Using the Topsy Turvy Upside Down Tomato Grower - 3 Great Tips For Success!

Using the Topsy Turvy Upside Down Tomato Grower - 3 Great Tips For Success!
By Lisa Sliwa

If you enjoy experimenting with cool gadgets and creative gardening methods, the Topsy Turvy upside down tomato grower is one planter you should have in your collection. Since your friends probably won't expect to see a tomato plant growing down from the rafters rather than up from the ground, hanging one of these planters near a patio seating area is sure to be a conversation starter - even more so if your plant is loaded with ripe red fruit! However, there are a few tricks to growing great tomatoes in a Topsy Turvy. Read on to discover 3 tips to using an upside down tomato grower successfully.

1. Don't underestimate how heavy wet dirt can be! Once you fill up your planter, it has to be lifted and hung high enough to give your tomato plants room to grow down - at least 5 to 6 feet. You may want to enlist a friend to help you get your planter situated overhead, and you'll want to use a sturdy hook and a solid support for hanging, as the bag will only get heavier when it is watered. The pretty and popular iron hooks that stake into the ground will probably not be strong enough to hold your plant without toppling. An arbor, pergola, or porch overhang would be a better choice.

2. Do lighten the load by mixing perlite or peat moss into your potting mixture and only filling the bag part way. This is also a great strategy for helping your plant retain water, as the effects of wind and sun on the planter bag may hasten the evaporation of the water in the bag.

3. Do remember that when you water your plants, they will drip a bit, and be mindful that you have not hung your upside down tomato grower where the runoff will cause any staining of whatever is underneath. Although the water itself is generally not an issue, minerals from the dirt will run off with the water and may discolor cement floors or outdoor fabrics and furniture.

Growing tomatoes upside down will be a novel experience for most backyard gardeners. Many people are delighted when they realize that a lot of the tasks associated with growing tomatoes in the ground, like weeding, are not required when growing tomatoes overhead. On the other hand, learning to use this new method can be confusing at first. If you follow the tips listed above, this easy method may quickly become your preferred way of growing tomatoes at home.

While experimenting with your planter, you will realize that tomatoes are not the only thing you can grow upside down. You can also try cucumbers, squash, and green peppers in your upside down tomato grower. There are also planters made specifically for growing strawberries and hot peppers! You can find these innovative products along with more great growing tips here.

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5 Great Tips For Upside Down Tomatoes

5 Great Tips For Upside Down Tomatoes
By Donald S Short

You may think that planting tomatoes in a pot or in a garden is the only way to grow them but you're mistaken. Surprisingly, there is another way of growing tomatoes. You can actually grow them upside down! This may seem unusual and odd but it actually works and has a lot of advantages. One advantage is that you won't have to bend down for digging and weeding. Another is that since the plant is hanging above the ground, they will be protected from contracting ground based pests, soil based fungi and diseases.

Intrigued? Well, if you are and you want to try your hand in growing upside down tomatoes, follow these tips:

Tip 1: Not All Plants Are Created Equal

There are certain types of plants that grow best upside down. Tomato plants that grow well in pots also grow well upside down. The popular types for pots are the Bragger, Brandywine, Celebrity, Delicious, Early Girl, Fantastic, Floradel, Husky Gold, Oregon Spring, Stupice and Walter. Indeterminate and cherry tomato plants are also an option just make sure you are prepared for the length since you do not want to stumble around your floor.

Tip 2: Water Is Essential

If you decide to grow tomatoes upside down, you will need to consider the manner in which you water them. Obviously, you can't water them the way you water potted tomato plants. These tomatoes will be suspended above the ground so you will need to use a hose pipe or a water wand extension to reach high places. This will make watering easier and hassle free. Water them once a day or twice if necessary during summer.

Remember to water them regularly since the roots of your upside down tomato plant can't absorb the same level of moisture as the roots of tomato plants planted in the garden.

Tip 3: The Denser The Better

A good soil makes or breaks your tomato plant. The roots of your plant absorb nutrients from the soil so it is important to give them a good and enriching soil. For tomato plants grown upside down, the denser the soil the more it retains moisture and stops excess drainage which is a problem for upside down tomato plants. Regular potting soil is find but if you really want your soil to be dense, use garden soil mixed with peat moss and vermiculite.

Tip 4: Start Them Young

To prepare your tomato plant in growing upside down, plant them in a small pot. This ensures that the root ball is small enough to fit into a hole note bigger than 3 inches in diameter.

When you're ready to transplant, help them to get used to the idea of plying upside down by laying the plant on its side outdoors for a few days. This makes sure that the underside of the leaves of your plant will get used to receiving sunlight.

Tip 5: Location Is Everything

You tomato plant will need lots of sunlight for essential nutrients so it is important to position your plant well within the range of sunlight. Your upside down plant will need 6 or 8 hours of direct sunlight. Be wary though, sunlight may be important but shade is too. Too much heat and it can reduce the moisture in the soil so make sure to keep most of the root bag in the shade.

A great technique to employ is to hang your bag next to a wall that will receive sunlight because the reflected heat will help your plant.

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