How to Plant an Upside Down Tomato

Upside down tomato planting is becoming increasingly popular and for good reason. It allows gardeners to grow tomatoes with ease and in small spaces. Here is a step by step guide on how to plant an upside down tomato.

Step 1: Choose the Right Container

Your container has to be sturdy enough to support the plant and soil. It should also allow water to drain out. You can use a variety of containers, including buckets, plastic containers, and even specially designed upside-down planters. Ensure you choose a container that is at least 5 gallons in size.

Step 2: Prepare Soil and Fertilizer

Use soil with a pH of 6.0 to 6.8. Fill up the container with the soil, leaving at least 5 inches of clearance at the top. Mix in slow-release fertilizer with the soil. Use about 1/4 cup of fertilizer for each gallon of soil. Alternatively, you could use a mixture of compost, worm castings, and perlite.

Step 3: Choose the Right Tomato Plant

Choose tomato plants that are suitable for container growth. Look for plants that produce small or medium-sized tomatoes. Some of the best varieties for upside down planting include cherry tomatoes, patio tomatoes, and roma tomatoes.

Step 4: Prepare the Plant for Planting

Remove the tomato plant from its container and gently loosen up the roots. Take off any bottom leaves to expose the stem. Make a hole at the bottom of the container and insert the stem of the plant through it. Make sure the roots are still in contact with the soil.

Step 5: Add Soil and Hang the Container

Fill up the container with soil until it covers the roots of the plant. Hang the container in a place that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight daily. Ensure that it is secured in place to prevent it from swinging around.

Step 6: Water and Fertilize the Plant

Water the plant thoroughly immediately after planting. For the first few weeks, check the soil daily and water the plant when the soil dries out. Fertilize the plant every two weeks with a balanced fertilizer. Alternatively, you could use liquid fertilizer mixed with water, applying it every time you water the plant.

Step 7: Maintain the Plant

As the plant grows, it may become necessary to support it with ties. Once the tomato fruits start to form, make sure you support the plant using a tomato cage or stake. Check for pests daily and prune out any dead or diseased leaves.

You are now officially on your way to having a bountiful upside-down tomato garden. With these simple steps, you'll successfully grow juicy and flavorful tomatoes at home without breaking a sweat.