Tomatoes

This is the second year in a row we are trying out the topsy turvy tomato planters. Last year I had one hanging out above the regular garden by an "S" hook. That way any excess water would drain into the garden.

Maybe some of you are wondering, "Just what exactly is a topsy turvy tomato planter?" Its a planter that hangs your tomato plants upside down. No weeds, no cages, no excess water and a fair amount of tomatoes to harvest.

One thing we've noticed about these planters is even though the plant is hanging upside down, the plants tend to turn up towards the sun. This isn't a bad thing. The plant still produces tomatoes whether it is hanging straight down or bending toward the sun. What we did is support its growth no matter which way it went. That way no matter which way it grew, once the tomatoes started growing, the vine wasn't too heavy from the weight of the tomatoes and snap off.

This year we did have a problem with that already. We had a very windy night and a storm and the plants were newly planted in the planters. Their tops had turned toward the sun already. The wind was just too strong and the plants snapped off at the base. Now we know to bring them to a protected area when we have storms like that. Live and learn.

This year I planted two. One is faded from the sun from last year and one is brand new out of the box. The planters can be used year after year. My neighbors had many questions for me throughout the summer last year: Where did you get those? What exactly are they? How do they work? What can you grow? And of course, How much did they cost?

My answers simple. I ordered them from Publisher's Clearing House. (You can get them at almost any garden store nowadays though). I told them they are a new way to grow plants in a small space. I told them how I put them together (directions included). I told them why I thought these are better with not having to find room for them in the garden. No cages, no weeds, only watering as needed. And I told them that you can grow almost any type of fruit or vegetable with these planters. A few examples are: Any type of tomatoes from sugar babies to beefsteak, peppers, grapes, eggplant, beans, cucumbers, strawberries, almost anything. The cost is minimal. Mine were twenty dollars with tax and shipping and handling. They are even less now that they are available almost anywhere.

And ya know, this year a few of my neighbors are trying them. I hope they have success. Next year my neighborhood might even have a few more hanging about........