How to Grow Tomatoes Upside Down

Growing tomatoes upside down has become a very popular gardening technique. Instead of the traditional method, growing tomatoes in the garden, growing tomatoes upside down has many benefits. Some of those benefits include more tomatoes, less insect problems, less space required, and less time bent over planting and picking tomatoes. Below you will find step-by-step instructions for growing tomatoes upside down.

What you will need to grow tomatoes upside down:

Tomato plants

Soil

5 gallon bucket

Water

Drill and 1-2 inch drill bits

Step 1

Prepare your container for growing tomatoes upside down by choosing a sturdy, 5 gallon bucket with a handle. The first step in doing so is to drill a 1-2 inch hole in the bottom of the bucket. Next fill the bucket with 3-4 inches of potting soil.

Step 2

Next, turn your tomato bucket right side up and hang from a stable hook that is low enough for you to reach inside of the bucket while still touching the bottom. Remove the tomato plant(s) from their original container. Carefully loosen the roots to be able to fit them safely in the hole without injuring the roots or the stem. Once the roots have been pulled inside the bucket from the bottom, spread the roots evenly.

Step 3

Once the plant is in place, fill the remainder of the bucket with potting soil leaving 3-5 inches from the top. Check through out filling, to insure that the tomato plant is hanging upside down and is secure. Water thoroughly and allow to drain, and then water again.

Now that your upside down tomato planter is complete, hang it in a secure location that will allow the plant to get plenty of sunshine. Continue to care for your tomatoes as you would any other bush. Water as needed from the top of the container and fertilize as recommended by a tomato fertilizer or all-purpose fertilizer.

Don't be fooled into only using high-priced upside down tomato hangers such as the Topsy Turvy which run about $50 a piece. There are several other containers that are cheaper, but none as cheap as creating your own. These can be created for less then $5 a piece. If appearance is important, simply paint your upside down tomato hanger any color and decorate with your favorite design. For the money you save and the abundance of tomatoes you will grow, the last thing you will be worried about is the color of your upside down tomato hanger.