It's nice to see fellow designers to get the recognition they deserve. Good luck on being qouted next time!

As for not being able to cover your upside down plants from the frost.I always Have some burlap fabric on hand usually around 16 inches in length and round enough to circle my buckets.I then tape the burlap around the bucket leaving enough room to fully cover my plant.I then lightly tape the bottom of the burlap hanging down.That way the complete plant is covered.

( From my email)
I still have 4 inches of snow on the ground. It will be a while for me...

Putting the drain component into the bottom with the landscape rocks really helped store water and in your hot climate, it should help a lot. Good luck.

Be sure to check out Todd's Blog and drop some pictures there when you get a chance. Everyone will be looking how you are doing with your early season start.

Mary Lou wrote:
> Hello Jim,
> I found your blog site late last year, set it aside on my website, and am now ready to put together my tomato project. I am wondering if you have any advice, changes, or comments that I should be aware of before I start.
> I have the tomato plants (which arrived at the nursery yesterday), the pails and soil. But going to the beginning of your project I see that I don't have everything yet, so will by days end be ready to go.
>
> Thanks, Jim. Let's see if I can make it past the fried green tomato stage (I live in Las Vegas where the summer heat will be here by July)
>
> Mary Lou

i too was wondering how i could get rich from this.last year i was in the states and seen these great tomato planters and returned again this year very inspired by the upside down tomatoes, wow why on earth are you not out there telling everyone about this, it is great and im so impressed, you could make a fortune.i love it

Hi Jim,

I love your blog! Just discovered it today. I will have to try this method. I wonder if growing squash this way will deter the squash bugs that are infesting my poor butternut.

The plant you are trying to ID is a Dracaena variety, or more commonly called corn plant. Here is a good website that talks about it: http://www.houseofplants.co.uk/Dracaena_fragratissima%20_Massangeana_corn_Plant.htm

this is a great website. i found another spam free website for helping people with upside down tomato plants.

www.upsidedowntomatoplant.com

EasyTomatoes.com » Blog Archive » Tips to Organize Your Kitchen on a Budget
I started assembling ingredients while the rice cooked (in the rice cooker, received the same Christmas from my sister- in- law). I sliced up avocado, cucumber, and the fish, and attempted (unsuccessfully) to make a Japanese omelet. For starters, I had...

Forgot to list a large red for you! You should be able to get a Brandywine in your area. As fo a small cherry tomato, go for a Sweet 100......literally 100's of tomatos per plant...sweet and great for snacking or salds. I've even made fresh salsa with them as the get so plentiful.

I have used 5 gal plastic buckets (from painters...they throw away) for the last 15 to 20 years...easy picking right out in front of you ..less insect pests...less disease too. I still lant regularly in garden too. Early girl are medium (8 oz) sized tomatos with 58 to 60 day cycle. Larger tomato for you neck of woods could be

I don't want to burst your bubble on the water reserve thing but THE foremost mistake tomato gardeners can make is over-watering. Be very careful not to over-water your tomato plants. Along with over-feeding, this will stress the plants and is one of the major causes of blossom end rot, yellowing leaves, root rot, foliage drop-off, blossom drop and broken hearts in the garden. Does the top of the soil look dry? Does it look like it 'needs a drink'? That's okay, it's supposed to look like that--just don't water until the soil is dry down at the root area.
Hope you and daughter have a good growing season
On average, tomato plants need about one inch of water per week. In very dry climates, perhaps 2".

Test your soil for moisture before you water by carefully checking the soil around your plant 6 or 8 inches or more below the surface( in this case from bottom up) , down at the root zone. If it is moist, do not water. The soil should be damp, like a squeezed out sponge.

I like your idea of using a metal container. I like your whole setup am wondering if I use this method with the 5 gallon plastic if it would work.
Thanks,
Kay