The Basics of Window Box Gardening
If home is where you lay your hat, then perhaps it should also be where you tend your garden. Flowers, herbs, even vegetables—they are all possible to grow, even from your urban efficiency apartment. Yes, if you have a window, then a garden of possibilities is within reach! If your green thumb hasn’t yet made its debut, here are a few tips to get you started:
Choose plants that will thrive in your environment. A local florist can direct you to choices that will work for your temperature, humidity, and sunlight levels.
The most eye-catching boxes are within a couple of inches of the size of the window. You don’t want your budding garden to rob you of your view.
Flowers have style too. Choose ones that match the exterior of your building. Sunflowers and daisies may both be beautiful, but each has its place. Choose sunflowers and other wildflowers to jazz up a boring exterior. Daisies and similar perennials are good backdrop flowers for overwhelming architecture.
Alright, so you’re ready to get dirty. Now what? The right container sets the stage for a dramatic floral production. Choosing it is easy if you know what you’re looking for:
You might have a container lying around that will work. Just be sure it has a large enough opening, isn’t too shallow and hasn’t previously held any chemicals.
If you don’t have one, take your window measurements to any home and garden center. Boxes come in a wide variety of materials, so be prepared to do some serious shopping.
Frugal types may opt for plastic, which is somewhat less aesthetically pleasing but financially sound. Wooden boxes should be rot-resistant and durable. For the environmentally savvy, organic choices such as matted straw formed into a box shape are available.
For the experienced gardener or those highly adventurous, a heavy terra-cotta or cast-iron box is a consideration. Formal architecture such as brownstones look tres chic with this kind of material.
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