upside down planters

**marlas1too** · 07-28-2011, 12:02 PM

had to go to lowes today and found that they have a sale on upside down planters-1 DOLLAR EACH-boy what a bargain -i bought all they had -50 -i won't use the tomato seeds that come with them i want to only grow heirloom tomatoes as i can save the seeds for the next year -some ill give to friends but i want to keep at least 30 for myself -just trying to get ready for next year--some lowes are selling them for 2.50 but you never know till you go there--hugs to all fv

**Durgan** · 07-28-2011, 10:06 PM

Originally Posted by marlas1too

had to go to lowes today and found that they have a sale on upside down planters-1 DOLLAR EACH-boy what a bargain -i bought all they had -50 -i won't use the tomato seeds that come with them i want to only grow heirloom tomatoes as i can save the seeds for the next year -some ill give to friends but i want to keep at least 30 for myself -just trying to get ready for next year--some lowes are selling them for 2.50 but you never know till you go there--hugs to all fv

I assume you are referring to upside down tomato planters. They are almost a total; waste of time, effort and money. One of those many stupid things propagated by various people without any substantial practical experience to support them. Similar to potatoes growing in tires.

**sinopa27** · 07-28-2011, 11:04 PM

When you use yours, just make sure you water then a lot. For some reason, the tomato plants in those need more water.
I wish you much luck!!

**Spirit Deer** · 07-28-2011, 11:19 PM

Why not use the seeds that came with? Then when they're gone, you can use heirloom seeds and save some for the next year. As long as you have them, it would save money not to buy other seeds till you need them.

**marlas1too** · 07-29-2011, 03:32 AM

to answer a few posts at one time--i grow potatoes in tires and cut down plastic 55 gal barrels and they both work but then again i only use cow and horse manure in them-good big potatoes-second -i only use heirloom seeds that i save each year -i don't buy hybrids as the seeds from don't always produce true where heirloom seeds will-i'm also going to be growing strawberries,herbs,and cucumbers too-i won't use them all for just tomatoes--hugs to all fv--p.s. i have used them before and had good big tomatoes all summer

**mamamia** · 07-29-2011, 04:08 AM

Now that's a deal! I always wanted to try them, but the price of them turned me away.

If my Lowes has them for $1, I will give it a shot.

Thanks for posting!
Theresa

Potatoes in tires? hmmm.

Sounds like you got alot of 'know how'. Believe me, you truly have my admiration on that!!

**Spirit Deer** · 07-29-2011, 09:18 AM

My point about the seeds is, since you already have them and don't have to buy them, why not just grow them till the seeds are used up? Why would you have to save them? Or you could save a few and see if they grow okay the next year. Since you already have the seed, you don't have anything to lose.

If you really don't want the seeds, maybe you could see if a food shelf would like them. I'm sure there are a lot of people who use food banks who also grow gardens or even just a few plants in pots. It seems a shame to throw away good seeds, when seeds are so expensive.

It makes sense to me those planters would need more water. The material they're made of is probably breathable, and that means air gets in all surfaces and dries the dirt out.

I've also heard if the plants get too large, they can easily break off.

Mamamia, you can do the same thing by cutting a hole in the bottom of a bucket large enough to insert the root ball of a tomato plant. Then cut a piece of vinyl screening larger than the hole. Cut a slit in the screening just barely big enough to put the root ball through. Put the whole works through the bottom of the bucket and fill with dirt. Hang from a sturdy hook.

Good luck, everone.

**marlas1too** · 07-29-2011, 05:07 PM

well-SD sometimes i mix my own compost half and half to the stuff that comes with the planters and yes the do get heavy and i pick them often-compost has more nutrients -but i've never had one to break off-i don't throw the seeds that come with them i give them away to friends--- i just like to grow heirloom plants---that way they won't die away like so many others that have come and gone away -- i have loads of seeds that i vacuum sealed for future use-and yes i could use buckets but i don't like to use them as i use buckets to store stuff in and i use strong vinegar to clean them after i wash them even the ones i get at the store--i just like to get a good deal and i wont use them all at once I'll use some till they break and then ill replace them---hugs to all fv

**Luckybustert** · 07-31-2011, 08:31 PM

Originally Posted by Durgan

I assume you are referring to upside down tomato planters. They are almost a total; waste of time, effort and money. One of those many stupid things propagated by various people without any substantial practical experience to support them. Similar to potatoes growing in tires.

I didn't have much luck with the upside down tomato planters either, unfortunately.