Those quirky upside down tomato planters you see on TV and in stores seem like lots of fun. Hanging planters are easy to transport indoors during an early frost and they help save space in the greenhouse or outdoor garden for other space-hogging plants. However, that price tag turns many thrifty, do-it-yourself gardeners away. But, if you’re intrigued by the concept and want to try it out in your own greenhouse garden, you can make your own Upside Down Tomato Planters!

How to Make Your Own Upside Down Tomato Planters
Materials you will need:
1. Container, such as plastic pots, empty (and clean and sterilized) milk jugs or 2 liter soda bottles
2. Hanging apparatus, such as an eye bolt or heavy hook
3. Paint, duct tape, or sleeve covering made from heavy paper or fabric if you are using an opaque or clear container
4. Netting (like landscape weed control netting) if you are using a plastic pot
5. Moisture retaining potting soil mixture of your choice (like 2 parts CocoLite Bricks, 1 part perlite, and 1 part Groden granulates)
6. Seedlings

Constructing Your Tomato Planters
1. Be sure to wash and sterilize all your gardening tools containers, and soil (if you are reusing potting soil) before you begin to keep your tomato plants healthy

2. Prepare your container by drilling or cutting a 2 to 3 inch hole in the side (for soda and milk containers) or bottom (for plastic pots) for the placement of your plant.

3. Next, drill a small hole for the eye hook to attach in the bottom of the soda container. For milk jugs, you can craft a hanging harness out of twine to hang your container in addition to using an eye hook as the jug will be heavier and the plastic is less sturdy than the bottom of a 2 liter bottle, and selecting a plastic pot with a built in hanger is best.

4. If you are using an opaque or clear soda or milk container, you will need to cover the outside with paint, duct tape, or a paper or fabric sleeve to protect the plant’s roots from sunlight.

5. If you are using a plastic pot, cover the hole with netting to keep the soil from washing out during waterings. The weight of the soil should be enough to keep it secure if you cut a circle that fills the bottom of the pot instead of just large enough to cover the opening. Cut an “X” into the netting to allow you to feed the roots of the tomato plant through the opening and into the soil.

6. Fill your container with moisture retaining potting soil.

7. Place your seedling through the spout of the soda or milk container, or through the center of the netting in the bottom of the plastic pot. Make sure you bury the root ball, and even up to ¾ of the tomato plant into the dirt, leaving just the last quarter of the plant exposed through the opening.

8. If you are using a plastic pot, you can plant herbs, flowers, or other plants with shallow root systems in the top to make your tomato planter even more attractive.

9. Hang, and water well.

Be sure to water, water, water those tomato planters often, and monitor your plants for problems. While these planters eliminate some common problems like frost danger, soil drainage issues, and some insect problems, they are prone to over heating, overexposure to sunlight, and dehydration.

Not Just for Tomatoes

Upside down tomato planters can be modified for other heat-loving plants, like banana peppers, zucchini, cucumbers, and peppers. Just be sure to monitor your plants closely, especially for dehydration. Some plants will require extra waterings to keep them healthy and happy.

Don’t’ be afraid to experiment with your tomato planters and keep us informed of your successes and not-so-successful endeavors!