Sun, 2010/04/18 - 1:41am
I'm wondering whether anyone has tried these (like the Topsy-Turvy Tomato planter bags), and how they worked out? I saw some growing eggplants once, and they looked OK. Was considering trying one this year, for tomato or cucumber.
Sun, 2010/04/18 - 1:22pm
#2
I haven't used them, but got one for christmas. I don't think I'll use it but I'd love to see you try Gisette! I'd love to have a vertical grow wall! Keven, the only one I've seen is from Aerofalls. Did you build one from scratch?
Beth
Sun, 2010/04/18 - 1:35pm
#3
Problem is limited space. The condo board has developed an Opinion Regarding Potted Plants in my Driveway... 
So the concept is obnoxious compliance - put plants in the middle of my driveway as forbidden, by suspending them from above instead of growing them from below.
The vertical grow wall sounds interesting, tho I don't have anyplace I could put one.
Sun, 2010/04/18 - 2:24pm
#4
Hi Guys,
Some years ago I made a basic recirculating vertical grow, it worked ok, I was happy with it.
The difference is now that I have that much more experience and I would love to do a re-model but funds are limited for the time being.
I try to grow for either cost-neutral or for profit, otherwise I consider it's not worth my time.
I don't have experience of Condo's, but if you have a veranda (sorry, I don't know the US equivalent) you could grow vertically there.
But I do have experience of extreme snobbery, and that can be a real downer.
Fri, 2010/05/07 - 9:34pm
#5
I'm a novice, but it seems that the plants are less likely to get adequate sun.
What do you think?
Sat, 2010/05/08 - 10:03am
#6
TeaLover - yes, that's a concern, hanging off a deck, they probably would get less sun.
Sat, 2010/05/08 - 11:26am
#7
Mom & I are going to get the topsy turvy & hang them off the railing of the front porch. I will definitely let you know how they do.
Sat, 2010/05/08 - 12:54pm
#8
Thanks, Jessi!
Actually, I've been tempted by Gardener's Supply Company's Revolution planter - looks a bit better thought out. They're on sale now for $14.99 - still more than a topsy-turvy, but looks a whole lot sturdier.
Sat, 2010/05/08 - 1:27pm
#9
Also, it would seem that the plants might get less much-needed sunlight if the bag is blocking some angles.
What do you think?
Sat, 2010/05/08 - 5:33pm
#10
from what I read there are 2 - 3 holes for plants in the topsy turvy. I figure 2 on the side & 1 in the front. I know we get alot of sun in my grandparents front & back yard. There are no trees & no shade whatsoever.
Sat, 2010/05/08 - 9:10pm
#11
The topsy-turvy's I inspected at Home Depot were max 1 tomato per bag. But they have multiple designs.
Be careful to consider how you're going to water these things. Tomatoes in full sun, bearing size, could drink that bag's worth of water every day, twice a day. Easy. That was one of my concerns with that scheme, versus the growboxes. Each growbox costs ~ $30 + potting mix and can support two full-size tomato plants. And it has a reservoir of 4 gallons. It can go two days (usually much more) without watering, no matter how hot it gets. Getting water to the top of a topsy-turvy, possibly several times a day, could be effortful.
Sun, 2010/05/09 - 7:47pm
#12
Ran across an interesting review of topsy-turvy's on Amazon:
266 of 283 people found the following review helpful:
2.0 out of 5 stars Make your own!, March 28, 2009
| By | Marie Mitchell-crane "shouldbeinthegarden" (Sammamish,WA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME) |
This review is from: Felknor Ventures 82506 Topsy Turvy Upside-Down Tomato Planter (Lawn & Patio)
Expensive, heavy, and over board! Just use a market bag you can obtain at any grocery store or Trader Joes for .99 cents. The handles are sturdier and the bag expands. Slit bottom center with an X, slip seedling in, add soil mixed with vermiculite and peat moss and hang on a sturdy pole. If your soil mix has vermiculite and peat in it you will water less often. I would use a gallon jug with top cut off to water slowly on really hot days. The whole set up with soil, plant, and bag cost me $2.50 each.
I don't like them for two reasons:
-Plants don't grow upside down, only in Australia(!)
-When you apply full strength nutes, it drips down onto the leaves and fruit and burns them,
(don't forget you'll be eating these...)
so you have to use either weaker nutes or perhaps seaweed extract etc.
Go build yourself a vertical wall/grow instead! It's more fun, more productive and just amazing!