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For years, I've tried to grow tomatoes in my backyard.  I don't have much of a green thumb for this... One y ear, I went through 7-8 different plants as they all kept dying on me.

This year, new house, new method! New way of thinking of things!

Instead of planting tomatoes, I decided to buy the Topsy Turvy.  Have you heard of this?  Basically, you hang this mini greenhouse outside and put the plant in upside down so it hangs. 

topsy turvy

I planted it last night. There are already two small tomatoes ready to grow big and strong.

topsy turvy

Anyone have any good experiences with this thing?  If it works, I'm going to get another one for my basil.  I can grow basil, no problem, but the plant gets so big, it would be nice to let it hang upside down and out of the way.

By the way, ordering it from the infomercial or the website is a complete rip-off!  Buy it at Walgreens or wherever else they're selling them.  Online, it's $19.95 for 2 plus a recipe book plus two tomato slicers, however, it's $7.95 for processing and handling for EACH one sent.  It's ONLY $9.99 at the store!  Why pay the extra $16 when you don't have to... unless you just really want to see what their recipe book says.

**Are You Packed Yet?**

Donna Harris, REALTOR®
RE/MAX Austin Skyline
www.DonnaHomes.com
Donna@DonnaHomes.com

Austin, TX and the surrounding areas of Lakeway, Bee Cave, Westlake Hills, Cedar Park, Round Rock, Spicewood, Circle-C, Steiner Ranch, and everywhere in between... Whether you're buying or selling, I'll be with you through the entire process.    

 
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33 Comments on The Topsy Turvey Tomato Hanging Plant

MAY
04
2009
708,932 Points 63 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Hi Donna... I have seen this advertised and was wondering if it really worked.  Sure looks like it does, but somehow I doubt my HOA would care for it hanging on my balcony.
1:16pm • #1
1,114,380 Points 71 Featured Posts Outside Blog Hit Router Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Steve, Hang it from the Balcony to where it's hanging at eye level at your patio, assuming your balcony is directly above your patio. That's what I was going to do before I realized we actually had trees in our backyard!  But, you could also buy one of those plant-hanging things that sit on the ground and can hold lots of weight as plants hang from them...
1:19pm • #2

Please let us know how this works for you. I, too, had wanted to grow my own tomatoes in the past, but succeeded only in killing them instead! :)

1:24pm • #3
176,333 Points 8 Featured Posts Attended Rain Camp

Let me know too -  I keep wanting to buy one but have chickened out so far!
1:31pm • #4
366,891 Points

Great money savings tip at the end of your blog.  I have questioned how topsy turvy's results are to.  I will be watching for the ripe tomatoes from your plant.  Good luck! 
1:32pm • #5
583,168 Points 4 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Since I've never really been a fan of tomatoes, I've never really thought about trying the Tospy Turvy.  But I guess it could be used for just about any plant that fruits or flowers above ground.  Make sure you keep us update with your success :)
1:40pm • #6
193,749 Points 9 Featured Posts Hit Router

Hi Donna, Just as others said, keep us posted on how this works out.  I just bought a baby plant last night and it looked fine, now it already looks like it's on it's last leg.  I gave it some water so hopefully that's all that was going on.  This is my first year ever trying to grow anything.  My mom used to grow tomatoes and cucumbers and strawberries when I was a kid.  I'd been wanting to try something on my own for a while, but figured fruits and vegetables would suffer the same fate various houseplants have...  I obviously don't have a green thumb.  :)

~Chanda
2:00pm • #7
1,114,380 Points 71 Featured Posts Outside Blog Hit Router Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Lourdes, I kill many plants...

Lise, I figured for $10 plus the cost of dirt and the plant, it was a cheap way to test it...

Caron, Thanks!

JiMaria, Yes, you can put just about anything in it. As I mentioned, I'll probably do a basil one, and if the backyard doesn't look trashy with that, I'm wanting to do a red bell pepper plant too... or a strawberry one.

Chanda, They confuse me some times.  They look like they want water, yet the dirt might still be very wet. I think the plant stores have magic in the air that keeps them alive until we take them home.
2:13pm • #8
649,040 Points 1 Featured Post Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

I have heard of these....glad you see you are having over night success. I might have to try one.

Please remember me if you learn of anyone moving to "The OC" and I will do the same!

Michael Caruso, Broker ABR ABRM CRB CRS GREEN GRI

2007 President, Orange County Association of Realtors           

(949) 753-7900

  
2:23pm • #9
616,208 Points 9 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

The folks around the corner put three of these up on their back porch. I am keeping an eye on this "fad."
2:24pm • #10
364,087 Points 12 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

An old idea with a new twist. You can take any hanging pot that has a moss container that is exposed and poke a hole in the bottom, and do the same thing. This has been done forever, but the tomato twist adds a new flavor. Mine is a wrought iron hanging basket with moss inlay. It works the same way, but you can add flowers at the top and on the sides by poking holes in the sides.
3:40pm • #11
415,283 Points 22 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Donna - yes, I have seen the ads too and those tomatoes looked delicious. You definitely need to keep us posted. ~Rita
7:55pm • #12
456,913 Points 22 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Hi Donna - I hope you'll keep us posted on your upside down garden.  I have wondered about them - they are in catalogs and stores as well as on TV.  Good advice about the infomercial.  I have had good and bad experiences with ordering things that way.  More often than not the shipping and handling is more than the item.
9:51pm • #13
105,022 Points 1 Featured Post Localism Sponsor

Hi Donna, I think this is a great idea!! If it works just think you can move them from spot to spot. We are having a real problem with a groundhog in our garden this year. Spent all this money to put in 4 above ground boxes outlined with the brick chunks and this critter has eaten everything but our tomatoes. My husband says he is waiting for the tomatoes to come on and then he will probably poke holes in them... I am trying to find a way to rid of him without hurting him.
10:23pm • #14
1,063,218 Points 156 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Donna, I have never had luck growing tomatoes in North Texas with the heat but had not seen this upside down contraption. Maybe this is a good trick for our area. Keep us posted. Most of the time with too much nitrogen the leaves get green but no flowers or the tomatoes go green but never red. Or with the blazing summer heat you just can't keep the plants from burning up with the sun.
11:18pm • #15
335,636 Points 14 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

I havent heard of it, but the method seems to be working out pretty well so far.  Sorry you killed 7-8 others before finding this method.  (kidding).
11:48pm • #16
MAY
05
2009
524,517 Points 2 Featured Posts Called Shot Master

Donna,

Thanks for this information.  I have seen the infomercials and wonder if in fact this product works.  Please keep us updated.
6:36am • #17
768,692 Points 60 Featured Posts Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

I'm glad to see that someone I know has actually purchased this product...and that it actually works!

Due to your success (so far) I might be in the market for one now as I love tomatoes, but have limited space.

Since you're not afraid to buy those "As advertised on TV" products, let me know how the Snuggie works out too. It's only $19.95 plus shipping and handling....but if you act now!!!!
8:03am • #18
524,517 Points 2 Featured Posts Called Shot Master

Hey what is up with the Snuggie, why not just take a robe and put it on backwards?
8:29am • #19
1,114,380 Points 71 Featured Posts Outside Blog Hit Router Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Michael, No overnight success as it came with the 2 little tomatoes, but I'm sure they'll get bigger and redder!

Gary Waters, I hope it doesn't look tacky with three as I might have three if it works!

Tim, But with a hanging basket, you're not getting a built-in "greenhouse" like with the topsy turvy, but your idea sounds interesting.

Rita, I will!

Susan, I know!  How much could it cost to "handle" something that's 1 pound?

Teresa, In theory you can move them, but they're heavy!  It's a huge thing of wet soil, and if the plant is blooming tomatoes, it's even heavier.

Gary Woltal, I hung it under a tree that will capture the shade instead of the hot, evening sun, but still get the cooler, morning sun.
9:11am • #20
1,114,380 Points 71 Featured Posts Outside Blog Hit Router Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

John, The sad part is, I've killed more than that, but I killed several in that one summer a couple of years ago.

Richard, I definitely will!  And great idea to wear the bathrobe backwards!

Craig, I've actually gotten quite a few things from TV ads over the years. I have a Gazelle that's awesome. I "had" an Ab Lounge that I didn't want to move so I gave it to my mom. I have a thigh stepper, and a couple of other things.  Nothing "silly".  I will NOT be ordering a snugglie!!  I've got plenty of sweats and blankets!
9:15am • #21
335,636 Points 14 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Well, good for you for sticking it out.  Looks like you found the method that works for you... or maybe its the Austin weather and all that rain.  :-)
2:50pm • #22
MAY
06
2009

I thought about getting one for my kids.

How large was your tomato plant when you planted it?
1:21am • #23
100,690 Points

I haven't bought one but I saw them at Lowes.

Gary, even green tomatoes can be eaten in my neck of the woods! Fried green tomatoes are the best.
10:30am • #24
MAY
14
2009
1,114,380 Points 71 Featured Posts Outside Blog Hit Router Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Brenda, Sorry, I didn't see your post... I bought a small one from Home Depot.  Like about a foot tall?

Cheri, Great movie!

By the way, my green tomatoes are getting so big, and a third one sprouted out a couple of days ago.
9:43pm • #25
MAY
17
2009
324,632 Points

Donna-I was on the fence about buying one, but now I am convinced that I have to go and get one.
7:36am • #26
1,114,380 Points 71 Featured Posts Outside Blog Hit Router Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Joseph, I think I'm going to post an update tomorrow as it'll be 2 weeks. I've never been able to keep one alive this long!
8:39am • #27
547,112 Points 15 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

I came over from my tomato blog to see this.  Amazing.  I have to show my gardener husband just as soon as he gets in from the golf course.
11:51am • #28
1,114,380 Points 71 Featured Posts Outside Blog Hit Router Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Barbara, I just started some bell peppers and basil from seed. They're about 2 inches tall right now, and I'm going to get another topsy turvy to plant those.
2:39pm • #29
MAY
26
2009
1,114,380 Points 71 Featured Posts Outside Blog Hit Router Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Here's an update:
http://activerain.com/blogsview/1088874/topsy-turvey-update-it-s-been-3-weeks

 
9:32am • #30
JUN
09
2009
1,193,480 Points 89 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Never heard of it but I want one.  We stopped doing tomatoes a couple of years ago but I miss them.
3:14pm • #31
JUL
18
2009
160,084 Points Outside Blog Hit Router

Donna:

I think those plants are a panic. I have about 50 tomatoe plants in our garden. I think those are great for people who don't have a formal garden area to work with. How about people in apartments and townhouses.

Richard
10:58pm • #32
JUN
27
350,297 Points 2 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

Donna - I have seen tomato plants in hanging baskets but have never seen one of these greenhouse things.  I currently have two tomato plants in one of my shrub boarders.  So far it is working.
9:29am • #33

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Donna Harris, REALTOR® & ASP - Hill Country Austin Lakeway Homes

Austin, TX

More about me…

RE/MAX Austin Skyline

Address: 4611 Bee Caves Rd #200, Austin, TX, 78746

Office Phone: (512) 592-7127

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This blog is to help educate Buyers, Sellers and even other Realtors across the country.  Each market is different and the way Real Estate is done is different.  Austin Real Estate is completely different than Dallas, California and Florida and everywhere else in between.  Some times there will be other things besides real estate as I like to rant and rave as much as the next!!  Come back often!

Donna Harris, REALTOR® with RE/MAX
Donna Harris, REALTOR® with RE/MAX
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