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Customers most agreed on the following attributes:
from Wonder Lake, IL on 11/5/2008
Worked great for our Roma tomatoes! We plan to grow peppers in the ones we've ordered for 2009 as well!
from Conroe, Texas on 11/3/2008
Once up and going they are great. Requires little upkeep other than watering.
from Hoover, Alabama on 10/31/2008
Grows great tomatoes
from Indianapolis, IN on 10/27/2008
I have had great success with these planters this summer. It has been pretty much care-free and very eye catching in my front yard. I get comments on it all the time from my guests. My only regret is that I planted a larger variety of tomato. Next year I am going to plant cherry tomatoes in these planters and I expect excellent results. The larger tomato variety still did very well and bore plenty of delicious fruits, but they were cherry tomato sized instead of their normal size. I think this type of container is really better suited for determinate vine or cherry tomato varieties.
from ffx, va on 10/25/2008
bought 4 of these liking the idea of using the space above my garden also.
Have had difficult time adjusting to having to water at the top of the plant and check for contact between wicking material and soil.
Did not get the performance from the plants that I was expecting.
from Fort Collins Colorado on 10/24/2008
I used with a less sunny location, and had only two wicks for two containers, but did not seem to have drying out of soil. I did not in all likelihood fertilize enough and used a bush plant not a vining plant. I will give another try next season with grape tomatoes that really need the additional access, and put in sunnier spot in the garden,
from Lake Isabella, CA on 10/22/2008
Worked well, but the bag rotted out after just one season, leaving me to come up with a replacement bag if I want to use it next year.
from San Diego, CA. on 10/4/2008
The cage works well. It's a novelty. I use to do this with a milk jug. The material doesn't hold up to well. Next year I'll use shade netting see how that holds up. The rest of the unit is ok.
from ohio on 10/2/2008
This is a Christmas gift for our uncle so we realy don't know how it is going to work for him
from Guffey, CO on 9/29/2008
lets us grow tomatoes and peppers indoors, year round in high altitude Colorado
from Yuma, AZ on 9/24/2008
Easy to assemble and great where garden space is limited, or where soil might be contaminated.
from Minnesota on 9/22/2008
We had 4 plants whither and die before I got two to grow. The watering strips didn't work- we ended up taking the strips out and drilling holes in the bottom of the black container to dispurse the water when we used the hose to water. Because of the animal problem we will try again next year, but I still put in-ground plants in and I am glad I did or I wouldn't have had tomatoes. Ended up covering them with deer netting. Not completely sold on these- also, the hole in the bottom is so very tiny to get any size plant in the container.
from Ludington, Michigan on 9/15/2008
I grew upside down tomatoes this past surmmer and they worked very good so I ordered five more.
from Jersey City, Nj on 9/9/2008
This is my first attempt wit these planters. I had to make some adjustments along the way to the watering system as the summer here in NJ was hotter and drier than usual. The supplied capillary strips did not provide enough water to the plants which grew quite well at first. I cut up some micro fiber cloth into strips and added them to the planter to supplement the original strips, which helped tremendously, but still were not optimum. I think I can improve on that modification for next year. Growing tomatoes on the ground is not an option for me as I have too many shade problems in my garden so the hanging planters allowed me to put my tomatoes where they got best light.
[1 of 1 customers found this review helpful]
from Newton MA on 9/3/2008
I purchased two of your tomato garden revolution planters. Several features about it are problematic:
1. Weight - they are very heavy when filled
2. the hole at the bottom is too small to put in anything but a very small plant (I start tomatoes indoors) - I am wondering if you could not make larger openings and then use velcro strips to close it once the plant is in
3. watering - I do not believe the watering strips are adequate to keep the soil moist.
Improvements on this product are needed.
from Upstate South Carolina on 9/2/2008
I bought them because the deer in our area are merciless on a "normal" garden and these would an answer to that problem. I bought 2 of the "upside-down planters" with high hopes; but, we had a very dry summer and even the osmosis watering system didn't seem to be sufficient. I may have hung them in not the best of locations. I plan to change the location next season where plants will recieve more than just afternoon sun. And, perhaps the tomato transplants weren't the best. So, I'm not giving up on them until I run out of options.
from Scituate, MA on 9/1/2008
I loved the idea of growing tomatoes off the ground, and the pictures were very inviting. Plant started off well, vine growing upward. Disappointed as the 2 tomatoes grew, the vine drooped and split. I kept reservoir full at all times, using rain water. Leaves turned yellow near base, dried up and died. Not very attractive. Will try again next year, but not as my only source of tomatoes. Oh,and they were in full sun all day.
from Huntington Beach, CA on 9/1/2008
Takes no space and uses unused space as would a hanging basket and my tomatoes love it.
from Dundee Oregon on 8/28/2008
the last eight yearsI have tried growing tomatoes in all spots around my yard. Nothing....So this planter wa my last resort. It was growing beautifully, I had at least a dozen green tomatoes on it when one morning I came out at 6:30am and all there was -was one cente stem..seemed the deer loved it also. So next year I will try again with some deer netting or something
from Denver, CO on 8/27/2008
My use has been limited to cherry tomatoes. As previously mentioned each unit with soil and water is VERY heavy and forced me to create a sort of wooden swingset to suspend my four planters. Initially, the planter itself shades the young plants a little too much and appeared to retard growth. The water tanks on mine are replenished every other day by a tubing system and I've had no problems with the self-watering material. Once it gets wet, it stays wet but if it dries up (as it occasionally did prior to my connecting it to the irrigation system) it seems to require some re-priming. Water tends to pipe along the roots and exit the planter via the stalk which means you would need to place a container beneath one for indoor use. I was suspicious at first that I had wasted my money but the proof has been in the pudding of outstanding cherry tomato production.
from Rural Virginia on 8/27/2008
Seemed to be working great in Spring, but by August, the water reservoir dried out every day and the thick algae seemed to defeat the wick. I hung my 2 plants from an 8 ft post and the one remaining plant is touching the ground. The other plant fell and broke when a raccoon pulled on it. I'll try it again next year, but it isn't an instant success.
[1 of 1 customers found this review helpful]
from boulder colorado on 8/19/2008
Well, this was a swing and a miss for me. Same problems as listed by other. Kinda bummed, but it seemed an interesting product so no a huge regrets. My tomato just never took off. It hasn't outright died, but barely hanging on. I'm a average gardener at best, so hopefully I represent a large potential buyer experience.
I did however have GREAT luck with tomato success kit. Awesome!!! My plant is taller than me - 6'- and loaded with fruit. Love it! Truly plug and play :)That might be the best option
from Atlanta on 8/16/2008
I'm growing tomatoes and like that they are up and out of the way.
from Norwich, CT on 8/14/2008
Great improvement over other upside down planters. The self watering system is very simple but extremely effective.
from Littleton, CO on 8/13/2008
I planted tomatoes and cucumbers. These are far easier to plant than the previous models I have used. The plastic reservoir is a great idea, but hard to keep filled in this arid climate. Needs a removable attachment to protect young transfered plants from environment while they harden off. These seem more durable than other similar products that I have used.
[1 of 1 customers found this review helpful]
from Cartersville, GA on 8/13/2008
The upside down concept is interesting & good but the watering container & wick need some work. I have 4 containers on a hanging stand in full sun and the containers rapidly grow algae which appears to reduce the efficiency of the wicking material. So my plants dried out quickly. I had to clean the water containers every couple of days to remove algae & maintain moisture. Growing tired of that chore & the strain on the plants, I removed the containers/wicks & put a heavy layer of cypress mulch on top & water every day. I'm getting good results now & will start next year with mulch, which should work better. My recommendation to a friend is qualified, unless they use mulch.
from Fort Defiance,Az. on 8/13/2008
We are getting tomatoes and the grasshoppers are getting the fruits of our friends traditional ground level gardens. Thanks!
from Atlanta GA on 8/12/2008
Got 3 of these - one self-watering never did work. The other two stopped working by mid season. Removed containers and filled space with straw - must water tomatoes every day with or without the self-watering system. Got a pretty good crop - but no more than plants in the ground. Plants struggle with the upside down effect. Hanging 8 ft off ground - plants reached ground - Very heavy when filled with soil and plants. Probably perfect to hang off of balcony or deck and water from above.
from Clifton, VA on 8/12/2008
I have 3 planters each with a standard size tomato plant. By August, the containers were too root bound to suck up any water from the wicking mechanism, which I made sure was touching the soil. Perhpas the mildewed wicks are the problem. Perhaps this system will work with a smaller, less root-prone vegetable.
from Keizer, Oregon on 8/12/2008
The planter design and function are perfect. The tomato plant in it did poorly. The tomato planted in the ground was far superior in performance. Will look for other ways to use the planter. I also ordered a hanging planter for a friend and his tomato plant died fairly early in the growing process.
from Trenton, NJ on 8/9/2008
East to assenble, grow, water and harvest tomatoes in a very small space.
from Mpls, MN on 8/7/2008
self-watering system did not work; followed all instructions; very heavy, needs strong support to hang.
from Ohio on 8/1/2008
I bought two of these with high hopes. They were pretty easy to assemble and plant my tomatoes. I hung them in a sunny area on an old clothesline. One tomato broke due to either wind or passing foot traffic, and though I replanted, it hasn't grown well. The other has grown a nice bush, but the self-watering system isn't working well. It is either too wet for days after a hard rain or dries out quickly even when I put water in the bowl. So far my first 4 tomatoes have had blossom rot and are unusable. I'm still nursing it along, though. Haven't had worms and such only a deer nibbling the new leaves, so I've covered the plants with netting. Not sure yet if I'll try again next year.
from Northeastern PA on 7/31/2008
My husband follows every direction to a "T" as he did on this tomato grower and we had absolutely no results of any healthy vines growing to a mature state or thriving. Must have been a bad batch. We have grown tomatoes every year for 30 years and more so we have had a lot of experience. We're very sorry to have spent the money on this item. Thank you.
from New Bedford, MA on 7/31/2008
The Revolution™ Planter is a useful necessity in my small garden. The hanging design saves valuable garden space. The planter is also very easy to maintain.
[1 of 1 customers found this review helpful]
from Westminster, MD on 7/29/2008
The fact that where the planter hangs on my front porch limits the amount of sun that it gets (no more than half a day) may be the cause for the limited growth of the tomato vine. However, the planter holds only about 15 quarts of soil mix compared to 40 quarts for a Tomato Success Kit and I believe that this limited amount of soil mix does not allow the tomato vine to develop to the same extent that it would have in a Success Kit. Additionally, the tomatoes are not as large (same species) on the plant in the Revolution Planter as are the ones I'm growing in two Success Kits. I'm a neophyte gardener, so I may be off base here in my reasoning, but it is a fact that the vine from the Revolution Planter is not as large nor is its tomatoes as large as the plants and tomatoes growing in the Success Kits.
from Savannah, GA on 7/28/2008
I bought 4 of these and planted tomatoes and eggplants: only one plant survived and it is not in good shape. I even tried placing other plants when the first ones died to no avail. The problems I encountered were that 1)at first the soil would get so wet it rotted the hanging plant and later, the capillary strip would stop working and the plants wouldn't get enough water. 3) It is difficult to place the seedling thru the hole without damaging it.
My sole survivor is sad but alive thanks to doing away with the reservoir and watering from above.
from Ma. on 7/25/2008
My tomato plant in the upside down hanger was the last to flower and it is still quite small. I started late in the season, but all others planted at the same time in the raised beds and pots have tomatoes on them and appear to be healthier/stronger.I recommend using Gardner's Potato bags above this if you are looking to save space.I grew a cherry tomato plant with garlic and basil in one and it was the first to bloom and be eaten from.
from KS on 7/25/2008
Placed around a small patio area in full sun. The plant did not withstand the weather, wind and full sun. Replanted twice with no positive results.
This would probably work better in a somewhat protected area.
from Bethesda, MD on 7/24/2008
No more stakes for your tomatoes! I am very pleased so far.
from Fountain Green, Utah on 7/23/2008
The wicks did not wick and had green on them through stagnant water. The tomatoes had scabs on the bottom which I thought was due to a calcium deficiency yet I used your growing mix and fertilizer. When I first used them the wicking worked fine but then it took 2 or 3 days to half empty the reservoir and it was up in the 90's.
from Rochester, NY on 7/22/2008
I do not think this product is made well, since the green material is ripping where it is attached to the frame. I am hoping it does not give out before I ever see a tomato! I am sure it will be un-usable next summer.
from Waynesboro, PA on 7/21/2008
Dries up very quickly and needs watering every day removing the water reservoir. Appearance nice and item very sturdy will continue to use but probably remove the reservoir to allow for easy access for watering.
In that a disappointment.
from Los Alamos, NM on 7/21/2008
This works well if you don't have the space for a garden. It is difficult to set up though, definitely need more than one person.
from Cohoes, NY on 7/21/2008
We have the best tomato plants we have ever grown - looking forward to a bumper crop!
from Rochester MN on 7/20/2008
The first plant (cucmber) that I put in the container died, I think from the pressure of the dirt, the next one I used less dirt and is so far doing well.
from Southwesten Pa on 7/19/2008
I bought the Garden Revolution Planter to save space in my small urban garden. It is awkward to fill and plant a tomato in by yourself. It would be much easier with 2 people. The filled planter with a full water reservoir is VERY heavy, so make sure that you have a strong hook and a solid base that your hook is attached to.
The plant is growing well in the planter. One thing to take into consideration is where you hang it. It is difficult to water if you hang it up high. It's early in the season, yet, so no tomatoes. But the plant is healthy and growing well with lots of blooms on it.
from Charlotte, NC area on 7/19/2008
I use this to grow tomatoes. It hangs from a corner of my garage in a sunny spot. Not much space for gardening on my property so this is an ideal solution. Couldn't find a similar product in my area or anything even close to it! I gave it as a gift to two family members here who wanted to try it. Both are beginner gardeners and are happy with the results they're getting.
from Louisville, KY on 7/18/2008
I don't have to worry about wires to support the stems of my tomato plants.
from Fish Creek, WI on 7/18/2008
I tried to grow tomatoes, I have tried twice with no success, my plants have died both times. I think it is important to use the right size plant and root system. The first plant was a young seedling I grew, it died off very quickly. I thought it was perhaps to small. The next time I went to the store and bought a large heathy plant, when I got home and tried to plant it this was way too large and I didn't see how I would get it through the opening. So I planted a medium size seedling I had grown and it died before it got started. I'm giving up for this year but would appreciate some suggestions on what I'm doing wrong because I think the concept is great and would love to have success next year.
from McKinney, TX on 7/17/2008
Purchased two containers to grow tomatoes. Hung them on Shepards hooks in the landscaped area of my patio. Quite the conversation piece for visitors. Requires very little space and there are no bugs on my plants!
from Dillsburg, Pa. on 7/17/2008
it is very heavy, not easy to maintain, dose not work after following all the directions.
from Farmington, MN on 7/17/2008
When I opened up the box, I was pleasantly surprised at how sturdy the metal frame and the bag inside it was. Initially, we were going to hang the planter on the side of the deck but we did not have a hanger that was sturdy enough. So, it is hanging down from the side of our deck by a very thick rope (which is 6 feet high, so it works out just fine). I bought two tomato plants, to see which one would produce more tomatoes. One is planted in the upside-down planter, the other is planted in my raised-bed garden, so far they are exactly the same size. I would recommend this product, if you want to have a bit of fun growing veggies!
from Carlsbad CA on 7/17/2008
Fertilizer added to water resevoir renders watering strips ineffective. The strips got moldy and did not drip water into the soil.
Also, we believe the root system doesn't have enough room to grow in the container.
from Connecticut on 7/16/2008
Setting this up takes 2 people and it is very heavy when you're ready to hang it. Most importantly, water constantly drips down over the tomato plant through the opening where the plant comes out and this is not a good thing. The plant has not flourished at all and has begun to look sickly. Unfortunately this has not been a success at all.
from Gainesville,VA on 7/16/2008
I have the planter in the back yard. The plant grows nicely and flowers but the flowers do not get polinated so it does not bare fruin. It is poor in that respect. I will have to but two planters to get tomatoes. You do not say that in your add.
from Farmington, NM on 7/16/2008
At first my tomatoes did great on my patio However, now they are both dying from lack of water. I thought this would be great based on the advertisements. I see by other reviews I should remove the resevoir and water without it. Maybe I'll be able to save at least one. My ground tomatoes are doing much better than the hanging ones.
from Seattle, WA on 7/16/2008
I had great hope for these new planters but found inserting the new tomato plant was difficult, (hard to thread plant throught the hole). These would work best with a tiny new plant. In Seattle, with our short growing season, it helps to get a head start with bigger tomato plants started early indoors. Once planted, growth was very slow as plants struggled to reach the sunlight. One plant had its main stem break off as tomatoes formed. The same variety of tomato, planted one month later in the same soil mix in an traditional pot is 4 times as big now and healthy! My two remaining upside down plants continue to struggle. I am very diappointed and will not use these again.
from Akron,Ohio on 7/16/2008
Easy to water and watch tomatoes develope. Air flow around plants deters pests and disease. Off the ground means no chipmonks eating my tomates.
from Gordonsville, Va. on 7/15/2008
Can't find anything good to say about this, was very disappointed. My tomato did not grow at all, just sat there. Followed the directions exactly. Really disappointed with this!
from Bordentown, NJ on 7/15/2008
We are not impressed with the upside-down tomato planter so far. The plant is puny compared to the neighbor's plants, which are from the same flat.
from Cockeysville, MD on 7/15/2008
Townhouse living does not offer a lot of yard space for growing veggies. Tryed one this year for cucumbers which are doing very well and does not take up a lot of space. Will get more next year. Should be great on my patio (under a deck) or on my deck depending on how much sun is needed.
from Elk Grove, IL on 7/15/2008
Great quality construction to last a long time. Brought the garden right up to the back door.
from Port Orange, Florida on 7/15/2008
The hanging tomatoes are looking good and tasting great. The Florida heat makes tomatoes split before they are really ripe, but our upside down plants are producing smaller, but perfect tomatoes. Also, they are a great conservation plant.
from monroeville al on 7/15/2008
we tried several times but the plants all got flooded and died. dont know what we could have done differently
from St. Paul, MN on 7/14/2008
I have lots of blooms and some tomatoes already! I showed them to my sister and she too has purchased these.
from Dover, Delaware on 7/14/2008
Except that it was very heavy when planted, I really like this product. I intend to see what other veggies will work well with this system besides my tomatoes. Birds also like to use the resevoir for a bath and a drink if the bird bath isn't full
from Spokane, WA