Upside Down Tomatoes in 7 Easy StepsUpside down tomatoes are a great way to grow tomatoes. Firstly, with the vine hanging upside down, there is no need for caging or staking. Secondly, the water runs to the bottom of the bucket, where the plant is, so drying out is less of a problem. Scroll down to the bottom of the page to see the video of this process. Step 1Find a 5 gallon bucket with a handle. The ones I used this year came from a local convenience store for a dollar. You might find some free ones at a restaurant or grocery store. A lid isn't necessary.Step 2Raid your husband's tools and get something to cut with and something to drill with. I used my husband's cordless saws all and drill.Step 3You will cut a 2" hole in the bottom of the bucket and drill 4 or so drainage holes. If you know you will be struggling to keep your upside down tomato watered, you can skip the drainage holes. Some water will drain out the 2" hole anyway.A utility knife or jigsaw will work to cut the hole in the bottom. A 5/8" hole is good for drainage, though more, smaller holes will work. Step 4Make a collar from a coffee filter or a piece of card stock for each tomato plant. Cut a slit from the outer edge to the center, and a small hole at the center for the plant stem. Place plant in center of collar.
Step 5Place the plant in the bucket with the roots inside the bucket and the plant hanging out the bottom. The collar will be between the bottom of the bucket and the plant roots.Use care when working the tomato plant through the hole. You don't want to break it. Step 6Fill the bucket with soil. Be sure to use a light, rich organic soil with plenty of compost.As the soil is added, gently move the roots of the plant upward toward the bucket rim. This way, the tomato is planted deep, and will form more vigorous roots and shoots. The plant can be buried 4 or 5 inches into the soil, as long as some leaves are left at the top. Fill the bucket up the about 2" below the rim. This way, the bucket can be flooded for adequate watering. Add a plastic plant saucer with small holes drilled in it on top of the soil for a slow soaking. Step 7Install a hanger in the location of your hanging tomato plant. Choose a sunny location that gets 6-8 hours of sun a day. A little dappled shade at times is okay. In very hot climates, a little dappled shade is desirable.Water in well and wait for great tomatoes.
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