How to Grow Topsy-Turvey Tomatoes in Plastic Jugs

Use a dwarf tomato seedling for upside down plants.

The Topsy-Turvey tomato hanger is a brand-name tomato planter designed to grow tomatoes upside down. The theory behind this is that the planters take less space, the plants don't need staking, less disease and pests bother the plants, there is better air circulation, the tomatoes don't crack from sitting on a wet ground and they can be moved. You don't need to spend money on the actual planter. Many containers work for housing upside down tomato plants -- even empty jugs. Select the largest jug possible and use the smallest, dwarf tomatoes for the best results.

Things You'll Need

• Dwarf variety tomato seedling
• Clean plastic jug
• Box knife
• Hole punch
• Two wire coat hangers
• Newspaper
• Potting soil
• Hook
• Mulch
• Fertilizer

Instructions

1. Cut the bottom off of a clean jug and remove the cap from the top. Punch holes in the center-bottom of each side of the jug. Feed a wire, such as an opened coat hanger, through the holes to fashion a new hanger for the planter. This hanger will be at the top after finishing the planter.

2. Line the top funnel part of the jug with black and white newspaper and turn it upside down.

3. Insert a tomato plant into the funnel part of the jug so it hangs upside down. Pour potting soil around the plant. The newspaper keeps the soil from running straight through. Gently pack the soil around the roots of the plant so it doesn't fall out.

4. Fill the jug from its new top with potting soil up to 1-inch from the top. Water thoroughly until water comes out the bottom. The soil will compact so refill the jug with soil to reach the 1-inch mark again.

5. Hang the jug from a sturdy hook. The jug will weigh quite a bit, so ensure the hook is anchored in the beam or other strong object.

6. Place mulch-like wood chips or bark on top of the planter. The planter will dry out quickly and this will hold moisture.

7. Water the plant daily until water runs out the bottom. Water the tomatoes twice daily in hot climates. These planters will get hot and lose a lot of water so don't allow them to dry out.

8. Fertilize the plants weekly with an organic, liquid fertilizer. Follow the manufacturer's instructions. These plants lose a lot of fertilizer because of the frequent watering, so they need regular fertilizing.

References

• "How to Grow Juicy Tasty Tomatoes"; Annette Welsford; January 2007
• "Container Gardening For Dummies"; Bill Marken, et al.; January 2010