I know it’s winter as many of you are reading this, but to me there’s no better time to plan for the future than the present. And in this case, the future that I’m planning is spring gardening. Right now (as it’s freezing and icy outside) all I can think about is my home-grown tomatoes that will greet me on the vine soon enough. Last year I used an “upside down” planter to wonderful results, and I want to use the same method this year.What I didn’t like about last year’s method was that the upside down planter that I bought lasted only one season and then it landed in the trash (nope, it was not made of recyclable materials). Plus, it retails for anywhere from 7.50 – 24.99 which impacts the efficacy of the bottom-line tomato costs.So, I’ve been doing a little research during these snowy days and I read about a nifty idea that will save my having to buy a new planter, plus be “green” in concept at the same time — use an empty 2-liter plastic bottle wrapped in duct tape (to protect the roots from the sun). Keep the cap on the bottle and cut out a small hole (about two inches) into the side where you will fill the bottle with soil and ultimately plant your starter plant.Fortunately, these liter bottles are extra thick on the bottom center area (which will make a perfect place to hang it from).Just insert an eye bolt and washer to create a type of secure “hook” for hanging (without fear of the weight tugging the bolt out).They may not be as attractive as the 25 version, but my take on it is this: after the plants take to growth, it is that growth that gets most noticed and valued — and the duct tape wrapped bottle will barely be noticed. And if it cracks before next year’s use, I can simply use more duct tape. Stay tuned and I’ll let you know how it worked for me!Tomato sauce, anyone?