Exclusive Preview: How to Grow Tomatoes Upside Down & in 5-Gallon Buckets (From My Latest Book)
- Savannah
- Dec 22, 2025
- 2 min read
By Savannah Ryan, Cookbook Author & Food Explorer
I never thought I'd grow over 100 pounds of juicy tomatoes on my tiny apartment balcony—no yard, no digging, just a few buckets and hanging planters.
That's exactly what happened after I perfected these lazy-genius methods, and it's why I wrote How to Grow Tomatoes Upside Down & in 5-Gallon Buckets: The Lazy Genius Way to Grow Tomatoes on Patios, Balconies, Decks & Driveways.
This book is your complete guide to massive harvests in tiny spaces, using 80% less water and zero weeding. Whether you're a renter, beginner, or just want easier gardening, these techniques change everything.
Today, I'm sharing the core secrets from the book—plus exclusive tips—so you can start growing right away.
Why This Method Works So Well
Upside-down and bucket growing lets gravity handle staking while keeping plants off the ground (fewer pests, better air flow). Compact varieties thrive, and you save water because roots stay moist longer.
It's perfect for small spaces, and one plant can outproduce a traditional row.
Top Varieties from the Book (The Ones That Explode with Fruit)
These are my tested favorites for containers—many produce 500+ tomatoes per plant:
Tiny Tim – Super compact cherry, perfect upside-down
Tumbling Tom – Cascading red cherries
Patio Princess – Heavy yielder in buckets
Sweetheart of the Patio – Sweet clusters
Sweet 100 – Endless sweet cherries
Full list of 15+ in the book.
The Secret Soil Recipe (Stops Blossom-End Rot)
Mix:
Potting soil
Compost
Perlite/vermiculite
Dolomite lime (for calcium)
This prevents common issues.
Step-by-Step: Upside-Down Planter
Use a strong hanging bag or bucket with hole.
Feed seedling through bottom.
Fill with soil recipe.
Hang in full sun.
Water from top.
Step-by-Step: 5-Gallon Bucket Method
Drill drainage holes.
Add gravel layer.
Fill with soil.
Plant deep.
Mulch top.
Daily Care & Feeding Schedule
Water when top inch dry
Weekly liquid feed
Prune suckers lightly
Why This Book Is a Must-Have for Small-Space Gardeners
I've poured years of trial (and tons of tomatoes) into this guide. You'll get:
Exact varieties for monster yields
Foolproof planting calendars
Pest fixes without chemicals
Successive planting for months of harvest
Photos and troubleshooting
It's not just theory—readers are already harvesting bushels on balconies.
Ready for your biggest tomato year ever—no yard needed?
Grab your copy on Amazon today: How to Grow Tomatoes Upside Down & in 5-Gallon Buckets
Tie Into My Other Gardening & Cooking Books
Love growing your own? Pair tomatoes with:
More inspiration:
Which method will you try first? Comment below!
Tags: container tomatoes, upside down tomatoes, bucket gardening, small space harvest
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