The Topsy Turvy Tomato Planter Test

Is the Topsy Turvy Tomato Planter really better?  I decided to find out for myself.  I started with two 7" tall tomato plants that looked as identical as possible (Bonnie Sweet 100 Hybrid Cherry Tomato), and both were purchased at Lowes from the same lot on 4/13/2010.  I planted one in a traditional planter, and the other in the Topsy Turvy Planter "as seen on TV".  I put them out on my balcony, which faces east, so they are both getting the same amount of sunlight.  The photos above were taken today.  So far, the Topsy-Turvy tomato plant is larger, but the proof will be in which plant bears more fruit.

Update on Tuesday, June 1, 2010 at 10:02PM by Karin Jeske

FIRST TOMATOES!  Score:  Topsy Turvy 4, Traditional 1!

Update on Sunday, July 25, 2010 at 09:15PM by Karin Jeske

So far, the Topsy Turvy plant produced more tomatoes than the plant in  the conventional planter, and the fruit had a nice taste.  But at a total cost of $30 for both planters and plants, I would have done better to simply shop at Costco.

Update on Thursday, August 5, 2010 at 12:09AM by Karin Jeske

Final-Final:  The Topsy Turvy definitely produced more tomatoes.  The crop ended up being double that of the conventional planter.  In both cases, the fruit was extremely tasty and now that we are in prime harvest season, it is fun to pick a handful of off-the-vine tomatoes.  I will say that they are mostly smaller than the average cherry tomato and I don't think I got a good return on my $30 investment, but it was good experience.