Articles

Window Box Gardening

We lead busy and hectic lives, so it can be quite a change in pace to care for plants. However, few other things can bring you to nature so quickly. A small garden is the perfect way to begin learning about cultivating, weeding and sowing those often finicky plants. However, with a little patience and a little experience, you can have a small garden that is attractive.

A way to begin, especially if you live in an apartment, is with a window box planter. However, window boxes look great on homes as well, so they are for everyone. A window box can be setup quickly. Window boxes come in a variety of styles, and they are made from a variety of materials.

For country-style homes, window boxes of natural wood are appropriate as they will blend in with the surrounding country decor. For contemporary homes, wrought iron or resin boxes may be better suited. Also, plastic boxes can be very attractive and are available in a wide variety of colors.

In installation, the first step is to install the brackets. This is an easy task. Just follow the instructions that come with you’re the window boxes. You will probably complete this task within 10 to 20 minutes.

Once you install the brackets, the box is ready to be mounted. However, you may want to prepare the box in the garage or on the balcony before it is mounted. To prepare for planting, you may want to place stones on the bottom to help with drainage, and then place in the potting soil.

There are three types of plants you may wish to consider planting. They are vegetable, herbs, or flowers. Small plants can be purchased in the larger hardware stores and at local nurseries.

Vegetable plants are an interesting choice, and one that is practical. You'll be able to pull part of your supper off the vine. Tomato plants are popular in many gardens, and there is no reason why you can't grow them in a window box. They get rather large, so some type of small trellis will be needed to support the vines. Other vegetables that are appropriate for a window box include cabbage, lettuce, spinach, carrots, onions and peas plants.

Flowers are always a very popular choice, and they can be very attractive after they have filled out. Think about what colors you would like to have, then select the flowers that bloom in those colors. Almost any variety of flower will grow in a window box. However, many people especially like petunias, geraniums, marigolds, dahlias and pansies for window boxes.

You can add foliage plants to a flower box to add contrast. A good foliage plant is potato.

Herbs have become popular over the past few years, especially for those with a desire to use fresh herbs in their cooking. Some herbs can add a nice aroma. Many herbs are easy to grow, such as basil, parsley, oregano, thyme, rosemary and sage. Aromatic choices include lavender, lemon grass, and rosemary.

Once you have selected exactly which plants you will use, it's time to plant them. Fill the window box with potting soil and perhaps water retaining crystals. The crystals will help keep the soil from drying out too quickly. This isn't really necessary, but it can help. Don't fill the box too full, leave at least one to one-and-a-half inches. Gently place your plants into the window box, gently packing the soil around the plant to help secure the roots without breaking them. Then give them a good soaking of water.

Now, you can place your window box into its brackets, and there you have your own small garden-- ready to be cared for and appreciated.

• Better Patio Furniture •
• Select By Type • Select By Material •
• Articles • Glossary •