Top Six Guidelines for Window Box Gardening
1: Determine the type of microclimate in which your plants will be living.
There is a reason cacti grow in deserts and palm trees grow in warm, sunny places. They were made for it! Each plant has a unique set of conditions that is needed to help it grow at its best. When you decide to start a window box garden, first determine what types of conditions your plants are going to encounter. Sunlight exposure, temperature and weather conditions are the most important. Also take into consideration the humidity level and wind variance. Small, delicate plants will not fair well in very windy places. Many plants require 4-8 hours of direct sunlight per day, so be sure your window box will be in a sunny location.
2: Don’t stick to just one flower or plant type.
Both for aesthetic reasons, and to help plants grow at their best, it is important to have some variety in your planter. Similar plants will be affected by the same problems, whether they are too dry or are victimized by a bug infestation. Since each strain of plants needs different environmental conditions to survive, if you have a variety of plants, the won’t all die at once if you accidentally forget to water them one day. The different colors, sizes and textures will also create a more visually appealing effect. Keep reading for more ways to create a beautiful display.
3: Do have a decorative plan in mind when planting seeds.
A little bit of planning and a little bit of design will ensure that your garden doesn’t look like a jungle. When considering flower types, choose styles and colors that will compliment your building. Be creative, but keep a few tips in mind: use the tallest plants in the back and shorter, bushier ones along the middle rows. Trailers, plants that fall over the front of the box, give the box a beautiful over-flowing effect when positioned in the front. If the look isn’t quite right when the flowers start to bloom, you can always remove some of them or try something different next season. For versatility, plant the seedlings right in their containers, which will allow you to easily move them around or remove them as they grow. No matter what you decide to plant, don’t forget to consider the microclimate and choose varieties that will work well with your environment.
4: Consider the container.
The container you will be using will be your garden’s home, so put some thought into what will look the best and hold up the longest. The choices are extensive: wire, plastic, wood, metal, woven and baskets made of organic materials. Consider the cost, size and weight when picking one out. Also know the width of the window, since window boxes usually look best when they are a littler wider than the window itself. Embrace your artistic side by painting a plain box with a simple design. When installing the box, be sure to position it low enough so as the plants grow, the view from the window will not be obscured. You’ll need to drill holes for the screws and then secure the window box frame in place. Make sure that there is some way for water to escape continuously.
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