As many of you might have noticed by now - I am a total gadget gal. This is an addiction that I think I must blame my Father for as he was also a person that had to try all things new and different. My love for gardening has, in past years, been severely curtailed by both rocky soil and aching bones. The one vegetable that I missed the most though has always been tomatoes. My alter-ego/sister/friend, Lauren, decided that I needed to have a go at trying these Topsy Turvey tomoto planters. It could be a perfect solution since we have very few places at our house that get full sun for more than a few hours a day. This might really work! I may have to get another one for peppers. Squash?
Topsy Turvey provides you with a round sponge that fits in the bottom of the planter - it prevents soil - and the plant - from falling out. The sponge has a slit in it so that the plant stem is softly surrounded by the sponge. I am wondering if this might rot the stem - but I guess I will know soon if that's the case. The planter itself is made from stong, durable, re-inforced plastic - sort of like the stuff that large bags of birdseed are packaged in. There is a stiff plastic scalloped lid that fits over the top - holds the edges firmly in shape and provides a large hole that helps funnel water. I always hestitate to buy these "as seen on TV" things - but this thing might actually work. If it does I am going to be one, very happy, tomato eater!
As many of you might have noticed by now - I am a total gadget gal. This is an addiction that I think I must blame my Father for as he was also a person that had to try all things new and different. My love for gardening has, in past years, been severely curtailed by both rocky soil and aching bones. The one vegetable that I missed the most though has always been tomatoes. My alter-ego/sister/friend, Lauren, decided that I needed to have a go at trying these Topsy Turvey tomoto planters. It could be a perfect solution since we have very few places at our house that get full sun for more than a few hours a day. This might really work! I may have to get another one for peppers. Squash?
Topsy Turvey provides you with a round sponge that fits in the bottom of the planter - it prevents soil - and the plant - from falling out. The sponge has a slit in it so that the plant stem is softly surrounded by the sponge. I am wondering if this might rot the stem - but I guess I will know soon if that's the case. The planter itself is made from stong, durable, re-inforced plastic - sort of like the stuff that large bags of birdseed are packaged in. There is a stiff plastic scalloped lid that fits over the top - holds the edges firmly in shape and provides a large hole that helps funnel water. I always hestitate to buy these "as seen on TV" things - but this thing might actually work. If it does I am going to be one, very happy, tomato eater! 
10 comments:
I love gadgets too-just need to know how everything works. I love tomatoes, but the store ones tend to be tasteless.
I'm glad you are testing this out. I've been wanting to know if it works!
I am trying one of these too! Mine didn't have the sponge but it did take forever for the plant to start growing! Let's see how many tomatoes I get off mine.
yummm, red, juicy tomatoes. hope you'll be a happy tomato eater!
lol...Peter ordered one of these but they sent a note saying "sold out" and substituted an Upsy Downsy instead...if I had been listening to him when it explained the difference I could tell you what it is :)
You have to let me know how it works. Being a balcony gardener now I have to find out. Someone in our complex has 1 and the plant is about 2 feet long. However, it does look like it is curved around trying to grow upright. Inquiring minds will need to know!
Oh --- I got one of these this year too! My tomato plant is growing very well --- and I am eager for it to 'set' tomatoes. Right now I observe that the shoots always want to grow 'upwards' and I'm wondering if I should do anything to prevent it (the one in the picture grows down). Hmmm.
:) Happy growing!
LaTeaDah
You'll have to let us know how it works... I considered doing this, but my sis tried it (albiet with simply a plastic bag that they altered to suit) and didn't like it at all. I suspect the form of the bag as well as the collar may have to do with it. I wasn't brave this year, i just potted mine up on my deck since I have no yard to speak of that is usable. Good Luck!
I bought these too...so far they are getting a thumbs up but there is more sun in Utah than on Whidbey! (or where you are)...I bet they will be great there...
How is the tomato plant doing so far? I've also looked at this gadget and wondered if it would work. No staking sounds like a dream.
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