Growing tomatoes and cucumbers isn't limited to traditional methods, such as greenhouses or open ground. Another unusual method is growing vegetables upside down. This has both advantages and disadvantages. Knowing the secrets of growing tomatoes upside down will help you achieve a presentable and bountiful harvest.
The essence of planting technology
Seedlings should be planted in pots or any other container with a capacity of at least 5 liters. The planting process involves the following steps:
- At the bottom of the container, make a hole of approximately 8 cm in diameter.
- Fill the bucket with nutrient-rich soil, adding substrate along the edges. Close the lid and turn the container upside down.
- The seedlings are planted in the hole. It will take 21 days for the tomato plants to fully adapt to the new soil.
- Once the plant has begun to grow, the container can be turned over. It will then grow roots-up, but since the stems will still reach toward the sun, the tomato will grow upward, not downward.
- The container with the planted vegetable crop must be suspended on a strong support.
You may be interested in:To prevent excessive evaporation, the bucket can be loosely covered with a lid. Remove the lid before each watering and replace it afterward.
Advantages of the method
This method of growing tomatoes has its advantages:
- the possibility of obtaining a high yield;
- saving space on the site;
- You can use the upper part of the greenhouse for this method of growing crops;
- the ability to carry a hanging vessel in case of bad weather;
- act as decoration;
- such tomatoes are less susceptible to diseases and pests;
- there is no need to install pegs for garters.
These beds don't require tilling or weeding. Just water them regularly and check the soil periodically. Watering is convenient because it's very similar to watering houseplants.
Disadvantages of the method
The disadvantages of this technology include:
- The need to construct a strong and durable suspension.
- A beautiful shape isn't always achieved as a bush grows. The plant still tends to grow upward, so bushes can become unsightly during cultivation.
- To form a large bush, at least 8 hours of sun are needed. However, the container in which the seedlings are planted initially provides intense shade, inhibiting normal development.
- If the summer is too hot and dry, then it is necessary to constantly water the tomatoes to provide the necessary soil moisture.
- Not all varieties of the crop can grow in such conditions.
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Sometimes it can be difficult to find a hook or other place to hang a vessel. Of course, you can make your own tripod or buy one, but this entails some financial expense.
You may be interested in:Recommendations for growing tomatoes
It's important to choose the right variety for this method of growing tomatoes. These varieties should produce small fruits and have thin stems. Such varieties include "Pearl," "Ampelny," "Wagner Mirabelle," and "Black Bunch."
You can grow tomatoes root-up in special containers sold in stores. However, to save money, you can make a container from household items. A plastic bucket or a plastic bottle are the most common choice.
You can mount this container on the ceiling, on the wall, or use a separate crossbar. The latter option is more cost-effective, as it allows the tomatoes to receive sufficient sunlight.
You may be interested in:Growing tomatoes upside down is a great way to grow vegetables in a small garden plot where space is limited. For those who want to grow tomatoes but don't have a garden, this method allows them to be planted on the balcony. It doesn't require a lot of investment. The only thing you need to do is water the plants regularly to prevent the soil from drying out.

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