Upside Down Tomato Growing

upsidedown tomato plant @ 100 days
Image by thomas pix via Flickr

The topsy-turvy tomato planting has become a passion frenzy among many gardeners around the world. Upside down tomato growing has become a lot more convenient than the ‘backbreaking work’ of growing traditional tomatoes in your garden. That being said, growing tomatoes upside down is the best way to utilize your upper space of your greenhouse, under your eves, under a patio or even in your garden. There are a lot of advantages in growing tomatoes in this fashion.

If you have not yet figured out why upside down tomato growing is very well recommended, then here are some facts that can open up your eyes to this wonderful opportunity of gardening.

  • Saves space: with apartments and houses becoming more cramped, there is hardly any space for laying down a lavish garden and numerous equipment. However, with the help of upside down tomato growing, you can save a lot of space which can later be utilized for some other purpose. Many people love to hang these growing tomatoes above their outdoor dinner tables and leisure areas.
  • No staking: when tomatoes are grown traditionally, they need staking. However with upside down tomato growing, you do not need to stake its stems because there is no fear of the stems breaking from the weight of the tomatoes. Apparently, this is known to be one of the most natural ways to let your tomatoes grow to their full potential.

  • No crawling pest: the fear of crawling pests only comes with the soil beneath and when you grow tomatoes upside down you do not have to worry about ground fungus, slugs and other creepy crawlies that are a problem with ground tomato growing. This will help you to reap maximum yield and get the most out of your plants.
  • Natural: just because there is no fear of pests, the use for pesticides can also be brought to the curb. This can help you grow fresh and natural plants and that is very healthy for your body. Pesticides have become a major concern for many health disorders among people around the world. The use of this kind of gardening can help you avoid such pesticides and keep your garden as organic as possible.
  • More yield: since these plants do not fight any diseases or pesticides, you might notice that your plants have better yield and give you an abundant supply.
  • Better air circulation: growing tomatoes upside allows them to have a better air flow around their leaves and stems.
  • Portable: you can happily change the position of these Hanging Gardens, purely and simply because they are easy to move.  It means you can follow the sun with your plants and get the maximum sunlight.

Upside down tomato growing has enchanted many gardeners around the world and this has become today one of the most resorted options. While some plant their tomatoes just for the beauty of it, others make it their best food supply.


When To Grow Tomatoes Seeds

seeds from seven different tomato varieties
Image by oceandesetoiles via Flickr

Seeing tomatoes growing in your garden, from when they were seeds to when they mature and are ready to pick; is a beauty to behold. The mesmerizing experience of growing your own tomatoes in your own garden can beat any other local store bought tomatoes in its taste, nutrition value, color, shape and size. This undisputedly is the reason why a lot of people today around the world have resorted to growing tomatoes in their own garden.

To grow tomatoes seeds, you need to start earlier than when planting in the garden, about 6 to 8 weeks in fact so that the seedlings can be planted when the day and night temperature is in the mid 50 degree range.

I have included some tips to help you grow tomatoes seeds.

  • begin with a well moistened and sterile seed starting mix.  Fill the container and create shallow furrows about one quarter of an inch thick with either a pencil or chop stick.
  • drop the seeds along the furrow keeping them at least one inch apart.
  • cover the seeds by gently pulling the soil over the top.
  • if you are growing more than one variety do remember to label them.
  • keep the container in a warm place where the temperature is about 75-80 degrees.
  • once the stems start appearing they do need to have a strong light source for further growth and this can be by moving them near a window (not in direct sunlight or it will burn them) or with artificial growing lights – a flourescent light will do the trick.

Once the seedlings have four leaves you can transplant them into their own 4 inch pots with a good quality potting mix, ready for the final transplant into the garden.  Handle these seedlings with care because they are very fragile and it is best to prize them out of the tray with a chop stick so that the roots do not get damaged.

If you get the basics right then you have nothing to worry about and all you need to do is to give it proper care and attention so that it can be the most appreciated ingredient in your salads.