As you know, growing tomatoes upside down is not a new concept.  I have been growing my tomatoes and other items upside down for years.  The company that came up with selling these planters just makes it easier.   The design on these new ones helps the water flow.  Plus it saves me many trips to the hardware store.  The weight is a lot more manageable too.  When I first started growing stuff upside down, I went through a bunch of time and money getting it right.  My trips to the store for more plants and hardware were weekly.  My rod holding the buckets wasn’t strong enough.  Then the hooks bent and broke off.  So, I welcome the new planters and less hassle.