A Topsy Turvy planter offers a unique approach to container gardening, allowing plants to grow in an inverted position. This specialized, upside-down system is designed to hang from a sturdy support. It’s a popular choice for cultivating various vegetables and herbs, particularly in areas with limited ground space, as it efficiently utilizes vertical growing areas.
How the Topsy Turvy Planter Works
The Topsy Turvy planter is a durable bag or container with an opening at the bottom, through which the plant is inserted to grow downwards. Soil and water are contained within the top portion, and this inverted orientation utilizes gravity to deliver water and nutrients directly to the plant’s root system.
Plants exhibit phototropism, naturally orienting their growth towards a light source. In a Topsy Turvy planter, despite being planted upside down, stems will naturally curve upwards towards the sun. This ensures leaves receive adequate sunlight for photosynthesis. The enclosed soil environment also helps regulate root temperatures.
Choosing Plants for Your Topsy Turvy
Selecting the right plants is crucial for success, as certain characteristics are more conducive to this inverted growing method. Vining plants, or those with a trailing habit, often perform well because their natural growth pattern aligns with the downward orientation. Compact varieties of typically larger plants can also be good candidates.
Plants that benefit from improved air circulation around their foliage and fruit are excellent choices. Popular selections include tomatoes, especially determinate or patio varieties which produce fruit in a concentrated burst. Strawberries, bell peppers, chili peppers, and various herbs like basil, mint, and rosemary also do well.
Setting Up Your Topsy Turvy Planter
Setting up your Topsy Turvy planter properly ensures a healthy start. Begin by unboxing the planter and preparing your chosen plant. Gently remove the plant from its nursery pot, taking care not to disturb the root ball excessively. Slightly moistening the root ball beforehand can be helpful.
Next, insert the plant’s root ball through the bottom opening of the planter, ensuring the stem and foliage hang freely. Secure the plant in place. Then, fill the planter with a high-quality, lightweight potting mix, leaving a few inches of space from the top. Initial watering should be thorough, allowing water to drain from the bottom.
Care and Maintenance for Topsy Turvy Plants
Ongoing care is essential for thriving plants in a Topsy Turvy system, particularly regarding watering. Due to the inverted design and exposure to sun and wind, these planters can dry out more quickly than traditional pots. Daily watering, sometimes twice a day during hot weather, is often necessary to maintain consistent soil moisture. Water should be applied to the top of the planter until it begins to drip from the bottom opening.
Fertilization is also important, as nutrients can leach from the soil with frequent watering. A balanced liquid fertilizer can be applied every one to two weeks to replenish essential nutrients. Monitor plants regularly for signs of pests or diseases, addressing issues promptly with appropriate treatments. Ensure the planter receives at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal growth and fruit production.
Benefits and Considerations
Using a Topsy Turvy planter offers several advantages for gardeners, especially those with limited ground space. These planters are excellent for small patios, balconies, or decks, maximizing vertical growing areas. Growing plants off the ground can also reduce common issues like soil-borne diseases and certain ground-dwelling pests. Weeding is virtually eliminated due to the contained growing environment.
Despite these benefits, there are considerations to keep in mind. The weight of a fully filled and watered planter can be substantial, necessitating a strong, secure hanging location. The rapid drying of the soil requires diligent watering habits. Additionally, the unique growing orientation may not be suitable for all plant types, making careful selection important.