How to Grow Vegetables Upside Down

Overview

Some vegetable plants can be grown upside down in homemade hanging planters. The idea of growing vegetables upside down has allowed many apartment dwellers to grow their own vegetables on balconies and in small spaces. The vegetables that grow the best in upside-down hangers are cucumbers, beans, peas--and tomatoes, which are actually a fruit. Once you see how easy it is to grow vegetable upside down, you will want to start growing your own plants and enjoy the benefits of garden-grown vegetables.

Upside Down Plastic Bag Planters

Step 1

Prepare the plastic bag for potting by using the scissors and cutting a 2- to 3-inch hole in the bottom of the bag.

Step 2

Place the two planks on chair arms. Place the bag on the planks so the planks do not block that hole.

Step 3

Place the plant through the hole from the inside, keeping the roots inside the bag. Wrap a piece of paper towel around the plant on the outside of the bag to stop the soil from falling through the hole.

Step 4

Add the soil to the bag, filling 3/4 of the bag with soil. Make sure that the soil is packed down, but not so much that the roots cannot grow and spread.

Step 5

Remove the paper towel and hang the planter on a hook in the sun. Add water through the handle opening at the top of the bag.

Upside-Down Bucket Planters

Step 1

Drill a 3-inch diameter hole in the bottom of the 5-gallon bucket. Drill 1-inch holes in the side of the bucket going around the entire bucket. Holes can be drilled 3 inches up from the bottom and spread apart every 3 inches. Drill four to five 1-inch holes in the lid.

Step 2

Place the two planks on a chair arm. Place the bucket on the planks making sure that the hole on the bottom is not blocked.

Step 3

Feed the top part of the plant through the hole in the bottom of the bucket. Feed from the inside of the bucket to the outside. Use a piece of paper towel to wrap around the plant on the outside to prevent the soil from falling through as you fill the bucket.

Step 4

Fill the bucket with the soil, packing down slightly as you fill. Fill the bucket 3/4 of the way full.

Step 5

Place the lid on the bucket. Add water that will run down through the holes in the lid. Remove the paper towel and hang the bucket on a hook in the sun.