Do You Know What Is Meant By 'growing Upside Down Tomatoes'?

Have you ever tried growing tomatoes upside down? I find it quite fascinating growing tomatoes 'upside down' even though I refer to them as 'hanging tomatoes'. As a keen gardener I love to see the 'fruits' of my work as I sit on the balcony and growing tomatoes upside down has been the ideal way to sit back with a coffee and watch my tomatoes ripen.

Not only that, but I love being able to walk out to the balcony and pick some sweet, luscious tomatoes when I need them for a meal. Another feature of growing tomatoes upside down is that I can hange them along the side of the roof of the balcony. You might ask why that is so important and there is a reason. By hanging them along the side of the balcoy roof I know they are getting the sun all day long, whereas when I have them in containers the sun drops away about eleven in the morning and the tomato plants miss out on an awful lot of sun.

What tomato plants to grow upside down.

Over time it has proven that there really is no restriction on what tomato varieties can be grown upside down. Some of the larger varieties may not be as prolific in hanging pots, but they are still quite good. Personally the smaller tomato varieties are my favorites, the cherry tomato and some of the grape varieties and I tend to grow these, mainly for two reasons:

- I like the fruit because it looks lovely in salads or on platters

- They do not hang too far down and enclose the balcony where I am sitting

Everyone has different growing areas and even some restrictions, so find something that suits you and enjoy the growing experience.

The benefit of growing tomatoes upside down.

Apart from the benefits mentioned about, which are just a personal choice, there are definite growing benefits as well:

- The leaves and fruit are not touching the soil and therefore are not so susceptible to diseases

- The plants, funnily enough, often produce a better crop because they are not fighting off diseases from the soil

- It is easy to tend the plants because they are at a reachable level, but in saying that they do not need the weeding that in-ground or container grown plants do

- They have better airflow around the stems and leaves, and this helps in the growth of the fruit

- They can be hanging nearer to the kitchen for ease of picking

- The hanging plants can be easily moved so as to get full benefit of the sunlight

- This method of growing is fantastic for those with small courtyards or limited outdoor space

I would really encourage you to try growing tomatoes upside down if you have not tried it before. I know the first time I grew mine I was quite amazed at how successful it was. Perhaps try a few of the smaller varieties first and then the larger ones once you have the technique perfected.


Copyright (c) 2010 Kaye Dennan