The Basics of Window Box Gardening
Box, check. Now to fill up that box with gorgeous, awe-inspiring foliage. Make sure your box has drainage holes before you fill it with soil, as plants can drown when over-saturated. There’s much to be said about the importance of good soil:
According to the experts at windowbox.com, professional gardeners now know that gardening above ground is much different than gardening in the earth. Straight soil is too dense to use in window boxes, so you’ll need to use a mix. Have a knowledgeable employee at your local garden center help you find the right balance, or if making your own, be sure to check the pH balance.
Your mix needs to be moist before you deposit it into the planter, so water it down and start planting!
Here’s where you get to let the creative juices flow by choosing your arrangement:
If you have no idea where to start, try the personalized plant quiz, known as the floracle at (http://www.windowbox.com/cgi-bin/floracle/index.asp). Based on your level of commitment, environment and preferences, it will customize a garden for you.
For the slightly more free-spirited, just head over to the seed section and go for it! The gourmet chef in you may opt for herbs, while the healthy eater might want a vegetable garden (see list below for good choices).
Of course, nothing is wrong with going for looks alone and opting for flowers. If that’s the case, you get to decide between trailing, climbing, or standing varieties. Read the package directions and be sure to determine which types match your climate, sunlight, and level of care you’re willing to commit.
Once you’ve planted your plants securely in the soil and given them a good water, enjoy! Neighbors and friends alike will be impressed by your new dedication to living art.
Now all that’s left is taking good care of your seedlings:
Besides carefully following the package directions, be sure to watch for dead and decaying flowers, leaves and stems, as they can be a source of fungal growth. Just pinch off and throw them away during your daily check.
Not all plants need water daily, so use a finger-check to determine the hydration level. If the soil is dry down to the first knuckle, it’s time to water.
About once a week, use a water-soluble all-purpose fertilizer to keep your plants healthy.
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