The Topsy Turvy planter helps you grow vegetables such as tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum) in small spaces, hanging the planter from a hook or an overhang to take advantage of vertical growing space. Using the right kind of soil can help provide enough water and nutrients to keep your vegetables healthy.
Types of Mixes
The Topsy Turvy planter doesn't insulate the soil like many pots do, which can lead to the soil drying out quickly. The planter needs a mix that holds water where the roots can easily take advantage of it while still letting the excess water drain efficiently -- this reduces the chances of overwatering your vegetables. A soilless potting mix containing items such as peat, vermiculite, perlite and sphagnum moss can provide the water-retention balance you need. For example, peat helps with drainage while vermiculite holds water and releases it slowly.
Regular Potting Soil
Bagged potting soil also works in the Topsy Turvy, but look for soil specifically designed for vegetables rather than a generic version. Many of these soils contain nutrients designed to help the plants grow, and vegetable-specific versions give you the best result. Avoid using bags of topsoil, which can be too dense for the planter, as well as garden soil, which can be full of weed seeds, pests and disease.
How Much You Need
The Topsy Turvy uses about 20 quarts of soil, regardless of whether you use a soilless potting mix or other potting soil. After installing the plant or plants in the base of the planter, scoop the potting mix or soil through the top as you hold the plants securely and fill the planter until the soil reaches 2 inches from the top.
Fertilizing the Plants
The vegetables in the Topsy Turvy rely solely on you to provide them enough food. Soilless potting mixes don't include nutrients for your plants, so mix some fertilizer with them before adding them to the planter. Add about 1/2 cup of granular, time-release fertilizer suitable for the vegetable you're growing, such as a balanced 14-14-14. After planting, add a water-soluble vegetable fertilizer, such as an 18-18-21, about every 10 days until the vegetables start to form, and then add the water-soluble fertilizer at least once a week. Dissolve 1 tablespoon of the fertilizer in 1 gallon of water for each application, and add the entire gallon to the Topsy Turvy. Check the fertilizer manufacturer's directions to confirm proper mixture amounts.
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