Hello all,

first, a preface: I do not know anything about growing plants, so, I'm sure my questions will be below the level of even the lowest hobby gardener, but, after reading some of the forum questions, this seems like the place to get good answers. So, my apologies in advance.... if I seem clueless, it's because I am.

Anyway, a few months ago, my daughter (6yo) received a topsy turvy planter as a gift. She was incredibly excited to grow tomatoes (and peppers..we added a 2nd one with jalapenos)

We started them a few weeks ago, and they are definitely growing. They appear to be healthy, but, other than some google pics, I have no idea of what they SHOULD look like.

I'm sure the real gardeners consider the topsy turvy to be the lowest level of gardening, as the people i have spoken to at nurseries here (in Arizona) instantly try to get me to grow them in the ground.

However....my daughter is insistent that we use them (and, since it was a gift, I tend to agree).

She now wants to add some more, so, I am basically looking for advice as to the best type of peat moss/fertilizer/plant food, etc, so that I can maximize the growth, and help give her a positive experience.

Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance,

Scott (and daughter)
Mesa, Arizona

ProMix vegetable potting soil appears to be pretty good. Some of the best looking potting soil that I've purchased in several years. It was recommended to me here on the forum and I started my seedlings (tomato & pepper) out in them . The seedlings are doing great. In my area Wallyworld stocks it. You might consider getting some Epsoma Tomato-Tone fertilizer. Also, be sure to keep the plants well watered being as I seem to recall that the bags/buckets are prone to drying out quickly.

I agree about what all folks have said about the upside-down growing containers. Why not tell your daughter that *you* want to have some of your own, too, and plant a few in-ground or in a large container. Later, the two of you can compare the two different growing methods and see which works out better and produces better. Seeing is believing and once she experiences the two growing methods and the results she will most likely be convinced of the better growing method (who knows, though, the topsy-turvy may produce a bumper crop! ). Kids do like unique and different things, but they are also competitive and like positive results.

Here is a short article discussing some pros and cons of using upside-down planters along with a few tips on using them. http://www.tomatodirt.com/grow...

As long as ya'll are having fun and it sparks an interest in gardening inside of your daughter it's all worth it. But, for a child that young, a failure might throw a bit of cold water on things for her. Those first impressions and all that jazz.....

Best wishes,
Ed

Ed,

Thank you for taking the time to respond, and for the recommendation. I will pick up some ProMix, and some Epsoma.

Also... great idea about the competition of in-ground vs. upside down. I will plant a few of my own, and I'm sure she will want to "win". (if we get a crop from either, I'll view it as a win)

I will read the pros and cons article, and see if I can learn a little more.

Thanks again,

Scott

here's where we stand so far....green planter is tomato, red is jalapeno

looks awesome! it should be a great activity for you two.

Thank you, Sally. We are having a great time. I need to learn along with her, so, I am grateful for the replies on here.

(I also like kettle chips....)

:)

Well, maybe not so much a competition but rather a "research project" that the two of you can do together.

I noticed that the peppers refuse to grow downwards and turned rightside up.

Newyorkrita said:I noticed that the peppers refuse to grow downwards and turned rightside up.

There's a great science lesson right there! You can't make plants grow 'down'

NewYorkRita and SallyG,

You are both correct....the peppers are reaching more skyward every day.

We are planning to plant some things in the ground as well, so, we'll see how those go.

Are these budding peppers, or something else?

If they are, and peppers are a-comin'.....

my daughter wants to now grow everything in the produce aisle.

I've been reading this thread because I just love the idea of teaching kids to grow food. It's GREAT that now your little girl is getting interested in growing what she sees in the store. How about lettuce, strawberries, peas?

Saltflower:

Strawberries are next on her list.
(She also wants to grow watermelon)

when the flower falls off, you'll see a tiny green bump forming.. looks like it is

watermelon takes LOTS of room.
Strawberries, might get some fruit even with a pot of them.

She'll have fun having her own strawberries on her cereal!

6 of our seedlings sprouted yesterday....she will be excited. (beefsteak tomato)

also ordered seeds from Victory:

black cherry tomato
pepperoncini
cherokee green tomato

Great! Wouldn't it be fun if she takes some of her harvest for show and tell?

that is a great idea, Saltflower!

:)

I think this may be the first pepper...

Looks like one to me!!!