Making an Upside Down Tomato Planter

This project is fun (and useful) for children and adults alike. Although, it should be noted that adults will need to help children with this project as there are power tools and sharp objects involved! By now, everyone has seen the upside down commercial tomato planters available. With this project you will have something similar at a fraction of the cost. Let’s get started...

Materials Needed
- 2-Liter Bottle
- Spray Paint
- Drill and 1/4” Drill Bit
- Piece of Wood
- 1/4” Wooden Stick (dowel rod, chopstick or something similar)
- Twine
- Utility Knife

Putting It All Together
First, start by cutting the bottom off of your 2-liter bottle. Cut about where the black piece of plastic that used to be at the bottom of 2-liter bottles was (I’m sure you remember this!) Use a simple utility knife for this task (adults only!). Once the bottom of the bottle is removed, turn it so that it resembles a cup and place it inside the bottle so that it is flush with the bottle (nestled into the “top” of your planter).

Next, get a drill and a small piece of wood (the wood adds pressure to the plastic so you can drill into it without it collapsing) and place them on a surface suitable for drilling. Drill two holes (opposite of each other) about 1/4” from the edge. These holes will hold your wooden stick so that you may hang your planter. Next, you need to protect the roots from being exposed to direct sunlight so give the outside of your 2-liter bottle a quick coat of spray paint; let dry thoroughly.

Next, tease the roots of your tomato plant and add it to the bottom (previously top) of the planter by carefully pushing the roots through the spout and fill your planter with a mixture of one part perlite to two parts potting mix and peat moss. Top it off with 1/2” potting mix, peat moss and some coco liner. After your planter has been watered a couple of times the top 1/2” layer will become compact and will help to slow the water flow for a more evenly distributed watering. Place your dowel rode through the previously drilled holes and tie twine to both ends of the dowel and hang your planter!

Have Fun!
Heather W.
Fairview Greenhouses & Garden Center