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I have created a new separate page from my original inverted planter plans as I have devised a method for it’s construction which I find to be even easier. If you haven’t already, I recommend reading my original plans first to get a understanding of it’s purpose and function.

The basics are the same as before.

You will need
1- two or three litre soda bottle.
4- equal lengths of string.
1- hook to hang it from.
1- piece of plastic wrap. (used to cover the opening at the bottom of the planter)
soil
A metal tool such as a pliers or locking pliers.
A scissors, dremel or other cutting tool.
A vine variety plant. Tomato, bean etc.
A heat gun. I purchased mine a while back at Harbor Freight for $10. It also works great for thawing pipes.

That last one is the major change in construction. I was thinking of easier ways to reattach the original top when it came to me, leave it in place and push it inward. What better way to accomplish this than with a heat gun!

So without further rambling here we go.

Arrange your parts and supplies on a level surface in an area where you will be able to hang the planter from to fill it with soil. (Basements are a great place.)

Stand the soda bottle upright and heat around the perimeter of the mouth slightly above where the cone portion begins.

Next push down on the bottle mouth using the pliers, I find it works best to heat on a low setting while pushing down as you will see in these next two pictures. Be careful not to get too close to the plastic or stay in one spot as it will melt a hole completely through the bottle.

Here is the bottle with the mouth pushed inward. I forgot to remove the cap ring before I started so I had to carefully cut it off afterward. Big Surprise! It’s easier before it is pushed in and surrounded by hot plastic.

Then I cut the original bottom off the bottle using my dremel with a cutting wheel. I prefer the dremel because it is fast and it melts the edges slightly so they are not sharp. You can do the same or use whatever cutting tool you have at your disposal.

Next come the three holes at what is now the top of the planter. Space them evenly and tie three of the four strings in each hole and then tie the three together at the opposite end.

Here it is, ready for a plant and soil.

I took this picture to demonstrate how the water can sit in the bottom of the planter for the roots to soak up. With this new method, the chance of leaks are virtually non-existant providing you don’t get crazy with the watering.

Next separate the plant roots from the soil and gently push the roots into the bottom of the planter. At this point I hung the planter from basement ceiling after I tied the fourth string to the knot of the other three. This makes it much easier to fill.

Hold the plant in place, push the root ball off to the side from the inside of the planter. Then cover the opening with the small piece of plastic wrap. You do not need to wrap it tight in the area around the roots, just the rest of the opening where there are no roots, the weight of the soil will hold it all in place.

Fill to the top with soil.

Hang from the hook on the ceiling or other strong support in a well lit location and water. You will see some water run down the sides. No need to over water. Keep in mind that the first few days to a week the plant will be in shock from the transplant. Once it establishes a strong root network it will thrive.

Here are my three IPlanters in my bay window. From left: ITomato 1, ITomato 2, and the first IBean.

This last one is a shot looking up underneath the planter I just made.

If you decide to build one I would love for you to share your results and pictures.