Allstar Innovations TT501116 Topsy Turvy 2 Pack Upside Down Tomato Planter

I have wanted one of these tomato planters for YEARS. No joke. I'm not much of a green thumb but I have always wanted to garden. I also haven't had much room to garden (mostly apartment living or renting in places where I couldn't start a full garden). I finally got my hands on one of these Topsy-Turvey tomato planters this year and I am excited to see how I do with one.Setting it up was fairly easy. I purchased a tomato seedling from our local Home Depot along with some potting soil. I elected to not install the hanging hardware that was included (big hook) because I am renting. However I found a huge plant hook stand I could put into the ground and hung my planter on that.The directions included with this kit said to use "any tomato plant" but the seedling I had was far too large to fit through the opening at the bottom of the planter. I feared I would damage the root system by forcing it in and didn't want to ruin the planter by making the opening larger. It took loads of patience to slowly work the seedling into the opening without totally crushing the root system. I planted my tomato a few weeks ago and, thus far, everything seems okay so hopefully I didn't do too much damage setting it up. The initial set up is definitely easier with 2 people. I held the planter with the seedling inserted while my oldest son worked to fill it with potting soil. I have a hard time seeing how one person could safely fill it unless they hung it up first and filled it in place.Watering has been quite easy. We just keep an eye on it and make sure it gets water daily. If it rains some of the rain gets into the watering reservoir through the lid covering so we skip adding more water on those days. We haven't had any fruit yet, but thus far the plant looks healthy.I'm pleased with this planter. It was relatively easy to assemble but I might try a smaller seedling next time to avoid possible root damage during set up. I used a small variety of tomato intended for container gardening this year but, if it works well, I hope to use other varieties in future years or even try other types of vegetables. This is definitely a good option for people who want to garden but are short on space. I would definitely recommend this product.

These are great for tomatoes and peppers. A little bit of work to get them assembled and get the plants in because the openings are intended to be small. I loaded the plants root side first pushing them through the openings. I was nervous that it would harm the plant but once dirt is put back in the planter (from the top) and hung up, the plants bounced right back and seemed to have no ill effect. After that, they just take off & grow. I think the water resevoir on top is what helps the most. Tomatoes in particular are thirsty plants and the topsy turvey planter does a great job of keeping them saturated but keeps bugs that would attack the roots out. I can't say that I've gotten more than a year or two of use out of them but the price point allows for me to just buy new ones. I've had the best results for tomatoes and peppers in this manner and it makes the process very easy.

The media could not be loaded. This is new for me and I'm looking forward to see how my tomato plant does in this. Assemblh was easy and the plastic bag that holds this looks like it will stand up to the sun and water. It was a bit difficult getting the roots of my tomato plant into the hole on the bottom. If suggest inserting your hand through first to help pull through the root of your plant.my only issue is this is a tall bag so finding a place to hang it will take some thinking. with it being so long and having to hang it high and then I wonder how I will water it my plan is to set it in a spot where I know my sprinkler system will hit it but as water doesn't leak from it i know it won't get into it very easily. So that's my only real concern. other than that the hanging feature is nice and sturdy so I have no fears it will fall down even in a strong storm.looking forward to seeing some tomatoes

First, we do GREAT with these topsy turvy things. The only reason I am giving it three instead of FIVE is because the older versions didn't have multiple holes for herbs. This causes a problem only because the water when you are watering it . . comes flying out of stuff you don't plug up with extra herbs. I don't want a bunch of herbs hanging too. So it got three instead of five. But . . . the key to making these work. layer your mater magic or whatever nutrients you add. Don't put it all near the root ball, don't put it all at the top. I cover the root ball completely add a light sprinkling of nutrients, add more dirt about two inches, then add a sprinkling of food, another two inches, more food etc. I also don't use that weird balloon thing to water it. I don't think it's needed and quite frankly if the right conditions exist could end up carry bacteria and contaminating your tomatoes. Water the living heck out of this thing. Every year we wield three full rounds of cherry tomatoes. And we have also grown early girls with two rounds of tomatoes. You gotta have this thing in DIRECT sunlight most of the day and water like crazy in the morning. EVERY morning. The size of our plants and amount of tomatoes we grow with only that initial layering of plant food works like a charm. And the white thing that we couldn't figure out came with it . . . it's a tomato slicer. Had no idea! Makes perfect slices of tomatoes for your sandwiches! I have to replace these every three seasons because they do work well when you water like no other and you hang them in DIRECT sunlight for at least SIX to seven full hours.

My tomato plants are growing like crazy and they seem to be taking the weight well so far. Make sure to hang them high. Tomato plants are long! I also have thyme, oregano and basil growing in the sides of the planter that are also doing very well! Another nice feature is that they can easily be turned for more or less sunlight exposure for both sun and shade loving plants. Make sure every thing has the same H2O needs though! These pics were taken about 10-14days apart.