This instructable is an easy to build upside down tomato planter using 2 five gallon buckets. This planter is superior to commercial units- because of the extra capacity this planter provides. The extra capacity results in a larger root system, which translates into a larger plant. Also there is greater water holding capacity which means less frequent watering. I produced over 40 pounds of tomatoes with this planter in one season. My location is eastern North Carolina

Step 1: Step 1 Tools and Parts

tools needed:

drill with 3/8 inch bit
jigsaw

Parts needed

2 five gallon buckets
2 3/8 inch stainless steel bolts 1.5 inches long and matching nuts
1 heavy duty eyebolt
1 heavy duty s hook
Osmocote 14-14-14 slow release fertilizer, 1 pound package
potting soil, most any kind will probably work, but i find that metro mix 360 is excellent
one tomato plant

optional:
epsom salts- to provide magnesium if lower leaves begin to yellow
gypsum or landplaster (Calcium sulphate)- to supply extra calcium if blossom end rot occurs

Step 2: Step 2 Assembly

-Cut a 6 inch round hole in the bottom of the upper bucket
-on this same bucket drill two 3/8 inch holes 180 degrees apart and up 3 inches from the bottom of the bucket

-next, get the other bucket (the lower one) and cut a 3 inch hole centered in the bottom
this is the hole where the tomato will be inserted
- Drill 2 3/8 inch holes at the top of this bucket 180 degrees apart and 3 inches down from the top
- Depending on the design of your bucket you may have to drill the 3/8 inch holes a little higher or lower than 3 inches, just make sure
that the holes are drilled at the same height so that when the upper bucket is lowered into the bottom bucket the holes will line up properly for the bolts to go through

Step 3: Step 3 Planting

-Set the bottom bucket on a flat surface and fill about halfway with potting soil. Mix in 5 tablespoons of osmocote. Make sure the soil is moist, otherwise it will flow out of the bottom of the bucket when you lift it up.
-Continue to fill the bucket with soil
-Now set the upper bucket into the bottom bucket
-Align the 3/8 inch holes and insert the bolts and hand tighten the nuts
-Fill the upper bucket with soil to within 5 inches of the top
-Add 5 more tablespoons of osmocote to the top of the soil
-Hang the unit in a sunny location and high enough so the tomato can grow down without hitting the ground
-Water until it begins to drip from the bottom hole
-Make sure your tomato plant is well watered before planting
-Take your tomato plant and squeeze the root ball so that you can insert it into the bottom of the bucket
-You don't have to be too delicate, the roots can take some abuse
-To hold the plant in place stuff some newspaper around the plant into the hole

Step 4: Step 4 Summary

-Remember that at first the tomato will need water only sparingly. However as the plant matures and has lots of fruit you will need to add lots of water-over one gallon per day. On a mature plant I like to water until it drips out of the bottom hole.
-Fertilize monthly with 5 tablespoons of osmocote