Best Plants for Window Boxes - If you want to do a little bit of experimenting in your home garden, window boxes are a great option! Window boxes allow you a lot of gardening freedom, but there is a correct way to do it. Here are the best plants for window boxes and even how to plan a window box!
If you have a limited garden space, you can also use window boxes to decorate your sidewalk, windows, and more! While there are so many different things you can do with the soil in a window box, creating a floral creation that’s your own can be tricky.
First off, it is important to know when to plant which is based on your growing zone. If you're not sure what zone you are in, use the USDA Hardiness Zone Finder here.
How to Plant a Window Box
Planting a window box properly starts from setting up your box properly! Not choosing the right box or adding proper drainage can ensure nothing ever grows in it!
Step 1: Setting Up your Box
The first thing you want to do is choose your box and where you would like to place your box. Window boxes can be pretty heavy, especially when you have soil and plants in it. Keep in mind that it will also get heavier as you water it.
A sturdy box that is made of hardwood will do better than pine, and securing your box can help make sure it won’t fall. Once you’ve chosen the right box, make sure that you add drainage holes.
Step 2: Filling your Box
Make sure that you only fill your box halfway with soil. Then, it’s time to add your plants! Place your plants a few inches from each other to allow room for them to spread out in the box.
If you put them too close together, you will need to prune and pinch your plants to keep them from overcrowding. Once your plants are in place, fill the gaps with soil.
Best Plants for Window Boxes
When choosing plants for your window boxes, make sure you choose plants with a similar light and water requirement. You will need to water them more often than plants in the ground to keep the soil from drying out.
Some of the best plants to put in a window box are also perfect for Container Flower Gardens. Here are some great plant options for your window box:
Flowers
Flowers are an excellent choice for your window box, and probably one of the most popular options. Flowering bulbs are a great option for summertime bloom!
Here are some great options:
- Lilies
- Alliums
- Dwarf gladiolus
- Snowdrops
- Hyacinths
- Miniature daffodils
Vegetables and Herbs
If you don’t want to plan flowers into your window boxes, you can get plants and herbs a try! Please ensure that they get plenty of sunlight and water them every couple of days to keep them alive. You will also need to cultivate your soil to allow your water to penetrate the soil rather than runoff. You can plant herbs, vegetables or even strawberries!
Here are some great herb options:
- Chives
- Thyme
- Mint
- Sage
Here are some great vegetable options:
- Cherry Tomatoes
- Lettuce
- Kale
Window boxes have so much diversity when it comes to what you can plant inside, and what you can do with them! Whether you want something functional, or a pretty decoration for your windowsill, there are a ton of great options!
More Gardening Ideas
- How to Make a Succulent Terrarium
- Homemade Planters
- What to Plant in a Raised Garden Bed
- DIY Pallet Planter
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