How to Water Upside Down Tomatoes

Grow healthy upside down tomatoes by providing plenty of water.

Watering your upside down tomatoes is just one of the factors, but maybe the most important one, that will influence the health of your plants and fruit. Because upside down tomatoes do not grow in the ground, they lack the ability to extract extra moisture when needed. Their only source of water is what you provide them, so water your upside down tomato plants often and well.

Things You'll Need

• Water
• Hose

Instructions

1. Spray the soil with at least one gallon of water after planting and placing it into its permanent hanging spot. Protect soil and fertilizer from washing away by spraying the soil slowly. Place a water hose set on slow drip in the lid and let it run for 20 minutes until the soil is completely saturated. Some upside down container instructions recommend adding one gallon of water to the soil before planting. In this case, refrain from watering the plant until the next day.

2. Check the moisture level before watering by sticking your finger though the bottom opening to touch the soil beside the plant stem. When the soil feels saturated, hold off on watering for another day.

3. Water the upside down tomatoes regularly. Since the plants do not have access to ground water, they require watering more frequently. Water daily with a light spray from a hose until soil is saturated. Start with 1/2 gallon. Mature plants typically require at least one gallon of water per day. Avoid watering the plant until drip-through occurs as this means the plant is over-watered.

4. Water the plant if leaves begin to wilt and curl. At this stage, the upside down tomato plant needs water badly and you should water it immediately.

References

• Felknor Ventures: Topsy Turvy Instructions
• Gardener's Supply Company: Gardener's Revolution Planter