Let’s not turn the whole world upside down, but maybe just our tomatoes!
Growing tomato plants upside down is a novelty technique that lets you hang your tomato plants from above, saving space and keeping pests at bay.
Don’t worry, this isn’t anything that complicated – all you have to do is sow the seedlings in a container and then invert its position. This means that the roots will be at the top and the rest of the plant is facing the ground.
Nonetheless, we will delve into more detail and share some tips on how to do it properly. Stay tuned to find out more!
Tips For Growing Tomatoes Upside Down
Before you start planting and growing, it’s important to find the best tomato variety suitable for growing upside down. It’s better to opt for smaller varieties like red currant, grape or cherry tomatoes because they won’t weigh down the planter.
Once you’ve picked out the tomato you want to grow, it’s time to choose a planter suitable for growing tomatoes. You can pick a specialty hanging planter or delve into DIY projects and make one on your own – simply use a 5 gallon plastic bucket and drill out a 2-inch long gap in the bottom.
First, you will need to prepare your container for planting. Add window screens or landscape material to the bottom of the planter. Alternatively, you can wrap it in several layers of newspaper.
Next stop is the potting soil. Fill about ¾ of the container with potting soil and then add some vermiculite. Leave 2 to 3 inches of empty space at the top. I wouldn’t recommend using ground soil because it doesn’t have proper drainage and nutrient availability.
In case you are using a bucket, you should put on the lid. Tilt the planter to the side and put the seedlings in – this is why covering might help to prevent any soil from spilling out. Then, make a cross-cut in the material and the soil at the bottom and put your seedling in.
The roots of the seedlings should be covered with newspaper to avoid damaging them. Now, you should look for a strong hook to hang the planter and wait patiently for your little tomatoes!
You might also find this interesting: Here’s How To Grow Tomatoes On An Arched Trellis
Why Is this A Reliable Method?
I know that growing tomatoes upside down sounds crazy, but it totally works!
First of all, you save up a lot of space because these vertical growers can produce bountiful tomatoes even when hanging on balconies or patios. Additionally, hanging in the air allows for better air circulation, which helps with pollination and reduces the risk of fungal diseases.
The best part of this is that you don’t have to crouch when taking care of tomato plants – in this case, you simply stand over them. Plus, your upside down tomatoes will get better sunlight because you can put them wherever you want!