This summer stunner does double duty with an earthy scent and beautiful green foliage with pops of red and green. Abundant cherry tomatoes bursting with summer sunshine welcome visitors on this leafy wreath.
| 15-inch wreath base |
| 18 Supersweet plants |
Planning the Design
Look for small cherry tomato seedlings or any type of dwarf tomato plants that are bred specifically for hanging baskets. The Supersweet tomato variety I used produces small bite-sized bright red fruits. For even more color and visual punch, try mixing in an orange variety such as Sun Gold.
Prepping the Plants
Small tomato seedlings usually come in six-pack plugs. Gently squeeze the sides of the plastic container to release the small plant. Using your forceps, scrape off the excess soil to expose the delicate roots.
Planting the Tomatoes
Start with a dampened wreath base.
With forceps, a wooden skewer or a screwdriver, make a hole through the moss and into the core of the wreath-base soil.
Twisting the forceps in a circular rotation will really open up the hole to allow for the plants to be easily slipped inside. Tuck in any loose or dangling roots with the forceps.
Stagger and space seedlings 3 to 4 inches apart for even coverage.
Once all the tomatoes are planted into the wreath, you will notice that they are all standing very tall and upright. You will think, how is this wreath going to grow and look right? Give it some time and allow for the plants to leaf out and get a little leggy. Once there is more length on the stems, that plants will naturally want to lay flat. If needed, use some U-shaped pins to hold down the stems and leaves to allow the wreath shape to be visible.
This wreath should remain flat for two weeks before hanging.
Care
Keep this tomato wreath watered well and in full sun for best results. Water the wreath by fully submerging it in water two to three times a week or let the weather dictate how often. If you have trouble finding a large enough container to fully submerge the wreath, try using the lid from a large metal garbage can flipped over. Let the wreath sit in shallow water until it soaks enough water to saturate its moss/soil base, adding water if necessary. A long and gentle soak with water from a hose will also work to water any living wreath. Harvest your bounty from July through September.