The Topsy Turvy

For years I have watched those "Topsy Turvy" infomercials and wondered if they were really as great as they advertised. When I spotted one early this season, I thought I would try it out for myself...and so it begins, my journey with a Topsy Turvy...

It all began with a small cherry tomato plant that was very confused which way was up.

With nourishment and great care (and a lot of water) my confused plant turned into a small bush.

A real beauty isn't she! What she lacks in size she more than makes up in quality. :)! OK, not really, she actually has been a slow bloomer and compared with her sister that was planted in my grow box...she is a real runt.

The plant on the far right is her container mate...there is a bit of a size difference. OK, a HUGE size difference!

But after all is said and done, she is producing these...and that is why she was planted...good job my little confused tomato plant who resides in a Topsy Turvy!

All joking aside, if you have ever considered using a Topsy Turvy for garden production...here is what I have learned.

• Make sure the plant you put in it has a base stem that is at least as thick as a pencil. Mine wasn't and although it figured it out, it was a bit behind the curve.
• Use a good potting soil and good plant food when you start out. This is the only nourishment, other than sun and water of course, your plant will get. And I think your results will be MUCH better if you use good, high nourishing stuff.
• Make sure your plant gets plenty of water. They dry out much faster than anything planted in the ground.
• Hang your basket in a VERY sturdy place. When you fill that bag up with soil and water, it is VERY heavy.
• Although your plant may (and probably will) do much better than mine, don't expect a huge harvest. My plant is clearly not huge and will not produce an endless supply of cherry tomatoes. But...that is just what I wanted ( as you can tell by the size of my other tomato plants). I will love having a tomato plant right outside my kitchen
  where I can grab a handful of tomatoes to toss on my salad.

So there you have it...my take on the Topsy Turvy. Do with it what you wish. If anyone has had a different experience with one, I would love to hear it!