Growing Tomatoes Turvy Upside Down
Scroll down to watch our video on how easy it is to assemble the Topsy Turvy Upside Down Planter!
Don’t miss our outdoor hydroponic garden planter which is also a great solution for growing Herbs, tomatoes, flowers, and vegetables. You also might be interested in our other upside-down patio garden planter.
Now you can achieve dramatic success growing tomatoes, other vegetables, or even flowers in a small area. This planter is ideal for decks, patios, porches, balconies, or even hanging from a tree.
Time Magazine chose the Topsy Turvy as one of their picks for the Amazing Inventions of 2005. They said, “No longer will you have to cage, stake, or weed your tomato plants or battle cutworms and other ruinous critters to put fresh tomatoes on the table.”
You can work or water without having to dig any holes or bend over, and weeding is eliminated.
You don’t have to worry about tomato cages or stakes because the plants grow upside down with gravity. Plants grown upside down will curl upward, looking for the sun. It creates a very interesting and unusual plant with no ugly sprawling. Flowers look particularly interesting grown upside down.
Understanding the Topsy-turvy Method
The Topsy Turvy Tomato Tree utilizes the ingenious upside-down planting method. By reversing the traditional planting approach, it allows gravity to aid in the distribution of water and nutrients directly from the roots to the fruits. This results in healthier plants and, ultimately, tastier tomatoes.
Read More: How To Grow San Marzano Tomatoes
Since the container is mostly covered, it doesn’t need to be watered as much as an open container.
You can grow two tomato plants at once from a Topsy Turvy, which will bring a lot of tomatoes from a small space. Depending on the variety of tomato vine you use, you can get up to 30 lbs of tomatoes at once.
Order potting soil with your Topsy Turvy and save on shipping! An order of coir bricks contains enough material to fill 2 Topsy-turvy planters. With coir, you can cut down on the mess and hassle of carrying bags of potting soil.
Read More: Best Types of Vegetable and Tomato Cage
In the world of home gardening, innovation is key to maximizing yield, minimizing effort, and enjoying the fruits of one’s labor with ease. The Topsy Turvy Tomato Tree stands at the forefront of this revolution, offering garden enthusiasts a unique and efficient way to grow luscious tomatoes. This guide delves into the myriad benefits and practical tips for making the most of your Topsy-turvy Tomato Tree.
Optimal Conditions for Your Tomato Tree
To ensure your Topsy Turvy Tomato Tree thrives, it’s essential to provide it with the right environment. A sunny spot with at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight is ideal. Additionally, using high-quality potting soil and a consistent watering schedule will promote robust growth.
Advantages of the Topsy-turvy Approach
The benefits of the Topsy Turvy Tomato Tree are numerous:
- Reduced Pests and Diseases: With plants off the ground, the risk of soil-borne pests and diseases significantly decreases.
- Ease of maintenance: No more bending or kneeling to tend to your plants. The Topsy-turvy Tomato Tree is accessible and easy to manage.
- Space Efficiency: Perfect for balconies, patios, or small gardens, it maximizes vertical space and eliminates the need for sprawling garden plots.
- Improved Air Circulation: Hanging plants receive better airflow, which is crucial for preventing fungal diseases and promoting healthy growth.
Choosing the Right Tomato Varieties
Not all tomato varieties are suitable for the Topsy Turvy Tomato Tree. Cherry, grape, and other small-fruited tomatoes are ideal because of their lighter weight and vigorous growth habits. Heirloom varieties can also be used, provided they are pruned to maintain a manageable size.
Setting Up Your topsy-turvy Tomato Tree
Setting up your Topsy Turvy Tomato Tree is a straightforward process:
- Assemble the Stand: Follow the instructions to put together the sturdy stand that will support your tomato tree.
- Prepare the Planter: Insert the tomato plant through the bottom hole of the planter, ensuring the roots are securely inside.
- Add Soil and Water: Fill the planter with soil and water thoroughly. A built-in funnel on top makes watering a breeze.
Caring for Your Tomato Tree
Regular care is vital for a bountiful harvest:
- Watering: Tomatoes require consistent moisture. Check the soil daily and water as needed to keep it evenly moist.
- Fertilizing: Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every two weeks to provide essential nutrients.
- Pruning: Remove any suckers and non-fruiting branches to direct the plant’s energy towards producing tomatoes.
Harvesting Your Tomatoes
When your tomatoes are vibrant and slightly soft to the touch, they are ready to be picked. Gently twist the fruit off the vine, and enjoy the fresh, homegrown flavor.
What customers are saying
I purchased a Topsy-Turvy planter from your website this spring and am quite happy with the results. Today I picked the first of the ripe red tomatoes and they were delicious. In the past, I had very little luck with growing tomatoes. Either my soil wasn’t right, the locations I tried weren’t sunny enough, or the plants would get diseases. The Topsy-Turvy seemed to eliminate these issues.
The only problem I encountered was in watering the tomatoes. You suggested applying the water to the tomatoes in a slow (drip, drip, drip) manner instead of just pouring it into the top of the container. That is very time-consuming. I found that a plastic drinking glass (I used a “Solo” 18 oz. cup) would fit between the wires that the container hangs from, with the bottom of the cup directly over the Topsy-Turvy opening.
Read More: Plant the Tastiest Homegrown Tomatoes Varieties
I used the point of a straight pin to puncture a very small hole in the bottom of the cup. This allows me to pour water from a larger container into the cup. With the hot weather we’ve been having lately, I’ve had to fill the cup 4 or 5 times a day, so I just leave the cup in place and fill it when needed. It takes 10 to 15 minutes for all of the water to drain out of the cup. I just thought I’d pass this idea along. Thanks for a great product.
Read More: Amazing Gardening Ideas Every Homeowner Should Consider Trying
Customer tips for using the Topsy-turvy
We’ve received some great advice from people using the Topsy-turvy. See what they have to say!
“During the recent hot weather, my tomato plant wilted seriously every afternoon when it received direct sunlight, even when the soil inside was well watered. The outside of the bag was warm to the touch, and I suspected that the roots were not happy in warm soil, so I wrapped the root bag in aluminum foil to deflect the heat. Bingo! My plant stays perky all day, every day, and is setting blooms left and right.”
“I am trying the topsy-turvy for the first time this year. I found a two-liter plastic bottle that works just fine. Use a needle to put a hole in the bottom and one in the neck of the bottle close to the cap. If you put the hole in the cap it may reseal. This will allow it to drip a little at a time. “
Conclusion: The Future of Home Gardening
The Topsy-turvy Tomato Tree is more than just a gardening tool; it’s a symbol of the evolving landscape of home horticulture. It represents a move towards more sustainable, efficient, and enjoyable gardening practices. Embrace the change and join the ranks of satisfied gardeners who have discovered the joys of the Topsy-turvy Tomato Tree.
Read More: Growing Hanging Tomatoes Method