How to Care for Hanging Tomato Plants

Overview

Though traditionally grown in the ground or in a regular plant pot, tomatoes can also be grown hanging upside down from suspended planters. This gravity-defying method of tomato farming has several benefits, including removing the plant from the various insect pests that roam the ground, making harvesting easier by placing the plants at eye level, and freeing up patio or garden space for other vegetables. With the right care of your hanging tomato plant, you and your family can enjoy a bountiful harvest of juicy tomatoes.

Step 1

Hang the tomato planter in an area that receives a minimum of seven hours of direct sunlight. Tomatoes thrive in sunlight and need it for optimum health.

Step 2

Water the hanging planter daily. The amount of water needed varies by the size of the planter, and it may take a couple of trial waterings to determine the appropriate amount. When correctly watered, the soil at the base of the tomato plant should be moist to the touch but not dripping.

Step 3

Fertilize the tomato plant biweekly. The tomato can be a voracious feeder, especially when it's producing fruit. Use a standard liquid 4-2-3 fertilizer or a liquid fertilizer specifically formulated for vegetables like tomatoes. Apply according to the product's guidelines, as potency varies widely by brand.

Step 4

Rotate the hanging tomato's planter once a week to expose a new side of the tomato plant to the sun. This prevents the tomato plant from growing in a lopsided fashion.

Step 5

Harvest tomatoes as you would from an in-ground tomato plant. If you notice dead or wilted branches, snip them off with a pair of garden shears or scissors to free up room for more hanging branches.