Best Inventions 2005: Tasteful Ideas

Hanging Gardens
Inventor: Bill Felknor, Felknor Ventures
Availability: Now, $19
To Learn More: topsyturvys.com
No longer will you have to cage, stake or weed your tomato plants or battle cutworms and other ruinous critters to put fresh tomatoes on the table. The Topsy-Turvy planter allows you to grow beefsteaks, cherries or any other variety upside down on your balcony or deck. Simply fill the bag with potting soil, add a young seedling—almost any vine-growing fruit or vegetable will do—and let the leafy part hang out. Mount the hook, add water and fertilize. A young plant in a warm climate takes about a month to bloom and another month to bear fruit.
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