When you embrace the unconventional, and challenge what you think is possible… You can grow more than tomatoes.
Welcome to this year’s Cangro/Chaeli Upside-Down Tomato Challenge… an inclusive, hands-on experience where learners, teachers, families and corporates grow tomatoes from the bottom up, exploring science, sustainability, and self-belief. It’s a fun, educational way for participants of all ages, backgrounds and abilities to engage while building confidence and creativity.
And there’s more…
The winning learner takes home a PlayStation5!!!
Sponsored by KOODOO.co.za
There are also some amazing prizes up for grabs for participating teachers and employees!
For everything you need to know about that and about growing super-huge upside-down tomato plants check out the FAQ below or…
FAQ
Why an Upside Down Tomato Competition?
It’s not just about growing tomatoes; it’s about challenging conventional thinking and proving that thriving doesn’t have to follow the rules. What could be cooler than a tomato growing upside down from a tin can? This fun, imaginative challenge dares participants to think differently, explore unconventional gardening methods, and discover that innovation often starts when we turn things on their head. Whether you’re a first-time grower or a seasoned gardener, this is your chance to grow something extraordinary—against gravity and expectations!
When does the competition take place and how long does it run for?
Both the Business’ Challenge and the School’s Challenge start on the 18th Sept. Cut off for photo submissions will be on the 23rd November, allowing participants ample time to grow their tomatoes and show off their results. Be sure to check our website and fb page for any changes in dates and deadlines!
How is the overall winner decided?
The winners will be chosen by an independent panel of judges. They will evaluate the tomato plants based on various criteria such as size, health and number of tomatoes. We also encourage a public voting aspect to allow everyone to engage in the process and vote for their favourite entries!
What are the prizes on offer?
Let’s start with the big one…
The main prize in the Learner Challenge is a PlayStation 5, proudly sponsored by Koodoo!
But that’s not all. We’ve also got some pretty cool prizes lined up for the Teacher Challenge and Business Challenge.
We don’t want to give too much away just yet, but let’s just say there may be a getaway weekend, some cheese and wine spoils, and a few other surprises up for grabs!
The full prize details will be announced shortly — so keep your eyes peeled!
How do I win?
In a world where AI can make almost anything look real, we need to make sure your tomato is the real deal! 🍅
That’s why you’ll need to submit progress pictures throughout the challenge, not just one picture of your biggest, best-looking plant at the end.
We have set up a simple online contact form where you can upload your photos and show us how your tomato is growing. These progress pictures will help us follow your plant’s journey from little seedling to upside-down tomato superstar!
We may ask you to bring your tomato plant to school at the end for verification.