Growing tomatoes upside down has been a popular trend for many decades. The design is based on the hypothesis that the stems of this tomato plant can be allowed to hang freely rather than fighting gravity to remain erect and water can flow more easily throughout the plant. Although the trendy look of the planters is an appealing addition to a container garden and can yield a successful harvest, there are several elements that can inhibit fruit production.

Container Size

Tomato plants have an extensive root system that requires a massive container. Upside down planters are usually not very large since they become quite heavy, especially when watered. If the root growth of this plant is restricted due to container size, the remaining part of the plant development will be limited as well. This can result in decreased fruit production. The upside down planters can only accommodate a couple of plants in the most. Unless you can supplement your hanging plant using other tomato crops, you will be restricted in the amount of tomatoes you get from this single plant.

Support

Traditionally grown tomatoes need structural support to assist the plant grow erect. The upside down planter does not offer support since the stems are allowed to hang down in the planter. Over time, the stems may begin to grow upward, toward the sunlight, making a U shape. The branches can become weighed down when they begin producing fruit which can lead to broken stems and lost fruit. Choose a dwarf tomato plant or even a variety with smaller fruit size to assist with the issue of the branches getting too heavy.

Cultural Factors

When an upside down tomato plant is watered, the water lands on the leaves and might remain there throughout the day. This can result in infection and compromise that the fruit quality. The soil in containers will dry out more quickly than soil in the ground. This fact along with the large root system and water conditions of tomato crops means an upside down plant needs careful monitoring for water. Insufficient water will influence the plant’s capacity to produce fruit.

Care

Container-grown tomatoes are reliant on the gardener to get their needs to be fulfilled. It takes just a diligent gardener to supply the normal watering, pest monitoring and attention to stems that are getting too heavy with fruit. Without regular attention, your upside down tomato plant may produce less fruit.

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