Let’s get started
1. Find a container
Any sturdy bucket will do (Let me emphasize sturdy. Using an old bucket is
a sure recipe for disaster). A 20 or 25 l bucket is a good for a start. Also
make sure that the handles are up to supporting the eventual weight of the
soil, water and adult plant.
The 4 basic steps to planting
an upside-down tomato plant
Step 1
20– 20 litre bucket
Cut a 700 - 800 mm hole in the bottom of the container. Your plant will
emerge from this hole. You can however also use a sharp carpet knife, just
be extremely careful!
Also get some window screen/mesh and cut a cross shape in the center.
Cover the hole making sure that the cut is in the center of the prepared hole
and tape it down inside the bottom with something like duct tape. Your
tomato plant will have to pass through this cross shape whilst the mesh will
keep the soil from falling out. You can also use foam rubber, coco peat or
something similar.
2. Get the dirt
I recommend using an all-purpose potting soil and, if you so wish, mixing it
with a slow release fertilizer (like compost).
Step 2
Cut a hole in the bottom
Put some of the potting soil in the bucket and turn it on its side to allow
you to plant the seedling.
3. Choose your tomato plant
The knowledgeable ones suggest small fruited tomatoes in the summer, like
cherry or yellow pear.
4. Plant your tomato
Strip off the bottom leaves and branches on your seedling. The whole buried stem will eventually grow roots, making your plant stronger.
Carefully push your plant’s root bulb (with soil attached) through the hole
covered with the prepared mesh.
Step 3
T off the lower leaves
ake
Position the plant so it's hanging upside-down and only the top 700 – 800
mm are coming out of the bucket and fill it with the rest of the soil and fertilizer.
Upside-dowm planting can also be very decorative.
Step 4
Position the plant and fill with soil
Photo: www.lumberjocks.com