Tomato Tree: the upside of planting down

May 23, 12:55 PMSan Jose Gardening ExaminerSonja Smith

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The Tomato Tree, hailed by Time magazine, as one of its inventions of the year in 2005, has joined the glut of infomercials saturating cable TV. 

I bought a Tomato Tree last year.  It seemed a bit silly but I enjoy gardening gadgets and in theory it made sense.  Plant the small seedling in a sturdy bag so that it grows downward - no staking or having heavy branches toppling over in a strong wind.  Garden rodents can't nibble on ripe fruit and best of all, it can be placed anywhere there's full sun. 

If you're lucky enough to have a sunny location outside the back door then you only have to step outside to pull off ripe fruit.  Last December I was still picking tomatoes without having to trek over to the garden area which was often soggy and resulted in muddy shoes.

Friends were doubtful  but I can sum up the experience in two words:  it works.  Pricey at $40 (plus $20 S&H) it was easy to set up, care for and is on its second season.  (If you're handy you can make your own with a $3 plastic utility bucket from Home Depot).

The photo above is the Tomato Tree planted one month ago with 3 cherry tomato plants.  The one below is planted with 3 Cherokee Purples.

Growing Tips:

• Set up the Tomato Tree in a sunny location with at least 6-8 hours of sun 
• Use a good quality potting soil -the kind with amendments like worm castings, kelp meal, etc (Kellogg's Patio Plus is an inexpensive choice)  It can be amended with bone meal and a dry vegetable fertilizer
• Pack the soil in lightly -if more is needed after the soil settles then add more
• Don't be alarmed at the growth habit-it will grow up and out and then gradually the branches will bend downward (they won't break off, honest)
• After it's settled in for about a month, fertilize bi-monthly with seaweed solution diluted in water
• Just because it's up high doesn't mean bugs won't notice it; keep an eye on both sides of the leaves; a gentle blast of water or insecticidal soap takes care of most offenders
• Water carefully; on very hot days you may have to water twice a day
• At the end of the season, rinse out the bag; dismantle  and place it in a shed or sheltered location

This year the company improved on the Tomato Tree by lowering it so it's easier to water and it swivels so it doesn't need to be manually moved to get even sun.  One downside though is that for some reason they made the planting  bag smaller which means it has to be watered more often.  Still, if you have the time and a sunny place, the Tomato Tree is a fun way to grow tomatoes.

If you have tried The Tomato Tree or want to share your do-it -yourself method with the utility bucket, send me an email at:  sjgardening@gmail.com

For more info, contact the Tomato Tree website.