HANG'EM HIGH Tomatoes! EASY Lazy Way to GROW at Home!

In this video, I show you a new easy way to grow tomatoes by hanging them high and letting the plants flop down. No staking, no trellis, and no ties!
Original Livestream: kzbin.infosYTs8wvv...
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Self Sufficient Me is based on our small 3-acre property/homestead in SE Queensland, Australia, about 45kms north of Brisbane - the climate is subtropical (similar to Florida). I started Self Sufficient Me in 2011 as a blog website project where I document and write about backyard food growing, self-sufficiency, and urban farming in general. I love sharing my foodie and DIY adventures online, so come along with me and let's get into it! Cheers, Mark :)
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#tomato #tips #gardening

[@Selfsufficientme]

G'day Everyone, I hope you enjoyed the video, and I wanted to give a big shout-out to all of you whom I've met out and about lately! It's always nice when someone says hello, so thanks to you all for your support, and if you see me at the local nursery or wherever don't be backward in coming forward to say G'day. Cheers :)

[@SeanSmith4550]

Love to have you at our weekly coffee group in Landsborough at the Steaming Cup Cafe - any Thursday 7am Mark. Just a small group, and we're all gardeners :) Cheers, Sean.

[@datwistyman]

Do ya reckon that using a white pot or or double potting with and insulation between, or a reflective coating would stop it drying out so fast. The black pot would be hot as and heat up the soil like anything.

[@Business_Memo]

@datwistyman could be! I also don't love how badly folded the stems get, and how much strain there is near the base of the plant. This might be a good method for cherry / other small varieties of tomato, but likely not beefsteak or heirloom. I'd probably just try to maximize value for time in staking the plants the traditional way, with posts & twine. Do a row or a circle of several (4+) plants all using the same support system.

[@albowrx]

And here I thought, you meant the politicians.

[@reneeclark9903]

I wish! But unless you are shopping in North Carolina in the USA....not going to happen. But it would be awesome.👍Love your videos.

[@danielpersson3727]

I always grow my tomatoes that way, it works really good and they are secured from the slugs. I grow three plants per pot. Greetings from Sweden.

[@MandyOnderwater]

I'd love to see your take on this. Is it similar to Mark's or slightly adjusted? If willing, do you think you could share this on Mark's forum Self Sufficient Culture? www.selfsufficientculture.com/

[@sophiewinkler7549]

How do you raise the pots? Do you just hang them?

[@garulusglandarius6126]

I grow two plants per pot but now I’m going to try three 👍also I hang my pots just like hanging flower baskets 👍

[@sarahdenkins3431]

If you're worried about the edges being too sharp? As far as being not curled enough. I would recommend using a pool noodle to cushion the stems of the plant.😊

[@adamjchafe]

Foam pipe insulation would work as well. It would be slimmer than the pool noodle and it already had a slit in place to fit over the edge of the pot. Great idea!

[@rosemarywhitney7156]

I was just thinking that as I was watching!

[@traceystoneman1922]

Can I just say , as an amateur veg gardener, I absolutely love your channel, thank you so much for for simple, hands on , super informative videos , plus your in Oz as am I. Great videos !!!!!!! A big thank you

[@georgestewart5814]

Beautiful tomatoes! I accidentally grew a cucumber plant in with hanging petunias in a hanging basket and they both grew like crazy! Typically, I lose cukes to the groundhogs, but they couldn't get the ones growing in the hanging pot!

[@bethb8276]

Curious if you had less issues with powdery mildew and such doing it that way?

[@evage99]

Oooohhh, nifty! We hve groundhogs, I'll have to try this :D

[@georgestewart5814]

No diseases, no insects!@@bethb8276

[@Mato2530]

Suggested improvement; Water retention tray under the pot before securing it to the post will help keep the soil damp and reduce the need to water as frequently. You would need to put more effort into ensuring the pot is closer to level though.

[@garulusglandarius6126]

I’ve grown tomatoes this way for years and it works wonderfully. The natural tomatoe plant in the wild is a vine which creeps along the ground, upright/supported plant growing is a human thing. I also find that once the plants fruit, extra phosphorus makes far better tomatoes and a little extra calcium prevents blossom end rot. Excellent as always Mark 👍🇦🇺🇬🇧

[@jeanettejack2152]

To cure a thin or rough pot edge, I take a length of old garden hose, carefully slit it thru one side and pinch it around the pot edge. Makes a fat, round edge and it's cheap. Cheers!

[@imogenveneear1935]

Like this idea a lot. Well recycled.

[@philiponsolent7232]

You could run a length of pipe insulation around the rim of the pot to protect the plant from the edge.

[@danm-]

That’s what I was thinking. Or a pool noodle cut along the length.

[@philiponsolent7232]

I'm glad he highlighted it.

[@johnh8615]

I was thinking the same …. A pool noddle it is.👍

[@deeoh3708]

I was thinking maybe some old towelling rolled up around the edge in a circle.

[@divinegroundtantra]

I've grown Maskotka trailing tomatoes in Ireland for a few years using a similar method. I find a short section of pipe insulation placed over the edge of the pot where the stems flop over works brilliant

[@CluelessGardener444]

You have a very calming essence and sense of humour. Thank you for what you do.

[@davidcatanach2620]

Taking raised gardens to new heights

[@erikahuxley]

Hanging baskets come with their own snap on tray in the bottom which save run off water. A DIY idea is to use two 2-gallon plastic buckets to make a self wicking bucket system. Double stack them and dill holes in the bottom of the top bucket, so the space between the two buckets become a water reservoir. You should adjust this spacing to get the desired size of reservoir you want, and use machine screws to hold the two buckets together. Also need one big hole drilled just below the top bucket so excess water in the reservoir can spill out. Currant-sized tomato variety are good for hanging baskets as they have a more sprawled out growth habit.

[@kele1264]

Great idea, great tips! Wish I was picking cherry tomatoes right now. But I'm here in the US, winter's coming. It was in the 30's F last night (1.4 C). This is one of the ways I'll get through winter. Watching you, Mark, do amazing things in your garden! Have a great day!

[@johnlord8337]

You have proven my designs for having raised platforms (quasi-flat kitchen step stool ladder platform). Put in 4 tall stakes, and put on a platform. Can put in cross bars for lower vegs needing growing trellises. Put these tomatoes on the platform and drop down. All of the flatlander gardening underground area of the platform can grow root vegs (carrots, beets, ...), leafy vegs (lettuce, celery. ...), bulb vegs (onions, garlic, leek), vine vegs (beans, peas, squash, melon, cucumber. armenian, bitter melon, kiwi, gooseberry, currant, (can also hang these down from platform), fruiting vegs (chili, pepper, broccoli, cauliflower, eggplant, okra, ...) So a flatlander can actually have a double garden with stepped platforms throughout the grow area. And interspersing the different veg types with other veg types in this design, one can maximize their space with root vegs, shady vegs, full sunlight vegs, low vegs, high vegs, ... almost to the point ... far better than square foot gardening !

[@juliejarmusch2421]

Thank you for sharing this! I am partially paralyzed, and also have very little space for gardening. After the initial setup, this looks like a great way for me to grow tomatoes!

[@vzgsxr]

You could cut up a pool noodle and place that over the edge of the pot for a softer edge where the tomato vine drapes over.

[@StayPrimal]

6:08 Imagine opening your eyes in the morning and this is what you see

[@susannicholson9899]

I'm in bulgaria. ( I'm Scottish) I'm definitely going to give this method a go. Thanks for your videos.

[@Lunasgarden2021]

This video came at the perfect time Mark. I have about 100 10 litre containers from my daughters work place and I’ve been soldering holes in the edge and hanging them off my colourbond fence here in South Australia …I have many volunteers from last year and my two earliest ones are covered in fruit already. I lost one branch but it broke while repotting so I’m not blaming it on growing downwards . I’m trying cucumbers and zucchini as well to hang down. Last year I watched too many KZbin videos and cut off all my suckers and had so much less fruit so this summer im going to embrace wild growing more and see how it goes 😊

[@MandyOnderwater]

Heya! Yes, cutting off the suckers is often recommended as it'll produce larger fruit since the plant focuses on them instead. But it does significantly lower the yield, which a lot of us don't really like. If you have more questions, you can always pop by Mark's forum and we'd love to help you out. It's called Self Sufficient Culture and it can be found in the description box (or if you trust me, click the link below). www.selfsufficientculture.com/

[@insertphrasehere15]

I like to cut off the first sucker and plant it in a pot of potting soil as essentially the 'second bunch' of plants. Means I only have to grow half as many from seed.

[@grannyanniesfarm4972]

Before the pot is filled, I would slit open one side of a pool noodle or piece of old garden hose and snap it around on the top rim of the pot to better cushion the tomato branches. I love this! I will try it this year.

[@spudsmckenzie4123]

OMG that is the coolest idea! I've had problems with my soil being dry and I've done most of the suggestions you've had for growing tomatoes and I still have issues. I'm going to give this a go with some new seedlings I've just grown. Very keen to give this a good go. Thanks Mark! 👊

[@MandyOnderwater]

Heya! I'm one of Mark's moderators. If you want some more help regarding this, and/or wish to share progress, Mark has a forum of like-minded people that all help eachother out. I'd love to see you there and hopefully help you out a bit! www.selfsufficientculture.com/

[@ObsessiveAboutCats]

I've had similar issues. My biggest helpers have been tan containers vs black (mainly grow bags here), bigger grow bags (5 gallons and up, even if the plant doesn't need that much space), tons of mulch both on top of the soil but around the container (not possible for hanging baskets but I'd definitely use a lighter colored one through the summer), and put the irrigation system on a timer. Good luck!

[@jayroyce2002]

I love the idea of growing something from the ground up while you grow the tomatoes from the container down.

[@anthonyanderson2880]

I think hanging between the legs of a tripod with beans climbing up the legs of the tripod. But the whole hanging tomatoes idea is great. I also like your trellis tunnel too.

[@Bush_Edge_Homesteading_Aus]

Always on the hunt for smarter more efficient ways. Thanks Mark. Wonderful watch as always.

[@ashforbes6152]

that part of the country is great …..winter tomatoes !!!!!great job!

[@skgbe4759]

Those tomatoes 🍅 look awesome. Perfect size

[@paulus1412]

No idea if it will work but maybe you can add a "Pipe Insulation Tubing" (that grey stuff) on the edge of the bucket. This will make it softer and maybe easier for the plants when hanging on/over it.

[@diannerichard2509]

That’s brilliant. My deck would work just fine for this.

[@melissabean8144]

Good evening. & Greetings USA Georgia 😊 First i must say,,, ive been watching your channel for quite some time. I always learn something new and different. I will do this next spring for my tomatoes 🍅

[@aga5897]

Superb ! Trying something different. Most people cannot think about 3D. A grow-wall is basically 2D but vertical. This is 3D thinking - progress with this one, it is not 'normal', which i like.

[@danallshaw1131]

Stunning and beautiful tomato's.

[@lauriewilliams8221]

2.2 Million Subscribers. I will be looking forward to your LUCKY 2 & 1/4 Million prizes.

[@lindawisner3525]

maybe adding a pool noodle to rim would help, especially if it is a sharp end. thinking on this also maybe a shelf stack with "steps" on the north side for stability and able to reach top.

[@carmyn692]

A trick I learned is to train the stems to curve downward, by tying them to a stick leaning sideways, or even simply resting a piece of wood gently on the stems to encourage them to grow more horizontally, if that makes sense. Though the tip of the plant will still want to go upward, the main stem will be prevented from possibly falling over and breaking. Once they're growing, the weight will keep them going down, but the stem will be strong and unbent. 🍅🤗

[@batpherlangkharkrang7976]

Hi...... MARK nice to see you that a good idea to growing vegetables tomato thanks you bye 👋 bye 👋 bye 👋 bye 👋👍👍👍👌👌👌

[@peterevans90]

Thanks for the short but plump video, full of juicy tidbits about growing tomatoes high. Definitely something I want to try though need to figure out a low-impact way to elevate the tomatoes, as I’m renting at the moment. Like the idea of placing another vegetable underneath to catch the runoff.

[@TheHarleyEvans]

perhaps adding on old bicycle wheel at the bottom of the bucket to the hanging vine has a bit more support could help reduce some of the stress on the main stem, whilst also helping the vine to spread out further! as for remembering to water, maybe just adding a simple sign at eye level as a reminder?

[@keatonentze403]

You are onto something friend. You have given me some ideas.

[@sueyoung2115]

Thanks, Mark! I'm trying your technique as soon as the snow melts!

[@IowaKim]

Just watched the intro and you have gotten my brain thinking, I have a long tall stone retaining wall this would work with. Can't wait to watch the rest of the video!

[@lencaulder4606]

I would use a pool noodle around the lid to allow more surface area for the vines to lean on!! I am definitely trying this next season 👍

[@Maria-ql3fc]

That's been done for a long time Mark. Cheers mate 😊

[@brianwilliam2520]

Hi Mark love the more frequent videos and it gives me something to look forward to every night to wake up in the morning to hope to see a newly posted video on your channel. Keep the hard work up and I love the content😊😊😊. PS. I will never forget your advice, MULCH MULCH MULCH!!!

[@gardeningwithoutboundaries]

I also grow my tomatoes this way, hanging off of my balcony. I have 4 plants per pot, they do snap a little when they go over the edge as you have shown but the plant can heal it very well (none of mine died and I have about 20 plants). My experience was - the plants are very healthy, they have tons of fruit and very easy to care for.

[@ddnaveh]

I'd cover the container with fabric to isolate it from sun heat.. Black plastic containers can get get quite hot during summer ❤

[@mollybeee]

It's about 0 where I'm watching from, not looking forward to winter here. Love your content.

[@Electrowave]

Here in UK I buy hanging bags for growing tomatoes, nice and simple and keeps most of the little creatures out of them 🙂

[@levenscott645]

Always interesting. Thanks, Mark.

[@grahamhawes7089]

I think this might be great for my mom in the tropics, where pests and the wet ground are such a problem. I basically live in the desert and this would burn to a crisp here! I bury my pots in the ground to take advantage of the ground’s insulation while still protecting the roots from rodents.

[@marilyncarey7957]

That’s perfect timing! I’ve just planted tomatoes (and climbing beans) at the top of a 4 foot high retaining wall, intending to let them ‘fall’ down the wall so they are easier to harvest from below, rather than bending down from the path on the top side of the retaining wall. I’m in brizzy too (Logan) but on a steep slope. I’ve been coveting your tall birdies beds for years but can’t justify the cost of replacing the ones I have now. Yet. Thanks again for letting me know I’m not the only one with totally crazy ideas 😵‍💫😵‍💫😵‍💫

[@rosemaryogilvie6842]

I think that would be the ideal height as it’s fully accessible.

[@traciedowning8566]

You could take a piece of black foam pipe insulation and attach it around the rim of the pot to help give the stems more cushion.

[@k.p.1139]

Good Morning, Mark. Well you have my wheels turning this morning! 😆😆 I have been considering all the ways to grow my tomatoes, in the greenhouse. This just might be a or the answer that I am looking for. It certainly would free up a lot of bed space. 🤔🤔

[@toddwright11]

also "pipe insulation" or pool noodles split and put over the lip around the top of the pot, helps protect the plant as it lays across the lip of the pot.

[@JillyBean70]

I am growing mine in a hanging pot......its only hubby and I so happy with results ♥♥

[@ianbell5611]

Thanks Mark. Great idea. 👍👍👍

[@cheyenne1188]

I'm Mark's #1 fan

[@rb612]

Will def try this method next year ! Greetings from Portugal

[@sundancer442]

Look forward to your next shot !

[@mrgmrg9375]

good day mate , just an idea for your next video: Off grid solar power system complete build guide , would love to see it many thanks !

[@robyndurdin6965]

Love how you’re always trying nice things ❤

[@margaretpollard2179]

Love the idea, Mark! Will definitely try this next season! Thanks!

[@fpl_bailey]

So simple yet still never thought about doing this, thanks

[@noyou1114]

Cheers for your insights, love your work

[@nikismith1871]

Totally trying that! ❤

[@snowstrobe]

Great info, well presented.

[@cedbanani]

Interesting idea! Thanks Mark!

[@saundrawaugh1979]

So excited for next spring to try this here in SC, USA. Love your videos!

[@tinakoziol1690]

It was great hanging out with you this morning 😊 Interesting idea! Beautiful tomatoes 🍅

[@bc-guy852]

What a great idea Mark. I think a plank across two posts or on a fence might work well! And it's nice to see you looking so healthy and strong again!! That flu didn't stand a chance with all the nutrients and vitamins you grow in your garden!! Snow here in BC last night - first of the Okanagan season - so I'll live vicariously through your channel as I plan next years garden. Only pot and squash left to harvest.

[@danc.5509]

Thanks!! I learnt something new.

[@realstatistician]

Very cool! Thanks for trying it and letting us know!

[@AUclashofclans]

What a great idea ill be doing that tomorrow thanks

[@Gardeningchristine]

Try a container off the side of your deck or off the stairs so they hang down there. Or a pot on top of your deck railing. Also just over the side of your raised beds, or in a pot on a plank between your raised beds?

[@lis819]

…and perhaps suited to hanging baskets, too? edit…but I like the idea of the balcony railing…or from the top step :-)

[@johnford7847]

What a great idea! Thank you for sharing.

[@hirosouth4557]

Thank you Mark. I will try it next year

[@lauriewilliams8221]

Hello Mark, from here in Country Vic. Send a bit of warm weather down here. My Dwarf beans are a bit slow this year. I usually get 3 crops in the one bed (one, after the other). I've got 33 GROSSE LISSE plants in & 10" tall. I am making a bed for another 50 GROSSE LISSE (cricket ball size) from seeds I saved. everyone needs 80 TOMATO PLANTS LOLOL.

[@dalemarshall8727]

Thanks Mark. Great ideas as always. Love your videos. Every time I think about giving up you give me new inspiration.

[@joking7081]

I've used a pool noodle around the top of the pot to round out the sharp edge to stop the plant from breaking.

[@fightermkii6368]

Love it! I will consider this idea when i get planting my next bunch of tomatos. I live in a unit so hopefully this method will help with space efficiency.

[@positivedogschool]

Thanks ❤ good crops to us all💪

[@Arcticdi]

Always looking for better and easier gardening hacks. Thanks Mark for all your research and comprehensive reviews. Getting excited that my "prong" will be arriving soon. TX heat killed so many plants in my yard this year so it will be good timing for a proper workout. Thanks for your role in making that happen.

[@TheCommonGardenTater1]

Well done you for always trying to improve. I am impressed. Be blessed all here with abundant harvests.🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@dannycbe949]

You could always rig up a 4inches pvc pipe as the post, have a water tray on which the post with holes at the bottom sits. A hole at the middle of the tray..to direct the water into the pipe. More pvc pipes, joined together with elbows and Tees would give the whole contraption stability from the wind . This is just an idea that popped into my head... I have not tried it!! Great channel

[@EireGenX]

Great idea. I might try it from my kids swing set.

[@toddvogelsberg2355]

i think ill give that one a shot this next growing season!

[@justinbennett1739]

I love what you've done here Mark, with a few small improvements, is definitely something I'd love to try, so Thank You!

[@Mntdewmania1]

Am SO going to try this next year here in NC!!

[@Wicky89]

Just started my first growing season this year after watching your videos, I got lots of seedlings sprouted and just started re potting and I’m preying for some nice tomatoes like you always get.

[@ScottE-2]

I can't wait to give Tomatoes a go come this Spring. We are currently in Fall approaching Winter much later.

[@BloomingGoodOrchids]

I love your channel!! You have inspired me. I've planted a few veggies 🎉🎉fingers and toes crossed that it successful😊.

[@sanjuansteve]

You could also direct all of the water into a single drain pipe to keep the plant dry my friend.

[@vnss_wav]

Thank you so much for this video!! I’m just about to start growing food on my new property, and this was so useful and we’re going to give this a shot! Sending you positive vibes, thank you for spreading the growing knowledge!!

[@kxy1983s]

I am going to do this on Saturday!! amazing thank you! Got some Tiny Toms and Black Beauties to try!

[@lanastone4735]

That's a wonderful idea for a small garden. And it adds interest and I think it could look structural :)

[@bobgigalo498]

Great idea Mark, I’m going to give it a crack this weekend. Thx again

[@AA-fi8xj]

what a great idea.

[@SBoots29]

Good video. Some more ideas for me for my garden. Cheers

[@meganlalli5450]

Great idea! I might try this with pole beans, too. I had some that grew over 10 ft/ 3m this year and left a ladder in the garden so i could reach them.

[@123CJvideos]

Looks like an interesting idea, I might give it a go this summer down in vic 👍

[@kate739]

thanks mark, food for thought. if I grow tomatoes next year, I'll try something similar and let you know. thanks