Topsy Turvey Tomatoes

[Bigmallly]

Hi, I have loads of flower buckets spare and was thinking of growing some upside down toms or any veg for that matter. I was wondering if anyone had tried it and with what success. As always, advice is greatfully received.

[Florence Fennel]

I have enough trouble growing them the right way up Mally, but I'll be interested in the responses you get

[di]

I saw a planter to grow upside down tomatoes yesterday...forgive my ignorance but...why???

[hollychap]

I tried them last year only cause i bought an upside down planter bag thingy at a bootsale no noticeable differance

[Sarico]

i tried last year but it didn't last that long.. a strong wind snap the tomatoes plant and when you water the water was damping the stem and i think that made the plant weak...maybe because i'm new to garden i did somethin wrong....

[Matt94]

from the reviews ive heard the toms try to grow upwards anyway (when planted upside down), so you would end up with a bent 'u' shaped tomato stem!

[shirleycox]

The biggest problem in growing topsy turvery is the need for constant watering in the summer months, and tomatoes dying early. Remember, the soil bag only holds about 11 quarts in one of these hanging planters, so the root system is not going to be huge. Don’t expect a full sized cherry tomato plant that’s grown to be 6 or 7 feet long with dozens of tomatoes on it to be supported by that small root bag. The original design of the Topsy Turvy had some water retention rings in it to address the need for watering, but that’s apparently been taken out over the last few years, probably as a cost savings.

[Bigmallly]

Thanks for your replies.....I looked at various vids on utube last night and must admit I was quite impressed at what I saw. One thing that did puzzle me was one of the guys emphacized making sure the planter was full to the top with soil as when he looked at his half filled planter, roots were growing out of the top........still can't get my head round that one.

[Sarico]

from the reviews ive heard the toms try to grow upwards anyway (when planted upside down), so you would end up with a bent 'u' shaped tomato stem!

You are right that what happen to me. It tried to reach the light so I had this u shape plant and with a strong wind just snapped. Never again

[Bigmallly]

Thanks, so it looks like toms are out of the question. Any other veggies worth a go? or just forget the whole idea.

[pauco]

Flower buckets for Toms good idea gives the roots space to spreadout.
As for upside down Tom's forget it!!

paul.

[Potstubsdustbins]

BM are you considering this just for fun or do you want to grow on a wall to save space?

I use ordinary hanging baskets for my Tumbler with great success.

Colin

[Bigmallly]

BM are you considering this just for fun or do you want to grow on a wall to save space?

I use ordinary hanging baskets for my Tumbler with great success.

Colin

Just for fun and curiosity really as I picked up some trailing toms so was thinking of putting the toms in the bottom and maybe petunias in the top.

[veggiechicken]

This is a daft question (just for a change)!
Are you talking about Morrison type flower buckets?
If so:- what size hole would you cut in the bottom for the tomato plant:
how do you stop the soil falling out:
how do you hang up the bucket?
I feel I''m missing something crucial here!

Lateral thinking kicking in now - could you put the holes in the sides of the bucket and plant a couple of tomatoes in it. Then petunias ofrwhatever in the top - and sit the pot on a wall or solid base?

[Bigmallly]

This is a daft question (just for a change)!
Are you talking about Morrison type flower buckets?
If so:- what size hole would you cut in the bottom for the tomato plant:
how do you stop the soil falling out:
how do you hang up the bucket?
I feel I''m missing something crucial here!

Lateral thinking kicking in now - could you put the holes in the sides of the bucket and plant a couple of tomatoes in it. Then petunias ofrwhatever in the top - and sit the pot on a wall or solid base?

Was toying around with both ideas, bottom and side planting, holes would be about 2" diameter, push the plant through the hole, secure it from the inside with some kind of slitted collar maybe cardboard as you would use for cabbage root fly. The flower bucket would have wire fastened round the top and a wire handle attached. Hope that makes sense..........