Make Your Own Topsy Turvy Tomato Planter

1 Posted 2007-01-25 17:52:52 by Peg Jones (bofus95@yahoo.com)

Where can I learn to make my own topsy-turvy tomato planter? Are there directions available somewhere?

2 Posted 2007-01-25 18:18:14 by Sean

Peg,
You can click on the picture above to go directly to the site - or you can click here for an updated version of the same.

3 Posted 2009-03-22 10:21:16 by al.j (a.judycki@gmail.com)

I checked out the above idea of using old soft drink bottles. Fundamentally, a sound concept but I’d add the following three ideas: (1) In the bottom, add a folded over piece of anti-skid shelf material-the white plastic-like stuff that keeps things from sliding on shelves. The anti-skid material, which a hole can be punched in to get the plant through, adds extra surface area to the bottom (originally top) of the bottle, and would also help keep soil in the container. (2) Along the same line, I’d glue rubber hose washers to the punched out holes at the top, with an all-purpose waterproof resin adhesive, to reinforce the plastic. Tomato plants can get quite heavy and I’m not sure if the native plastic would be strong enough to not tear given the weight of the plant. (Metal washers would be better but I’m not sure if the adhesive would hold these in place.) (3) Finally, instead of old soft drink bottles, I’m using leftover OceanSpray Cranberry juice bottles which are bigger than the soft drink bottle and provide for 1 litter more of root space, critical to plant development. Al.j, Family Flowers Greenhouses

4 Posted 2009-03-29 10:09:53 by Sharon

AL.J, you have awesome ideas. I don't drink soda's and can't remember when I had a 2L in my home. At first I was thinking maybe I could get one or two from a friend and then you suggested the Juice bottles. I have one in my fridge right now! I'm so excited. I think I'll be growing tomatoes this yr and maybe strawberries!

5 Posted 2009-04-05 10:09:07 by Kim (onyourmach@aol.com)

Last year I use old plastic hanging pots and cut a hole in the bottom of them it worked well. This year I bought some inexpensive wire hanging pots with the coco liners and will try them. If you use those you can add two plants to them cutting a hole in the coco liner on the sides will work.I have planted tomatoe, cucumber.and strwberry plants and have an early and good yield from them without spending alot of money. Most important thing is fertilizing and watering.Since they dry out faster then being in the ground.

6 Posted 2009-04-06 13:32:12 by Gilligan (penisnurass@yahoo.com)

I grow weed all of the time in my topsy turvy tomatoe planter its totally awesome dude!!!!! Its the shit that killed elvis

7 Posted 2009-05-07 12:15:40 by Troy (tgregory_1964@yahoo.com)

Question: I am going to try this for tomatoes, but I have a garden that esentially supplies my salsa making efforts. Would this idea also work for Bell Peppers and also for the various hot chile peppers as they are all vine growing type plants?

8 Posted 2009-05-09 20:42:28 by Kev

I am searching for the Material Safety Data Sheet for the Topsy Turvy Tomatoe planter. This product is made in China, & nearly 10 years ago I purchased a garden hose at a local retailer that flattened & rolled up onto sort of a wheel. There were papers in it claiming that the material caused cancer, anyway, I simply forgot to turn off the water to the hose one day & it blew,& I had to trash it, but it seems that this material of the topsy turvey tomatoe planter is of the same material. Any help here would be appreciated.

9 Posted 2009-05-26 11:30:54 by James

I just made one from a plastic 1 gallon bucket with a handle. I cut a 2" circle with radius slits to allow the already started plant to push through. I then tied bailing twine around in a cross pattern and the stapled the twine through the plastic to keep the line from slipping around. I then filled the bucket with a nice soil mix and hung it up. I do plan on preventing rain from coming in the top to avoid splitting the fruit by controlling the amount of water. We'll see how it goes. I would change the wording in this blog however, it's not the "poor mans" version, it's the "smart man's" version. Creativity and ingenuity bring one a sense of accomplishment and wealth.

10 Posted 2009-06-02 06:14:35 by dana

I bought my turvy at wal -mart. heck of alot cheaper than t-v. I have seen them made from plastic 5 gal buckets. Planted my tomato plat , seems to be doing well . Growing very quickly, but no flowers yet. I am also surprised at the weight of this thing, with the plant and potting soil. I hope it bears the full grown weight that is to come.

11 Posted 2009-06-05 16:46:17 by Bruce (mobruce@yahoo.com)

I didn't want to pay $50 for those two port hanging planters so I made my own. I bought some five gallon buckets with lids at Lowes. I cut two 2 1/2 inch holes on either side for the plants to stick through. Then I drilled three 3/4 inch holes in the bottom for drainage with aluminum screen inside to keep the dirt in. I stripped some insulation off some heavy wire and cut it down the middle and glued it on the bottom of the plant holes to form a lip so the plant stems don't get cut on the sharp edge. I then drilled a bunch of 1/4 inch holes in the lid so some rain can get in, but not too much to flood it. I filled them half way with potting soil then inserted the starter plants through the holes then filled the bucket the rest of the way with soil. I have them hanging outside on a pole rack. I have Beefsteak Tomatoes growing in one, Crook Neck yellow squash in another and another bucket has Red Bell Peppers growing out of one port, and Green Bells growing out of the other port. Come Fall, I'm going to get some Strawberry starters and get them going in another bucket. We have a long growing season in this part of Texas.

12 Posted 2009-06-11 15:13:30 by waterwitch (h2owitch1@yahoo.com)

can ya grow weed in a Topsy Turvy thanks

13 Posted 2009-11-26 17:36:48 by Richard Eldon

Anyone who has tried to go upside down tomatoes knows how much time and effort they take to be successful and how quickly things can go bad.

But now there is a new system to help out!!

Stow Grow and go is a patent pending modular growing system for all hanging plants. Topsy Turvy, Gardeners Revolution or just a plain bucket. Stow grow and go gives you the ability to grow superb plants in limited areas and climates with out worry or hassle.
Stow Grow and go Hydrocharger is an adjustable automated watering system and is a key element to the hassle free Stow and grow system. This self standing solar charged system allows for complete pressurized automated watering or feeding of your plants for up to 2 weeks unattended.

The Stow Grow and go’s optional green house tent can extend your growing season by weeks or months.

www.stowgrowandgo.com

14 Posted 2010-04-07 10:19:29 by human clovis johnson

i eat do do & tomato pie.

15 Posted 2010-04-08 21:28:07 by Brandy

Maybe you could just add one of those watering globes to take care of it drying out so quickly.

16 Posted 2010-04-09 21:36:57 by Bam

You guys got some great comments for doing it yourself. I am just wondering how well the homemade planters worked for you?

17 Posted 2010-05-01 09:09:39 by Marilyn

Tie some fishing bell sinkers to the plants to keep them growing more downwards. You can also use kitty litter buckets--but I'd add rope or wire hangers to them and get rid of the plastic ones.

Punch two more holes to have a place for more wire or rope so you have four wires or ropes holding it up.

18 Posted 2010-05-13 12:23:14 by cottonlily

I also thought about making my own, but with buckets and porch swing chain. But Tractor Supply sells the real ones for $8. My knock-off home version was going to run me about $10 plus require some ingenuity so I didn't bother! The real ones have advantages you can't just "rig" up - swivel mechanism so you can rotate according to sun and growth, a lid for watering ease and they are durable enough to reuse. Having said all that my mom has been growing plants, esp seedlings, in soda bottles and milk jugs for as long as I've been alive!

19 Posted 2010-05-28 15:17:53 by dawn (cedarshaker@yahoo.com)

I too am looking for MSDS information on the Topsy Turvy. I checked it out at Fred Meyer yesterday. I took it out of the box to find out info. Not any of the paperwork had any info on what it is made of. Please Advise. thanks much.

20 Posted 2010-06-03 15:25:23 by SS

Kev & Dawn-
Read with interest your question about the material used to make the Topsy Turvy planter. I had the same question. Have you determined what the container is made of? I don’t want to plant until I find out if it is safe. Thanks

21 Posted 2010-06-04 14:19:58 by SS

Kev & Dawn-
Read with interest your question about the material used to make the Topsy Turvy planter. I had the same question. Have you determined what the container is made of? I don’t want to plant until I find out if it is safe. Thanks

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23 Posted 2010-07-21 09:46:29 by nicole

I am using the strawberry version for outdoor weed as I have a drug card and it is totally awesome for anyone who was wondering. I have put sticks beside the plants and have tied down each new growth so instead of having one big bud at the top of your plant you create big buds on all the noldes and i just tuck the sucker leaves under so they get the sunlight they need and insted of putting a top on it I just threw a plant at the top of it too. The trick is the sticks and tying them down otherwise they will just curve and grow up instead of out. Make sure the plants have a root base before you put sticks in them. After about a week i put the sticks in them. You can use the same idea for indoor too you just need to make sure they are getting even lighting. I did try the tomato one first but the strawberry one (homemade or not) works the best for weed so you can take them off from wherever they are hanging and work on them easier cause they can stand up without something comming out of the bottom of them. Also the sun gets to them better. I also lay the plant on its side a few days before putting them in the planter so the roots can adjust and not go into shock as easy. So anyone wondering it does work and is supper easy and does produce big big buds on every spot of the plant. I have make a homemade one out of tarpe material (heavy duty) and thick heavy cord like material and cut a base out of either an existing planter or something that is heavy plastic and some heavy gage wire for the top of it.

24 Posted 2010-07-21 14:44:00 by nicole

I am using the strawberry version for outdoor weed as I have a drug card and it is totally awesome for anyone who was wondering. I have put sticks beside the plants and have tied down each new growth so instead of having one big bud at the top of your plant you create big buds on all the noldes and i just tuck the sucker leaves under so they get the sunlight they need and insted of putting a top on it I just threw a plant at the top of it too. The trick is the sticks and tying them down otherwise they will just curve and grow up instead of out. Make sure the plants have a root base before you put sticks in them. After about a week i put the sticks in them. You can use the same idea for indoor too you just need to make sure they are getting even lighting. I did try the tomato one first but the strawberry one (homemade or not) works the best for weed so you can take them off from wherever they are hanging and work on them easier cause they can stand up without something comming out of the bottom of them. Also the sun gets to them better. I also lay the plant on its side a few days before putting them in the planter so the roots can adjust and not go into shock as easy. So anyone wondering it does work and is supper easy and does produce big big buds on every spot of the plant. I have make a homemade one out of tarpe material (heavy duty) and thick heavy cord like material and cut a base out of either an existing planter or something that is heavy plastic and some heavy gage wire for the top of it.