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those crazy upside down containers

We succumbed and bought a (cheapie) topsy turvy tomato planter. Anyone used one & have tips/thoughts on them? The only advantage I see is that it's hung high so critters can't get the tomatoes. Otherwise, looks like one of those fad gizmos. Other perspectives?

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  1. Birds and squirrels will be able to get to the tomatoes. That's why I don't have one.

    1. They can help prevent diseases as the fruit does not have contact with wet surfaces such as soil after a rain (but this is obviously also avoided by very good staking). Air circulation is also good for tomatoes as it is for other plants.

      As I live on the prairies with very little shelter our frequent high winds would zap all the moisture out far too frequently. Not only that but the winds here always shatter many plants each year. But I'd be interested to see how it works for you!

      1. It's a nice solution for when one has limited space. I have a deck, and was thinking of getting one of those this year, so that I can save the space along the railing for herbs and peppers.

        1. I tried two last year, in different locations in my yard, using two different kinds of tomatoes. No luck. It was a fad gizmo for sure. I'm glad they were gifts, as I would have been dissapointed to spend my money.

          1. My father-in-law just used some old plastic buckets- they did fine...