QA

Question: How To Build Cedar Window Planter Box

How do you make a cedar window box?

Can you make planter boxes out of cedar?

To grow your container garden, build this DIY planter box. It requires few tools and can be accomplished in a day. Make sure to use wood rated for outdoor use, like cedar. Follow our step-by-step tutorial to make your own cedar planter box.

Do I need to line a cedar planter box?

The planters are fine when used without lining or as container planters. If replacing a lining, we recommend only using linings specifically made for gardening containers and that allow for air and water flow.

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.

Do window boxes need drainage holes?

It’s absolutely necessary that a window box have drainage holes so plants do not sit in soggy soil. If your box does not come with holes, you will need to drill holes in the bottom before installation.

How deep should a cedar planter box be?

You will want to dig down at least 16 inches – you could go deeper, but this is a planter box, not a fence. I find that 16 inches is plenty deep and allows concrete to penetrate and hold. Once each of your holes are dug, measure each of your posts right on prepare for cuts.

What do you line cedar planters with?

Line the entire planter with a sheet of plastic, trimming it so that it reaches but does not go over the rim. Staple the plastic all the way around the rim. Using a screwdriver or sharp stick, poke through the drilled drainage holes to let excess water drain out of the plastic liner.

How do you treat a cedar planter box?

In a large pot combine one gallon of white vinegar with 6 pads of #0000 steel wool. Let sit at least 24 hours. Using a brush, large sponge, or a rag, liberally apply the vinegar concoction to the wood. Let dry and add another coat if needed.

How do you protect cedar planters?

Stain your cedar planters for protection from the sun’s UV rays. Cover planters when they are not in use. Oil the surface of the planter once every six months. Clean your cedar planters monthly to help protect against staining or discoloration. Apply diluted bleach to the cedar planters only if you notice mold.

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.

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.

Do I need to put rocks in the bottom of a planter?

This is false. Putting gravel, rocks, or other layers of material in your plant pots, planters, or containers with drainage holes does NOT improve potting soil drainage, it instead increases the water saturation level that leads to root rot.

Should you put rocks at the bottom of a planter?

A: For years, experts told gardeners to put a layer of gravel, pebbles, sand or broken pieces of pot in the bottom of the pot before potting up houseplants or outdoor plants. The idea was to improve drainage. But research shows that this advice is wrong. Water doesn’t travel well from one medium to another.

How do you hang 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.

How wide should planter boxes 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.

What is the best depth for a planter box?

For most plants, a 6-to 8-inch-deep planter box is sufficient. The depth may vary for some vegetables, however. Turnips, cucumbers, broccoli, beets, lettuce and green onions can all grow well in a planter box at that depth, but other vegetables, like cabbage, need a deeper depth of at least 10 inches.

How high should planter boxes be?

The most popular height for raised beds is 11″. (This is the height of two standard “2 x 6″ boards, which actually measure 1.5″ x 5.5”.) This height provides sufficient drainage for most crops. For best results, there should be another 12″ or more of good soil below the bed.

How do you seal untreated wood for planter boxes?

Raw linseed oil, derived from the flax plant, is a perfect, natural alternative when it comes to wood treatment if you’re trying to avoid chemical sealants that could end up harming your plants. Applying this linseed oil to untreated wood will increase its water-repellant properties, and help weatherproof it.

Is Cedar good for raised garden bed?

There are many choices of materials to use for raised garden bed construction. Cedar lumber is often used in constructing raised beds. It offers a natural resistance to rot and insects. Eastern red cedar (Juniperus virginiana) is very rot resistant and will last for years even when in contact with soil.

Do raised beds need to be cedar?

In most cases, cedar is the best wood to use for garden beds because cedar is naturally rot resistant. Redwood is another excellent rot-resistant wood, but redwood is a more limited resource.