How to Plant Topsy Turvey Tomatoes
A home garden would not be complete without planting a few tomatoes. Tomatoes are ideal as they are easy to grow, produce an abundant harvest and take up little space. There are many tomato varieties available to the home gardener ranging from tiny marble sized cherry tomatoes to varieties weighing over a pound a each. Most are round, but some are elongated and pear shaped. If gardening space is limited, topsey turvey planters are an ideal choice. The tomatoes are grown in hanging containers that may be purchased commercially or you can make your own. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Use hanging baskets with cocoa mat liners. Punch holes in the side of the container about 4 to 6 inches apart. Insert plants, add soil and water well. Hanging containers will dry out quickly, so pay close attention to the tomato plants moisture requirements.
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Drill 2 to 3 inch holes randomly in the side of a plastic five gallon bucket. Space the holes 6 to 8 inches apart and add a few small holes in the bottom for drainage. Fill the bucket with soil and plant. Water well. This type of planter will be very heavy, so hang with solid, supported hooks.
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Plant new seedlings after all danger of frost has past. Plant your tomato plants at different times--stagger the plantings to ensure a continuous harvest all summer long.
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Add organic compost to the soil. Sprinkle around the base of the plant and gently work in to the soil. Use only organic products on your tomatoes. Avoid pesticides and other toxic chemicals.
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Water regularly. Do not allow tomato plants to dry out as this often causes blossom rot. Water around the base of the plant. Do not water the leaves.
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Tips & Warnings
Make manure tea and feed your tomatoes. Place one shovelful of aged organic compost or aged manure in a five gallon bucket. Fill the bucket with water. Cover with tightly fitting lid. Place in the sun for a couple of days. Stir and gently pour the mixture around the base of your tomato plants. Repeat monthly.
Topsey turvey planters are a gardening novelty and useful in small spaces. However, they are heavy, dry out quickly and the weight of the tomatoes as they mature can result in stem breakage and tomatoes falling off the plant.
