
Plant Height12-18 Inch
Plant Width10-14 Inch
Root TypeFiberous
Root Depth10-14 Inch
Uses
Edible☑ Fruit
Medicinal☒ No
Toxicity☑ Leaves, Roots, Stem
Ornamental☒ No
Spacing
Between Plants12 Inch
Between Rows12 Inch
Sowing Depth1/4 Inch
Thin To6 Inch
Growing Conditions
Soil TypeRich, Loam
Soil PHSlightly Acidic (6.0 – 6.8)
SunFull Sun, Filtered Sun
WaterAverage, Not Wet
WindLight Wind / Some Shelter
Temperatures5°C to 27°C   (41°F to 80°F)
ResistancesRabbit Resistant
Nutrition
Heavy Feeder☑ Yes
Depletes Soil OfNitrogen
Hardiness
Life CycleAnnual
Hardiness ZoneN/A

Common Problems

Tomatoes can be temperamental plants and it takes a long time to master their growing techniques. Even the most experienced of growers can face common problems. Here are some of the most common issues growers face.

Overwatered Tomatoes

Over watering and under watering are two common problems that can cause serious damage to tomato plants. Over watering will leave the soil waterlogged, thereby suffocating the roots and preventing them from absorbing nutrients. This causes yellowing of leaves, wilting, root rot and an overall stunted growth in your tomato plants. On the other hand, under watering will lead to dehydration of plant cells which results in curling or rolling of leaves along with brittle stems that break easily when touched.

Yellowing Leaves on Tomatoes

One of the most common causes is nutrient deficiencies, particularly nitrogen deficiency. When there is not enough nitrogen available in the soil, the older leaves at the bottom of the plant start to yellow and die off. Another reason for yellowing leaves could be overwatering or poor drainage, which can lead to root rot and prevent essential nutrients from reaching the plant’s foliage. In addition, pests such as spider mites and aphids can also cause leaf yellowing by sucking out sap from plant tissues. Finally, diseases like fusarium wilt and early blight may also contribute to yellowing leaves on tomato plants. 

Sunburnt Tomato Plant

Sunburnt tomato plants exhibit several signs and symptoms, primarily due to excessive exposure to direct sunlight. The leaves of the sunburnt plants may appear wilted, yellow or brown in color, as well as dry and crispy to touch. In severe cases, the edges of the leaves may even become curled up and brittle. Additionally, burnt spots might start appearing on fruits that are exposed to direct sunlight for prolonged periods; these spots can turn black or dark brown over time. Other common indicators include stunted growth and reduced fruit production compared to healthy tomato plants grown under similar conditions.

Wilted Tomato Plant

Wilting tomato plants are a problem that many gardeners face and can be caused by several factors. One common reason is underwatering, which causes the soil to become too dry and unable to provide enough water for the plant. Overwatering, on the other hand, can lead to root rot and cause wilting as well. Another possible reason is pest infestation, such as spider mites or aphids that feed on the plant’s leaves and stems, causing them to wilt. Wilting may also occur due to extreme temperatures or lack of proper nutrition in soil or fertilizer. Lastly, disease infections like fusarium wilt or bacterial canker could result in wilting tomato plants too if not treated early enough.

Common Diseases

Tomatoes are susceptible to a variety of garden diseases. Listed below are the most common diseases, with informative links on how to identify, how to prevent, and how to treat them.

Early Blight

Early Blight is a common fungal disease that affects tomato plants, caused by the fungus Alternaria solani. The disease typically attacks the lower leaves of the plant, causing circular lesions with dark brown or black concentric rings. These lesions can expand and cause defoliation of the plant over time.

Please click here to learn more about this disease, including how to identify, treat, and prevent this disease.

Late Blight

Late blight is a serious and highly contagious fungal disease that affects a variety of plants, most notably tomatoes and potatoes. It is caused by the pathogen Phytophthora infestans and can cause devastating damage to crops, resulting in complete loss of yield if left untreated. Symptoms of late blight include irregular-shaped water-soaked lesions on leaves and stems, as well as white moldy patches on the underside of leaves. It is important for gardeners to monitor for and promptly treat late blight to prevent its spread and protect crops.

Please click here to learn more about late blight, including how to identify, treat, and prevent this disease.

Blossom End Rot

Blossom end rot is a common disorder that typically affects tomatoes but can also affect peppers, eggplants, and other vegetables. The condition is characterized by dark, sunken areas that form on the blossom end (the point where the fruit connects to the stem) of the fruit. Blossom end rot is caused by a calcium deficiency in the plant, often due to fluctuations in soil moisture levels or an insufficient supply of water and nutrients to the plant. If not addressed, blossom end rot can lead to further damage to the fruit and a reduced yield for growers.

Please click here to learn more about this disease, including how to identify, treat, and prevent this disease.

Botrytis

Botrytis is a type of fungus that affects a wide range of plants and crops, causing a disease known as “gray mold.” It thrives in cool and moist environments and typically infects plants that have been damaged or are already weakened. Botrytis can cause significant damage to crops and is a common problem in agriculture and horticulture. It is also a concern for those who collect and store fruits, vegetables, and flowers.

Please click here to learn more about this disease, including how to identify, treat, and prevent this disease.

Powdery Mildew

Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that affects the leaves, stems, and flowers of plants. It appears as a white or gray powdery coating on the surface of affected plant parts and can cause them to become distorted or discolored. Powdery mildew can weaken plants and make them more vulnerable to other diseases and pests. It is a common problem in many crops, including grapes, cucumbers, roses, and squash.

Please click here to learn more about powdery mildew, including how to identify, treat, and prevent this disease.

Fusarium Wilt

Fusarium Wilt is a fungal disease that affects many plants, including bananas, tomatoes, cucumbers, and other vegetables. It infects the roots of the plant and causes wilt, yellowing of leaves, stunted growth, and ultimately death of the plant. The disease is carried through infected soil, seeds, and plant debris, and can spread quickly through a crop. There is no cure for Fusarium Wilt.

Please click here to learn more about this disease, including how to identify, treat, and prevent this disease.

Root Rot

Fusarium root rot is a fungal disease that affects a wide range of plants, including vegetables, fruits, and ornamentals. It typically causes wilting, yellowing, stunting, and eventually death of the affected plant. The fungus infects the roots and often spreads to the stem, inhibiting the plant’s ability to absorb water and nutrients from the soil. The disease can be spread through soil, plant debris, and contaminated tools, and can persist in soil for several years. Prevention includes planting disease-resistant varieties, rotating crops, and practicing good sanitation measures. Treatment options include fungicides and cultural practices such as improving soil drainage and reducing soil compaction.

Please click here to learn more about this disease, including how to identify, treat, and prevent this disease.

Common Pests

Garden pests love tomatoes, and they are sure to be a problem for most gardeners. Listed below are the most common pests, with informative links on how to identify, how to prevent, and how to rid of them.

Aphids

Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that feed on the sap of plants. They are often found in large groups on the undersides of leaves and can cause damage to plants by stunting growth, yellowing leaves, and spreading disease. They are a common pest in gardens and can be controlled through various methods such as natural predators, insecticides, and pruning of heavily infested leaves.

Blister Beetle

Blister beetles feed on the leaves and flowers of various plants, including vegetables, fruits, and ornamental plants. The beetle gets its name from its ability to release a harmful chemical called cantharidin, which causes blisters and irritation when it comes in contact with human skin. Additionally, the feeding habits of blister beetles can lead to significant damage to the plants in your garden, potentially resulting in reduced yields or plant death.

Cutworm

Cutworms are the larvae of various species of moth and are common garden pests. They can eat through the stems of young plants causing them to wilt, collapse and eventually die. Cutworms can be particularly damaging to vegetable gardens, but can also cause harm to ornamental plants. They typically feed at night, so gardeners may not notice their presence until damage has already occurred. Cutworms can also feed on the roots of plants as well as leaves. Controlling cutworms can be difficult as they are often hidden in the soil or under debris during the day.

Earwig

An earwig is a small, dark insect that has pincers on its back end. They can harm your garden by eating holes in leaves, flowers, and vegetables. Earwigs are attracted to damp, dark places, and will hide in mulch, compost, or under rocks during the day. At night, they come out to feed on plants. If left unchecked, earwigs can cause significant damage to plants and crops, making them unsightly and reducing their yield.

Hornworm

A hornworm is a type of caterpillar that feeds on the leaves and fruit of plants, particularly tomatoes and peppers. They can grow up to 4 inches in length and have a distinctive horn or spike on their back. Hornworms can cause significant damage to gardens by defoliating plants, eating entire leaves and fruits, and spreading diseases. They are often difficult to spot due to their green color and tendency to blend in with plant foliage. If left unchecked, a small infestation of hornworms can quickly become a major problem for a garden.

Early Blight

Early Blight is a common fungal disease that affects tomato plants, caused by the fungus Alternaria solani. The disease typically attacks the lower leaves of the plant, causing circular lesions with dark brown or black concentric rings. These lesions can expand and cause defoliation of the plant over time.

Please click here to learn more about this disease, including how to identify, treat, and prevent this disease.

Early Blight

Early Blight is a common fungal disease that affects tomato plants, caused by the fungus Alternaria solani. The disease typically attacks the lower leaves of the plant, causing circular lesions with dark brown or black concentric rings. These lesions can expand and cause defoliation of the plant over time.

Please click here to learn more about this disease, including how to identify, treat, and prevent this disease.

Early Blight

Early Blight is a common fungal disease that affects tomato plants, caused by the fungus Alternaria solani. The disease typically attacks the lower leaves of the plant, causing circular lesions with dark brown or black concentric rings. These lesions can expand and cause defoliation of the plant over time.

Please click here to learn more about this disease, including how to identify, treat, and prevent this disease.

Early Blight

Early Blight is a common fungal disease that affects tomato plants, caused by the fungus Alternaria solani. The disease typically attacks the lower leaves of the plant, causing circular lesions with dark brown or black concentric rings. These lesions can expand and cause defoliation of the plant over time.

Please click here to learn more about this disease, including how to identify, treat, and prevent this disease.

Beneficial Bugs

While tomatoes have a number of diseases and pests we need to watch out for, there are also some beneficial bugs that we want to have around our tomato plants as they can help steer away common pests and diseases.

Ladybug

Ladybugs are natural predators to several garden pests like aphids, mites, and whiteflies. The ladybug larvae can consume up to 400 aphids in their lifetime, controlling the pest population naturally. Additionally, ladybugs do not harm plant foliage or flowers and do not pose any threat to humans or pets. By introducing ladybugs into your garden, you can promote a healthy and balanced ecosystem while reducing the need for harmful pesticides that can harm beneficial insects and pollinators.

Please click here to learn more about ladybugs, including how to identify and invite this beneficial insect into your garden.

Early Blight

Early Blight is a common fungal disease that affects tomato plants, caused by the fungus Alternaria solani. The disease typically attacks the lower leaves of the plant, causing circular lesions with dark brown or black concentric rings. These lesions can expand and cause defoliation of the plant over time.

Please click here to learn more about this disease, including how to identify, treat, and prevent this disease.

Early Blight

Early Blight is a common fungal disease that affects tomato plants, caused by the fungus Alternaria solani. The disease typically attacks the lower leaves of the plant, causing circular lesions with dark brown or black concentric rings. These lesions can expand and cause defoliation of the plant over time.

Please click here to learn more about this disease, including how to identify, treat, and prevent this disease.

Early Blight

Early Blight is a common fungal disease that affects tomato plants, caused by the fungus Alternaria solani. The disease typically attacks the lower leaves of the plant, causing circular lesions with dark brown or black concentric rings. These lesions can expand and cause defoliation of the plant over time.

Please click here to learn more about this disease, including how to identify, treat, and prevent this disease.

Early Blight

Early Blight is a common fungal disease that affects tomato plants, caused by the fungus Alternaria solani. The disease typically attacks the lower leaves of the plant, causing circular lesions with dark brown or black concentric rings. These lesions can expand and cause defoliation of the plant over time.

Please click here to learn more about this disease, including how to identify, treat, and prevent this disease.

Early Blight

Early Blight is a common fungal disease that affects tomato plants, caused by the fungus Alternaria solani. The disease typically attacks the lower leaves of the plant, causing circular lesions with dark brown or black concentric rings. These lesions can expand and cause defoliation of the plant over time.

Please click here to learn more about this disease, including how to identify, treat, and prevent this disease.

Early Blight

Early Blight is a common fungal disease that affects tomato plants, caused by the fungus Alternaria solani. The disease typically attacks the lower leaves of the plant, causing circular lesions with dark brown or black concentric rings. These lesions can expand and cause defoliation of the plant over time.

Please click here to learn more about this disease, including how to identify, treat, and prevent this disease.

Early Blight

Early Blight is a common fungal disease that affects tomato plants, caused by the fungus Alternaria solani. The disease typically attacks the lower leaves of the plant, causing circular lesions with dark brown or black concentric rings. These lesions can expand and cause defoliation of the plant over time.

Please click here to learn more about this disease, including how to identify, treat, and prevent this disease.

Early Blight

Early Blight is a common fungal disease that affects tomato plants, caused by the fungus Alternaria solani. The disease typically attacks the lower leaves of the plant, causing circular lesions with dark brown or black concentric rings. These lesions can expand and cause defoliation of the plant over time.

Please click here to learn more about this disease, including how to identify, treat, and prevent this disease.

Companion Plants

One of the best ways to ensure healthy tomato plants, is by planting your tomatoes with some companion plants. These planting pairs can help with disease and pest management, and they can also provide a mutually beneficial relationship to your tomato plants as well as your companion plants, allowing for strong, healthy plants.

Basil

Basil is known to repel certain pests that could harm tomato plants, such as tomato hornworms and fruit flies. Additionally, basil helps attract beneficial insects such as bees, which aid in pollination. Basil also enriches the soil with essential nutrients while promoting healthy microbial activity. Therefore, planting basil near tomato plants is an excellent way to keep them thriving and produce a bountiful harvest.

Please click here to learn more about basil, including different varieties to grow.

Early Blight

Early Blight is a common fungal disease that affects tomato plants, caused by the fungus Alternaria solani. The disease typically attacks the lower leaves of the plant, causing circular lesions with dark brown or black concentric rings. These lesions can expand and cause defoliation of the plant over time.

Please click here to learn more about this disease, including how to identify, treat, and prevent this disease.

Early Blight

Early Blight is a common fungal disease that affects tomato plants, caused by the fungus Alternaria solani. The disease typically attacks the lower leaves of the plant, causing circular lesions with dark brown or black concentric rings. These lesions can expand and cause defoliation of the plant over time.

Please click here to learn more about this disease, including how to identify, treat, and prevent this disease.

Early Blight

Early Blight is a common fungal disease that affects tomato plants, caused by the fungus Alternaria solani. The disease typically attacks the lower leaves of the plant, causing circular lesions with dark brown or black concentric rings. These lesions can expand and cause defoliation of the plant over time.

Please click here to learn more about this disease, including how to identify, treat, and prevent this disease.

Early Blight

Early Blight is a common fungal disease that affects tomato plants, caused by the fungus Alternaria solani. The disease typically attacks the lower leaves of the plant, causing circular lesions with dark brown or black concentric rings. These lesions can expand and cause defoliation of the plant over time.

Please click here to learn more about this disease, including how to identify, treat, and prevent this disease.

Early Blight

Early Blight is a common fungal disease that affects tomato plants, caused by the fungus Alternaria solani. The disease typically attacks the lower leaves of the plant, causing circular lesions with dark brown or black concentric rings. These lesions can expand and cause defoliation of the plant over time.

Please click here to learn more about this disease, including how to identify, treat, and prevent this disease.

Early Blight

Early Blight is a common fungal disease that affects tomato plants, caused by the fungus Alternaria solani. The disease typically attacks the lower leaves of the plant, causing circular lesions with dark brown or black concentric rings. These lesions can expand and cause defoliation of the plant over time.

Please click here to learn more about this disease, including how to identify, treat, and prevent this disease.

Early Blight

Early Blight is a common fungal disease that affects tomato plants, caused by the fungus Alternaria solani. The disease typically attacks the lower leaves of the plant, causing circular lesions with dark brown or black concentric rings. These lesions can expand and cause defoliation of the plant over time.

Please click here to learn more about this disease, including how to identify, treat, and prevent this disease.

Early Blight

Early Blight is a common fungal disease that affects tomato plants, caused by the fungus Alternaria solani. The disease typically attacks the lower leaves of the plant, causing circular lesions with dark brown or black concentric rings. These lesions can expand and cause defoliation of the plant over time.

Please click here to learn more about this disease, including how to identify, treat, and prevent this disease.

It’s important to note that the size, water requirements, and light requirements of companion plants should be considered before planting beneficial pairs.

Additional Notes

None

Be sure to check out the full library! I am constantly working to grow the library and update it as often as possible. If you have a suggestion for a species you do not currently see listed, please contact me and I will work to get is listed.

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