I love the space saving concept of the "Topsy Turvy" tomato planter. I think this planter concept is helpful in cutting down on weeding and a perfect solution for people who want to enjoy homegrown tomatoes but don't have a yard. I'll wager that if you had a window with enough sun exposure you could even grow tomatoes inside your home.
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I have looked at them in stores each season but just didn't feel justified in spending the money to purchase one. I saw on a website a way to make your own using an emptied 2 liter soda bottle and a few simple items usually found around the house. (I'd love to give credit but it's been over a year since I found the idea and I can't remember the name of the site).
This project was really simple and only took about 15 minutes to complete. This time includes several interruptions from my 2 year old daughter.
To make your own "Topsy Turvy" tomato planter, you will need the following items ~
- Empty, clean 2 liter plastic soda bottle
- A chopstick, wooden skewer or small dowel rod, at least 8 inches long. (You could also use a metal clothing hanger as I did on my first planter. However, it was very difficult for me to untwist the hanger and to twist it back into position).
- scissors
- potting soil
- coffee filter
- tomato plant
- wire or string to hang your planter with
- something to punch holes with (I used a screw but I think any sharp object would work.
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| 1) Wash an empty 2 liter soda bottle Remove label if desired. |
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| 2) Carefully cut bottom off approximately 2 inches. On the bottle I used, there was a ridge at the right spot which served as a guide. |
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| 3) Place the cut bottom portion inside the bottle in an inverted position. It should fit snugly |
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| 4) With the bottom still inside the bottle, poke 2 holes through the sides to fit the chopstick or dowel rod. You will want to make sure to align these holes in a centered position so your planter isn't off balance when hanging. |
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| 5) Pull the bottom out and make holes which will serve as a water dispenser for your plant. |
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| 6) This is what my water dispenser looks like. I made ten holes and attempted to evenly space them. |
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| 7) Choose a tomato seedling that isn't very large yet. You'll need to be able to thread the plant through the top off your bottle. |
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| 8) Tear a seam in the coffee filter from an edge to the center. Wrap gently around the base of your plant, covering the dirt. |
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| 9) Gently work the tomato plant through the neck of the bottle. Use your chopstick to help lift the plant through the opening if need be. |
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| 10) Turn your planter upside down and fill with potting soil. You will want to be sure to leave space to place the water dispenser/lid. |
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| 11) Thread the dowel rod/chopstick through the holes. |
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| 12) Secure wire to hang the plant. |
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| 13) Pour water into the dispenser until water drips out of the neck of the bottle. |
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| 14) Hang your new "Topsy Turvy" and enjoy! You should cover the bottle with something to shield delicate roots from the light. I used masking tape on one and duct tape on another. I think you could paint the planter with spray paint prior to putting your plant in, as well. To care for your plant, water as needed. For additional space saving ideas, check out the following - Vertical Vegetables & Fruit: Creative Gardening Techniques for Growing Up in Small Spaces  Vertical Vegetable Gardening: A Living Free Guide (Living Free Guides)  Vertical Gardening and Container Gardening - Ideas for Growing Vegetables and Herbs In Small Vertical Places Outdoors and Indoors  |
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