Table of Contents
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 organize a window box?
Fill the box evenly throughout. You don’t want your window box to look lopsided or haphazardly thrown together. Try to organize the plants in such a way that they look somewhat symmetrical in the window box. Include a variety of leafy plants and flowering plants on each side, not just each concentrated in one area.
What soil is best for window boxes?
Purchase a sterile potting mix containing peat, perlite, and other ingredients that improve drainage, aeration, fertility, and water-holding capacity. Consider using a water-absorbing polymer to decrease watering frequency.
Do I need to line my planter box?
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.
Should you drill holes in window boxes?
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 many flowers should you put 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 do you plant a beautiful window box?
Always make sure your window box has drainage holes. To aid drainage, place 2 inches of nonbiodegradable packing peanuts or old wine corks in the bottom of the box, and then cover with landscape fabric to prevent soil from seeping out. Next, fill the box halfway with potting soil, and add your plants.
How often should you water window boxes?
Frequent watering is the most important part of caring for plants in window boxes. As with most containers, window boxes will need to be watered at least once a day.
How much soil is in a window box?
A depth of 8 to 12 inches may be enough, unless the soil does not drain well; dig 12 to 18 inches for vegetable plants. You can edge the raised bed with landscape timbers, bricks, metal strips or simply leave it open. Choose well-draining soil that retains moisture but will not dry out.
What do you put in window boxes for winter?
Ferns, evergreens, perennial flowers in red and white, wreathes, ornamental decorations, plants, artificial flowers, poinsettias, jingle balls, ribbons, pine cones, christmas tree trimmings, garland, lights, holly and more are some simple and effective ideas that can be used to decorate your flower boxes.
How do you install window boxes 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.
Can you plant perennials in window boxes?
If gardening isn’t your thing or if money is an issue, perennials are the perfect choice for window boxes. In the right climate and environment, they can survive through the winter and grow back the following spring. In climates with light frosts, your perennial choices may seem endless.
Are petunias good for window boxes?
Trailing petunias are one of the most popular plants for window boxes. They grow best in a position that receives at least six hours of sunlight a day and they can tolerate hot temperatures and humidity. Petunias come in a wide range of colors including purple, pink, red, yellow and white.
How do you line a wooden trough planter?
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 fill a trough planter?
Depending on how deep the trough is, it may not be necessary to fill the entire trough with soil. To save on cost and weight, fill that void with a layer of non-biodegradable packing peanuts. Cover the layer of packing peanuts with landscape fabric. Fill the rest of the trough with garden soil.
What do you Line bottom of planter with?
Just line the bottom of your planter with newspaper or brown paper grocery bags. The paper will allow the water to drain while keeping the dirt from falling out. Also the paper will retain moisture, so less frequent watering needed.
Do wood window boxes need drainage holes?
A wooden box may need drainage holes, depending on how porous it is without them. But if the box fills up and holds water for more than a minute or so, drill some 1/2-inch drainage holes in the bottom and a few in the sides of the container, near the bottom. Line your planter boxes porous landscape fabric.
Can you line window boxes with plastic?
Ideally, liners should have holes at the bottom which matches those of the boxes to drain out excess water. Plastic lining can help avoid this problem and keep your planter dry no matter how many times you water the plants. Window box liners made from coconut fiber are similar to hanging basket liners.
Should I put rocks in the bottom of my 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.
