The Best Tomatoes for the Topsy-Turvey Planter

Determinate Tomatoes

• Determinate-type varieties are tomatoes that produce on shorter, stockier plants. These varieties grow to a certain height, flower and set fruit in a relatively short period of time. Due to the limited growth, determinate varieties perform well in containers and planters. The amount a tomato can grow and produce above ground is directly related to the root mass available for nutrient and water uptake and plant stabilization. For these reasons, determinate-type tomatoes will be the best choice for your Topsy Turvy planter.

Indeterminate Tomatoes

• Indeterminate-type tomatoes are varieties that will keep growing, flowering and setting fruit until frost. Vines often become so tall that staking, cages or trellises are required to support them. This continuous growth pattern often results in higher yields, but fruit typically ripens later. The greater above-ground growth requires more nutrients and water. These factors limit the yield in containers with small soil volume. The larger the root ball, the larger the crop. Indeterminate varieties can expected to yield less in Topsy Turvy planters compared with traditional in-ground production.

Best Varieties for the Topsy Turvey

• The varieties for the Topsy Turvy planter are determinate-type tomatoes. There are several different types of determinate varieties to choose from, including cherry, Roma, slicers and heirlooms. Some varieties include: Roma, Celebrity, Marianna, Heinze, Husky Red, Red Alert, Micro Tom and Tumbler. When selecting a tomato at the nursery, determinate tomatoes will be marked as such on the tag.

Planting Your Topsy Turvy Planter

• Remove your tomato from the container it came in in and break apart the roots gently. Pinch off all lower branches and place your tomato in the hole in the planter base. Put as much of the stem as possible inside the planter so the stem can take root. Replace the split sponge by gently placing it around the stem inside the planter. Fill your Topsy Turvy planter with potting mix to within 2 inches of the rim. Replace the lip and water thoroughly.