Easy Way To Grow Tomato Plant in Plastic Hanging Bottle
Grow Tomato Plant
Instead of spending money for a commercial upside down planter, make one yourself with a 2-liter plastic bottle to grow your tomatoes.
What are the benefits of growing tomato plants in plastic hanging bottles?
Easy Way To Grow Tomato Plant in Plastic Hanging Bottle
Tomatoes are among the most popularly cultivated crops worldwide, with a significant number of gardeners and farmers producing them for both commercial and domestic purposes. Notably, the appeal of tomatoes goes beyond their taste and nutritional value, as they can also be grown indoors, on balconies, and in small gardens. Today, we focus on a simple and innovative way to grow tomatoes using a plastic hanging bottle.
Materials Required
1. A plastic bottle (2-liter size or larger)
2. Tomato Seedling
3. Garden Soil
4. Scissors
5. String/twine
Preparation Steps
1. Start by cleaning the plastic bottle thoroughly both inside and outside. Ensure that there is no residue of previous contents, particularly if it was a toxic or chemical substance.
2. Use scissors to cut out the bottom side of the plastic bottle. This opening is essential to allow excess water to drain, as well as providing space for the tomato roots to grow.
3. On the upper part of the plastic bottle, create three or four small holes for ventilation. Use the scissors to puncture the plastic carefully to avoid tearing. The holes should be approximately half an inch in diameter.
4. Fill the plastic bottle with garden soil, ensuring that it reaches the cutting line. Gently tap the bottle on the hard surface to settle the soil.
5. Use a tomato seedling instead of seeds because the latter usually have difficulty penetrating the plastic surface. Place the seedling into the soil and press down firmly to ensure that it is stable.
6. Water the tomato plant thoroughly, making sure that the soil is not too wet.
7. Tie a string or twine around the top of the bottle close to the bottle cap. Ensure that the twine is strong enough to support the weight of the tomato plant when it is fully grown.
Maintenance Steps
1. Put the bottle in a sunny spot. Tomatoes require a lot of sunlight for photosynthesis, and it is essential to place the bottle where it can receive at least 6 hours of sunlight per day.
2. Water the plant regularly. The frequency of watering depends on the climate and humidity of your region. However, do not overwater the soil, as it could lead to root rot.
3. Check the tomato plant for pests or diseases frequently. Tomatoes are vulnerable to aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies. If you notice any signs of infestation, such as yellow leaves or webbing, use an organic pest control spray.
4. Prune the tomato plant regularly. Pinch off the suckers (small shoots growing off the plant’s main stem) to encourage growth and reduce the weight on the plant.
Conclusion
Growing a tomato plant in a plastic hanging bottle is a simple, innovative, and effective way of cultivating a high-quality crop. The process takes minimal effort and materials, making it accessible to both experts and amateurs. Additionally, the plastic bottle makes it easy to move the plant around, resulting in fresh tomatoes at your convenience. So go ahead and try it out—the results will surprise you.