Grow Tomatoes Upside Down: A Simple DIY Planter Guide

Have you been hearing about the amazing results people are getting with upside-down tomato planters? It’s a fun, unique way to grow delicious tomatoes, especially if you’re short on space. You can certainly purchase ready-made containers, which can be a bit pricey, or pre-made plastic bags designed for inverted growing. However, this guide will show you a remarkably inexpensive, and arguably more visually appealing, alternative to the commercially available options and some of the more complicated DIY methods you might have seen.

Why Grow Tomatoes Upside Down?

Before diving into the how-to, let’s briefly explore why upside-down tomato planting is gaining popularity:

Space Saving: Perfect for balconies, patios, and small gardens where ground space is limited.
Pest Control: Hanging tomatoes are less susceptible to ground-dwelling pests and diseases.
Better Air Circulation: Improved airflow reduces the risk of fungal diseases.
Easy Harvesting: Tomatoes hang at a convenient height for easy picking.
Unique Aesthetic: An upside-down tomato planter adds a touch of whimsy to any garden setting.

Materials You’ll Need

To create your own upside-down tomato planter, gather the following supplies:

Large Plastic Hanging Planter (12″ or larger): Choose a sturdy planter that can support the weight of the soil and plant.
Tomato Plant: Opt for a smaller, bush-type variety that produces manageable-sized fruit. Roma, Cherry, or Tumbling Tom tomatoes are excellent choices.
Potting Soil: Use a high-quality potting mix that provides good drainage and nutrients.
Landscaping Fabric or Burlap: A small piece to prevent soil from falling out of the bottom.
2″ Hole Saw: For drilling a hole in the bottom of the planter.
Drill: To operate the hole saw.
Scissors or Utility Knife: For cutting the landscaping fabric.
Optional: Herbs like marjoram, oregano, or Italian parsley to plant on top.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Building Your Upside Down Tomato Planter

Here’s a detailed guide to creating your own upside-down tomato planter:

Step 1: Prepare the Planter

Begin by taking your large plastic hanging planter. A 12-inch planter is a good size, providing enough room for the tomato plant to grow. Make sure the planter is clean and free of any debris.

Step 2: Drill the Hole

Using your 2-inch hole saw, carefully drill a hole in the center of the bottom of the planter. This hole is where the tomato plant will emerge from the bottom of your upside-down planter. Ensure the hole is clean and doesn’t have any sharp edges that could damage the plant’s stem.

Step 3: Add Fabric to Retain Soil

To prevent the potting soil from washing out through the hole when you water the plant, place a piece of landscaping fabric or burlap over the inside of the hole. Cut a small slit, just a few inches, in the center of the fabric. This slit needs to be big enough to allow you to carefully feed the tomato plant’s root ball through it.

Step 4: Plant the Tomato Plant

Now comes the trickiest part! Carefully feed the tomato plant through the hole from the outside of the planter, so the leaves are dangling downwards. It’s best to have someone help you with this step. One person can hold the pot steady, while the other supports the plant from the inside as you begin filling the planter with potting soil. Gently fill the pot with potting soil, taking care not to damage the plant’s roots. Pack the soil firmly around the root ball to provide stability.

Step 5: Add Finishing Touches (Optional)

To add some extra visual appeal and functionality to your planter, consider planting herbs in the top of the pot. Herbs like marjoram, oregano, Italian parsley, or basil make excellent companion plants for tomatoes and can help deter pests. Simply plant them in the top of the pot around the base of the tomato plant’s stem. These herbs will thrive in the same soil and conditions as your tomato plant.

Step 6: Hang and Water

Carefully hang your completed upside-down tomato planter in a sunny location that receives at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day. Make sure the hanging mechanism is strong enough to support the weight of the planter, soil, and mature tomato plant. Water the plant regularly, keeping the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Check the soil moisture by sticking your finger about an inch deep into the soil. If it feels dry, it’s time to water.

Caring for Your Upside Down Tomato Plant

Once your upside-down tomato planter is set up, here are some tips for keeping your plant healthy and productive:

Watering: Water deeply and regularly, especially during hot weather.
Fertilizing: Feed your tomato plant with a balanced liquid fertilizer every 2-3 weeks to promote growth and fruit production.
Pruning: Prune away any suckers (small shoots that grow between the main stem and branches) to encourage the plant to focus its energy on producing fruit.
Sunlight: Ensure your plant receives at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day.
Support: As the tomato plant grows and the tomatoes begin to develop, you may need to provide additional support to the branches to prevent them from breaking under the weight of the fruit.

Decorating Your Upside Down Tomato Planter

While a healthy, thriving tomato plant is beautiful in itself, you can certainly add some personal touches to your upside-down planter. Consider these decorating ideas:

Paint the Planter: Use exterior-grade paint to decorate the outside of the pot with colorful designs or patterns.
Adhesive Vinyl: Wrap the planter with adhesive vinyl paper (like contact paper) for a clean, modern look.
Etched Designs: Use a rotary tool to etch a design into the surface of the pot.

Choosing the Right Soil

The quality of your soil is paramount to the success of your tomato plant. Tomatoes thrive in slightly acidic soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. Here’s how to ensure your soil is ideal:

Test Your Soil: Use a soil testing kit to determine the pH level of your soil.
Amend as Needed: If the soil is too acidic (pH below 6.0), add lime to raise the pH. If it’s too alkaline (pH above 7.0), add sulfur to lower the pH.
Add Organic Matter: Incorporate compost or well-rotted manure into the soil to improve drainage, aeration, and nutrient content.
Ensure Proper Drainage: The soil should drain well to prevent root rot. Avoid dense, clay-like soils that retain too much water. Peat moss and gypsum are excellent additives for improving soil structure and drainage.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Here are some common issues you might encounter with your upside-down tomato planter and how to address them:

Yellowing Leaves: This can be caused by overwatering, underwatering, nutrient deficiency, or pest infestation. Adjust your watering schedule, fertilize the plant, and inspect it for pests.
Blossom End Rot: This is a condition where the bottom of the tomato develops a dark, sunken spot. It’s caused by calcium deficiency and can be prevented by ensuring consistent watering and adding calcium to the soil.
Pests: Common tomato pests include aphids, whiteflies, and tomato hornworms. Use insecticidal soap or handpick the pests off the plant.

Enjoy Your Upside Down Tomatoes!

With a little effort and care, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of delicious, homegrown tomatoes from your upside-down planter. This unique growing method is not only space-saving and aesthetically pleasing but also provides a fun and rewarding gardening experience. Happy growing!