How to Make an Upside Down Tomato Planter

Are you interested in growing tomatoes but don't have a lot of space in your garden or balcony? Have you considered using an upside down tomato planter? Not only is it a space saver, but it also makes it easier to water and care for your plants. Here's how to make your own upside down tomato planter:

Materials Needed

5-gallon bucket

Tomato seedling

Peat moss

Perlite

Compost

Coco coir or coconut husk chips

Scissors or box cutter

Rope or wire

Optional: drip tray or saucer

Step 1: Prep Your Bucket

First, choose a 5-gallon bucket with a lid. Make sure it's clean and free of any chemical residue. If it's not brand new, you can wash it with soap and water and let it dry completely. Next, use scissors or a box cutter to cut a small hole in the center of the lid, just big enough to fit the stem of your tomato plant through.

Step 2: Fill Your Bucket

Mix together 1 part peat moss, 1 part perlite, and 1 part compost in a separate container. Add enough water to moisten the mixture, but not enough to make it soggy. Next, pack about 2-3 inches of the mixture into the bottom of the bucket. Add some coco coir or coconut husk chips on top of the mixture to prevent the soil from falling out of the hole in the lid.

Step 3: Plant Your Tomato Seedling

Gently remove your tomato seedling from its pot and loosen the roots. Thread the stem of the plant through the hole in the lid so that the plant is hanging upside down. Fill the rest of the bucket with the potting mix, leaving about an inch or two of space at the top.

Step 4: Water Your Planter

After planting, give your tomato plant a thorough watering. You may need to add more potting mix if it settles too much after watering. Place a drip tray or saucer underneath the bucket to catch any water runoff. Hang your planter where it can get at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day.

Step 5: Care for Your Plant

Water your planter regularly so the soil stays moist but not soggy. Fertilize your plant every two weeks with a water-soluble tomato fertilizer. Prune your plant regularly to remove any yellow, dead, or infected leaves. When your tomatoes are ripe, simply pick them off the vine.

Using an upside down tomato planter is a great way to grow tomatoes in small spaces. With a little bit of care and attention, you can enjoy a delicious harvest right from your own balcony or patio.