hanging containers for tomatoes

**Mischka** · February 16, 2006

I have a few friends that live in urban areas, where the only place they can grow anything is on their balconies or decks.

I've been trying to get one of them to grow tomatoes; my questions to you are:

1. Have/do any of you grow/grown tomatoes in hanging containers or baskets? Upside-down or right-side up?

2. Do you make your own containers, or buy them?

I've seen these advertised too:

http://us.st11.yimg.com/store1.yimg....8557017_1878_0

I'm looking into the hanging type because her balcony is quite small and floor space is limited.

I'll be starting the seedlings here and would like to surprise her by sending something to grow them in, too. :wink:

kevn357 · February 17, 2006

I bought one of these just to try it out and to possibly make my own, but i haven't received it yet.
http://www.gardeners.com/Topsy-Turvy...ies.34-320.cpd

I'm also trying a few tumblers. Asked about them here.
http://www.tomatoville.com/viewtopic.php?t=338

It's rough going from a big back yard to a small patio and balcony. Learning slowly.
:wink:

Lack of space also means small margin for error. Hybrids with disease resistance come first for me.

cthomato · February 23, 2006

I have tried the Topsy-Turvy planter for a couple of seasons. My results have been that the fruit is somewhat compact (smaller and harder) compared with the same variety grown the usual way. Also, the plant doesn't last as long either.

Now I only use these planters for long ornamental vines. I plant in the top so the vines cover the bag. It actually looks pretty good. It's more narrow than a hanging basket so I can put a few of them close together. But I will never use them again for tomatoes.

There are some people make their own upside-down planter with 5-gallon plastic buckets. I'm sure you could find a reference somewhere in this forum.

On the contrary, I had great success growing a Tumbler Hybrid in a 1-gallon self-watering hanging basket. It produced 100s of toms in a very small space. Unfortunately, the taste was bland, which is typical for Tumbler.

Chris

February 16, 2006	#1
Mischka Tomatoville® Administrator Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: The Bay State Posts: 3,207	hanging containers for tomatoes I have a few friends that live in urban areas, where the only place they can grow anything is on their balconies or decks. I've been trying to get one of them to grow tomatoes; my questions to you are: 1. Have/do any of you grow/grown tomatoes in hanging containers or baskets? Upside-down or right-side up? 2. Do you make your own containers, or buy them? I've seen these advertised too: http://us.st11.yimg.com/store1.yimg....8557017_1878_0 I'm looking into the hanging type because her balcony is quite small and floor space is limited. I'll be starting the seedlings here and would like to surprise her by sending something to grow them in, too. :wink: __________________ Mischka One last word of farewell, Dear Master and Mistress. Whenever you visit my grave, say to yourselves with regret but also with happiness in your hearts at the remembrance of my long happy life with you: "Here lies one who loved us and whom we loved." No matter how deep my sleep I shall hear you, and not all the power of death can keep my spirit from wagging a grateful tail.

February 17, 2006	#2
kevn357 Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Parma, OH Posts: 147	I bought one of these just to try it out and to possibly make my own, but i haven't received it yet. http://www.gardeners.com/Topsy-Turvy...ies.34-320.cpd I'm also trying a few tumblers. Asked about them here. http://www.tomatoville.com/viewtopic.php?t=338 It's rough going from a big back yard to a small patio and balcony. Learning slowly. :wink: Lack of space also means small margin for error. Hybrids with disease resistance come first for me.

February 23, 2006	#3
cthomato Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: SoCal z10 Posts: 96	I have tried the Topsy-Turvy planter for a couple of seasons. My results have been that the fruit is somewhat compact (smaller and harder) compared with the same variety grown the usual way. Also, the plant doesn't last as long either. Now I only use these planters for long ornamental vines. I plant in the top so the vines cover the bag. It actually looks pretty good. It's more narrow than a hanging basket so I can put a few of them close together. But I will never use them again for tomatoes. There are some people make their own upside-down planter with 5-gallon plastic buckets. I'm sure you could find a reference somewhere in this forum. On the contrary, I had great success growing a Tumbler Hybrid in a 1-gallon self-watering hanging basket. It produced 100s of toms in a very small space. Unfortunately, the taste was bland, which is typical for Tumbler. Chris