Table of Contents
How deep should a window planter box be?
A minimum of 8 inches in depth and 8 inches from front to back is required to have enough room for a selection of plants. Larger–say a foot in depth and width–is even better, particularly if you want to include a lot of plants and want them to fill out enough to overflow the box.
Is it cheaper to build your own planter box?
Building raised planter boxes is very easy, and usually more cost effective than purchasing them.
What do you put in the bottom of a window box?
In addition to drilled holes, stones and gravel are essential to proper drainage of windowboxes. Put a two- to three-inch layer of pea gravel or pebbles in the bottom of the planter. This will allow water to filter through the soil and gravel before passing through the drilled holes.
How do you install a window box without drilling?
The most common method for attaching window boxes to the side of the house involves using screws, but if you have vinyl siding, bypass the drilling by using vinyl siding hooks. Slide the hooks into the seam of the siding, and you’re ready to hang your planter.
What wood is best for window boxes?
Because of their rot-resistant qualities, cedar and redwood are two of the best choices of wood for window boxes. Smooth high-grade cedar has a fine grain that looks good natural or stained.
Should window boxes go on all windows?
A good rule of thumb: Match the width of the flower box to the width of the window. Use smaller flower boxes on smaller windows, and larger ones on larger windows. Matching the right window box to your home can add curb appeal, but there are many things to consider before making a final decision.
Should a window box be bigger or smaller than the window?
For the best visual effect, your window box should be at least as wide as the window but should not extend more than three inches beyond the trim on each side.
Are window boxes bad for your house?
Window boxes are meant to add color and beauty to your home. However, if not cared for or installed properly, a window box can cause water damage to the wall where it hangs that will need to be repaired.
What do you put in the bottom of a planter for drainage?
Put a layer of gravel in your plant’s drainage tray, or down inside a decorative planter, then sit your plant pot on top. The gravel will hold water and increase humidity, while keeping your plant’s roots up out of the puddle. Gravel comes in handy when sitting a plant inside a decorative planter.
Do planter boxes need drainage holes?
Do Planter Boxes Need Drainage Holes? Yes. Planter boxes need very good drainage holes at the bottom of the container. Any water that stagnates will choke out the oxygen that is channeled to the roots.
What kind of wood should I use for a planter box?
Cedar, white oak and redwood naturally resist termites and other insects. They stand up very well to the elements and last season after season. They can, however, require more upfront investment. Soft woods such as pine work best for indoor planters.
Should you line planter boxes with plastic?
You need to line your planter box if it’s made from wood or metal. The liner will help prolong the planter’s life. You don’t need to use a liner if the planter is made using plastic, ceramic, or concrete as they are quite durable by themselves.
How do I keep my window box from rotting?
How to Prevent Rot With Planter Boxes Use a peat-based commercial potting mixture. A mixture of peat moss combined with other ingredients such as vermiculite, perlite or sand will drain well, keep plants from drying out too quickly, and it will be lightweight.
How do you water a window box when away?
Place the lid on the cut soda bottle. Make four to six holes in the lid. Submerge the bottle in the soil of the window box to hide it a bit but leave the cut end out of the soil. Fill with water and allow the slow drip to irrigate the window box.
How do you secure a window sill planter?
If you’re worried, secure your planter to your windowsill Window Fleur boxes come with detachable arms which will help keep your planters in place. You could create a similar effect by placing a security wire around your planter, or using some kind of bracket to keep it in place.
Is pine good for planter boxes?
Natural, untreated pine can also be used to build planters, but it must be sealed to make it resistant to weathering, rot and fungus. Pine is also soft, which makes it vulnerable to nicks, gouges and other damage.
Do wooden window boxes rot?
But ordinary wooden boxes rot out in just a few years, and plastic window boxes won’t rot but don’t look as nice as the traditional wood box. Buy a plastic window box at a home or garden center.
How many plants should be in a window box?
Traditional planting is when you allow enough room between plants that the planter looks full after 2 to 3 weeks of additional growth. Generally I would use 3 or maybe 4 plants in 10 or 12-inch planters, 4 to 6 plants in a 14 to 16-inch planter and Six to 8 plants in an 16 to 20-inch planter and so on.
How wide does a planter box need to be?
Width – Planter boxes 1.5 to 2 feet wide provide space to grow vegetables in a small footprint. Narrow planters work well along a railing or fence, and as garden privacy screens, with matching trellises. Wide planters provide space to accommodate larger plants, even small trees, if you have the room.
How do you measure a window planter box?
The length of the window areas should equal the lengths of the window boxes. For example, if the length of first window is 3 feet, the window box should ideally be 3 feet. If the length of the second window is 6 feet, the window box should ideally be 6 feet.
How wide is a window box?
Since many traditional-style uPVC windows are around three feet long, almost every window box style is available in 30-inch and 36-inch lengths. Window boxes generally look best if they are the same width as your window, but there are exceptions to the rule.
Do window boxes damage window sills?
High-quality window boxes will not damage your home one bit if you follow a few simple steps. The window box material must be able to withstand the weight and not sag, bend or break. If you want to make a traditional wood window box, you should use redwood or cedar.
Do window boxes attract bugs?
Window boxes will also allow those that live in flats and townhouses the opportunity to grow and harvest herbs for their kitchens. Planting your window boxes with certain plants can also be used to attract bees, bumble bees and many other beneficial insects.
Are window planters safe?
Although other homes on his block had similar window boxes, it reveals that anything sticking out of a window — not just a flower pot — could be hazardous. “These planters can pose a serious safety risk,” said Deborah B. Anyone with a window box could (and should) hire a handyman to drill or cement them in place.
