Introduction

Purchase the Plants

For this hanging basket project, purchase Tumbling Tom tomato plants. This variety of cheery tomato is excellent for containers because of its small, compact growth pattern. Regular tomatoes would grow too large for a hanging basket.

Step 1

hanging basket turned into mini vegetable garden

Prepare the Basket

Line a 16"-diameter metal wire basket with a coconut or moss liner. Fill the basket about three-quarters of the way full with lightweight commercial potting soil mix. Mix in some slow-release fertilizer and hydrogels. The hydrogels absorb and slowly release water, extending the time between waterings.

Step 2

plant tomato in center of basket

Plant the Tomatoes

For each plant, dig a hole slightly deeper that the tomato plant’s root ball. Carefully remove the plant from its container and place it in the soil. Repeat for second plant. Water well.