How to Make Upside Down Tomato Planters

Overview

One of the most popular movements in container gardening is to grow tomatoes suspended upside down with the roots in the air and the fruit trailing beneath. Upside-down tomatoes have several advantages that make them attractive alternatives to soil-grown tomatoes. The potting soil that they are grown in makes them resistant to soil-borne diseases and pests. Additionally, there is no weeding or staking. Finally, the suspended tomato plants are exposed to better air circulation than their ground-bound sisters. Although there are several brands of commercially sold tomato planters marketed for growing tomatoes this way, making your own suspended planter is simple.

Step 1

Cut a hole that is the size of a silver dollar (about 2 inches in diameter) in the bottom of the bucket.

Step 2

Fill bucket with potting soil.

Step 3

Put the lid tightly on the bucket.

Step 4

Turn bucket over so that the hole in the bottom is facing upward.

Step 5

Place the tomato plant in the hole so that it's covered up to its first pair of leaves.

Step 6

Water tomato plant.

Step 7

Wait two weeks for tomato plant to establish roots that will anchor it into the soil.

Step 8

Hang bucket by handle so that the tomato plant is upside down.