Tomatoes are a great source of vitamins C, K, A, and a number of other minerals.Tomatoes are a popular choice for backyard gardeners and you can either grow them in a garden or in containers.Tomatoes are being grown upside down with a homemade or pre-made planter.The upside down tomatoes have advantages such as being less exposed to pests and weeds, taking up less room, and being mobile.
Step 1: Put moist potting soil in your seed starter cell.
When the container is full, gently pack down the soil with your fingers to remove any air bubbles that may be trapped.To help the seed set, apply a small amount of water to the soil.
Step 2: There are two holes in the ground.
You can poke two shallow holes in the soil with the end of a pencil or finger.There will be two or three holes for tomato seeds.The holes should be a quarter-inch deep.There's always the chance that one of the seeds won't grow, so planting two seeds will increase your chances of success.
Step 3: The seeds should be covered with a small amount of soil.
If there are two or three seeds in a hole, cover it with a quarter-inch (6mm) of soil.If you want to make sure the seed is in contact with the soil, gently press down on it with your fingers.Don't overpack the soil.This will encourage growth.Smaller tomato varieties, such as cherry or grape, are better for growing upside-down.Tomatoes are classified as indeterminate and determinate.Indeterminate tomatoes are better for upside-down planters because they are more flexible and won't produce all their fruit at once, which can weigh down the planter.
Step 4: Take a few drops of water.
The goal is to keep the new soil moist.You can either wet your fingers or use an eyedropper to apply some water.The soil was already pre-moistened before planting, so don't add too much water.As the sprout grow, keep the soil moist and not soggy.Add more water when the top of the soil is dry.
Step 5: The seeds should be given plenty of light and warmth.
The seed cell can be placed in a window.As the seeds grow, they should be kept at a temperature of 70 F.The seeds and sprout need at least six hours of sunlight a day.Artificial lighting can be used if you don't have enough light in your home.
Step 6: The smaller plant should be removed.
When the tomato plants grow their first set of leaves, look at the two sprout to identify the larger sprout.The weaker sprout can be trimmed at the soil level.You can either clip it off with scissors or use your fingers.The stronger the sprout, the healthier the plant.
Step 7: Wait for the plant to reach a certain height.
Provide the tomato with plenty of sunlight and keep it warm by watering it.You need to transplant the plant to the upside-down planter.The plant and root system should be established in the new location.The roots of the tomato may get damaged if it is allowed to grow any bigger.
Step 8: There is a planter container to choose from.
Most homemade upside-down planters are made from plastic buckets.You can use a large planter, metal buckets, or any other large container that you can cut or drill a hole into.
Step 9: There is a hole in the bottom.
The bottom of the bucket should be facing up.To trace a circle in the center of the bucket, use a marker and the rim of a glass.If you don't have something to trace, you can free-hand the circle.To cut out the hole marked by the marker, use a sharp utility knife.
Step 10: The bucket should be covered with landscape material.
If you turn the bucket over, it will be right-side up.The landscape material should be the same size as the bottom of the bucket.The material should be in the bottom of the bucket.The tomato plant and soil can be kept in place.The bottom of the bucket can be covered with shredded newspaper, window screen, or disposable coffee filters.
Step 11: The bucket needs to be filled with soil.
There is an inch of headroom at the top of the bucket when you fill it with potting soil and vermiculite.You can mix the soil and vermiculite with a stick.The tomato will get a rich medium from the potting soil and the vermiculite will help keep the soil moist.
Step 12: There is a hole in the landscape material.
You can access the bottom if you hang the bucket from a hook.If you want to cut an X in the landscape material, use a utility knife or scissors.The root ball will not fall out if you put it into the bucket.
Step 13: The tomato plant needs to be removed from the starter cell.
To loosen the tomato root ball, squeeze the seed starter cell.Put your hand over the base of the plant and turn the starter upside down.Pull out the plant when the stem and roots are firmly held.
Step 14: First, put the tomato plant roots into the hole.
To open the flaps of the landscaping material in the planter, use your fingers.Put the root ball into the hole in the bucket to plant the tomato.Close the landscape material around the base of the plant when the root ball is in place.If you plant the tomato into the bucket, be careful not to damage the roots or the stem.
Step 15: The planter should be hung in a sunny location.
Tomatoes need at least six to eight hours of sunlight per day.The planter will receive full and direct sun if you choose a bright location.You can hang the planter from a sturdy hook inserted into a beam or post, a garden hook fastened to a fence, or a plant hanger.
Step 16: As the soil dries, water the tomato plant.
Tomatoes like moist soil.Water the plant when the top of the soil is dry.You may have to water daily to keep the soil moist, as tomatoes grown upside down tend to need more water.Depending on the height of the bucket, you may need a chair or step ladder to check the soil and water the plant.If water is dripping through the hole in the bottom of the bucket, you can catch it with a pan or a tray.Another plant can be placed underneath the tomato to catch the water.
Step 17: The soil level needs to be raised as necessary.
The exposed soil at the top of the bucket makes it necessary to top it up.Check to see if there is any soil loss when you water.If there is, top the bucket up to within an inch of the top with extra soil or compost.
Step 18: Growth can be accelerated by adding afertilizer every two or three weeks.
If you use a rich potting soil, your tomatoes may not need to be fertilized.Feed the tomatoes with a mild plant food in order to promote growth.If you want to administer the liquidfertilizer, mix it with water and water the plant.