Zucchini is a rather famous fruit, yes! It is technically a fruit but a great majority of people confuse it to be a vegetable. Well regardless of what it is, zucchini can be used to make many different types of foods. Zucchini squash in particular is a rather famous side dish. Sure, there are many supermarkets where zucchini is easily available, but again going to the market every day to get fresh fruits and vegetables can be a bit of a hassle, versus walking into your backyard.
With many growers using synthetic materials to grow their produce the integrity of the fruits and vegetables is also questionable. Well, if you are someone who is interested in gardening and are looking for a fun new hobby, then follow this guide to grow zucchini upside down in your own home. You must have heard of rooftop gardening, indoor gardening, and growing plants on the balcony, but these days the concept of growing plants indoors upside down is rather famous.
Grow Zucchini Indoors Upside Down
If you are new to the world of growing plants upside down then you must be wondering what it actually is. Well, to put it very simply growing plants upside down basically means that plants are grown in pots that are not on the ground but are suspended from the ceiling. This style of gardening has been around since the previous century actually and has gained much popularity these days. Zucchini is a rather easy vegetable to grow and it is even more fun to grow it upside down as it adds a unique element of beauty to the space.
Why You Should Grow Plants Upside Down?
There are many reasons as to why you should try growing plants upside down. First of all, this type of gardening saves ample space. Nowadays, with an increase in urbanization, it is quite tough to find a big place in the city. Why should you be deprived of the fun of gardening just because you have a small living space? Moreover, the water and nutrients can be effectively delivered to the roots of the pant. Growing plants upside really helps with reducing costs as well, you will not have to buy a barrier or a cage to protect the plants from rodents and the chances of fungal diseases also decrease a great deal.
Materials Needed to Grow a Zucchini Plant Upside Down Inside
When it comes to growing zucchini upside down indoors there are not many things that are needed, with just some essentials you will be good to go. Just imagine that you are creating your very own hanging gardens and make a list of all the essentials mentioned in the following text and get to work. For starters, you need a place where you can hang the plant, find a spot where the sun hits directly. Moving on, you will need a strong hook, a metal wire, and a rather sharp knife. You will also need a foam platform to keep the plant from falling due to gravity. Moreover, to avoid a messy situation, get a tray to catch all the water. The more basic items on the list are a large bucket, compost, and a baby zucchini plant.
List of Upside Down Growing Materials for Review:
Live Zucchini Seedling Plants (Purchase on Etsy!)
- Bucket with Handle
- MULTI-PURPOSE & DURABLE - 5 Gallon Bucket ONLY - Pack of 6 - Food Grade HDPE Plastic - BPA Free
- ERGONOMIC PLASTIC GRIP FOR EASY CARRYING - Pails Come with Metal Handle and an Ergonomic Plastic Grip to Make Transporting Heavy Loads Pain Free
- SMART & STRONG DESIGN - Tapered design for easy separation and maximum storage
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
- Drill
- Foam (6-inch circle)
- PACKAGE & SIZE: Include 16PCS foam circles at a very low price and it is cost-effective, each polystyrene circle foam measures 6 x 6 x 1 inches, 15.24x15.24x2.54CM.
- EASY TO CUSTOMIZE: The polystyrene craft foam discs have a smooth surface that allows you to embellish and customize them using flowers, paint, rope, twine, ribbon, glitter, glue and so on.
- PERFECT FOR DIY CRAFT: Use the round foam circles to create a variety of party decorations and centerpieces for an upcoming wedding, baby shower, or birthday party.
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
- Hook
- Potting soil
- ALL NATURAL MIX Suitable For Use On Edible Plants like FRUITS & VEGETABLES
- MYCORRHIZAE ENRICHMENT — Aids Root Growth and Flushing Harmful Bacteria
- EASY-TO-MANAGE DRAINAGE — Blended with Perfect Plants Perlite
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
- 5-10-10 fertilizer
- For more nutritious and tasty vegetables
- Optimum levels of primary plant nutrients
- Contains no GMOs, chicken manure or sewage sludge
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
- Water
- Tray
- Quantity 5 - Durable Plastic - NO Drain Holes
- Perfect for use as a drip tray, hydroponic growing and seed starting
- Approx: 21 by 11 (top measurement). 20 by 10 bottom of tray - See product description below for precise measurments
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Step 2: Assembling the Upside-Down Zucchini Plant
Once you have all the material ready, here are the steps you’ll need to follow:
- Choose a sunny spot and install a hook on the ceiling.
- Now place the bucket upside down on the floor and draw a 2-inch circle in the center of the base.
- Cut out the circle using a drill.
- Cut a small circle in the center of the foam and cut a line from this circle all the way to the circumference.
- Make the bucket lie on its side on the floor while you twine the roots inside it from the hole in the center of the base. Keep the plant outside the bucket.
- Now push the foam around the base of the plant from the open end of the bucket. The purpose of adding the foam is to hold the zucchini plant in place throughout the growing season and prevent it from falling out through the hole in the bottom of the bucket due to gravity, especially when fruits weigh it down.
- Place the bucket between two tables or have someone hold it so you can add potting soil to it from the open side.
- Fill it up until it’s an inch from the rim and water it.
- Hang it on the hook you installed on the ceiling.
- Place a tray under the bucket to catch excess water.
Step 3: Taking care of an Upside-Down Zucchini Plant
Now as mentioned before when it comes to upside-down zucchini plants you do not have to worry about pests and weeds, therefore taking care of this plant is not that hard. The basic rule of thumb is that you remove the dead or dying leaves in a timely fashion. You have to make sure to water the plant regularly, especially in the dry and hot seasons. Finally, you need to harvest the zucchini plant at the right time, as in the later stages the large fruits will most likely damage the plant.
Conclusion
Even if you are new to the world of gardening and do not have much experience, with the help of this guide you can easily grow your own zucchini plant. If you follow the instructions clearly you will enjoy the process and, in the end, will have a lovely fruit to add to your meals. Moreover, aside from the element of food, growing zucchini upside down indoors will become a rather fun hobby and a unique one as well. The plant will add value to your meals and will amp up the ambiance of your home by adding a unique natural touch to it.
