Plant enthusiasts living in city areas find it hard to look for a space for their garden – but that was before! Today, window box container gardening offers a great solution for this dilemma. Most apartment landlords are permitting their tenants to showcase their gardening skills by installing window boxes. Window container boxes are the best option for a limited-space-environment garden setup.
Get to Know Window Boxes Garden
Window boxes are narrow soiled boxes made from wood or steel attached to the window. Owners can directly plant their perennials or chosen vegetable seedling just like planting in a typical garden bed. Window box garden can add beauty and appeal to one’s simple abode. Also, it is easy to maintain unlike any other outdoor garden.
Window Box Size and Style
Since these window boxes are considered as the garden beds, it is important that its size is appropriate for the foliage to grow healthy. Usually, the box size is almost the same as the window where it is installed. Some of the window box styles are as follows:
- Hardwood window boxes – one of the most common style is hardwood window boxes because they easily blend in with any window, easy to paint and maintain.
- Terracotta window boxes – this is a modern window box style, usually attached with trays for good drainage system.
- Plastic window boxes – this type of window boxes seems to be increasing in demand because it is sturdy, light weight and retains moisture which is important for plants growth.
Right Choice of Plants
Unlike in garden beds, plants in window boxes have limited area and not all foliage is capable of growing in this kind of environment. In making window box container garden, appropriate species is vital to ensure that it will grow healthy.
- Annual flower plants – proper combination of short, medium and flowering plants need to work together for harmony and texture variation. Great examples are pansies, petunias, impatiens and bonfire begonia.
- Perennial plants – this type of plants usually grow longer and need less maintenance compared to the annuals. Some perennial foliage includes bells, English ivy, lobelia and sweet asylum.
- Vegetables – window boxes are perfect as well for vegetables. Usually, it is placed near kitchen windows for household consumption. Examples are radish, lettuces, dwarf carrots and spinach.
- Herbs – it is also possible to grow herbs in window boxes. These herbs include chervil, oregano, basil, tarragon, chives and mint.
Proper Placement of the Window Box
It is necessary that window boxes are placed appropriately to receive direct sunlight. Plants need enough sun exposure to grow healthy, though there are species that grow in partly shaded areas. In addition, some window boxes are rain protected, so it is better that these plants are well-watered.
Soil and Compost
This is another factor that you must give importance. Since the area is limited, these plants need fertile soil to grow properly. Organic fertilizers are advisable as this will ensure that your foliage will get enough needed nutrients – twice a month will do. Since window boxes are hanged, it is advisable to check if soil is not washed out when watered.
Attention for Window Boxes
Since these window boxes are placed outdoors, they are susceptible to the punishment of outside elements. It is important that they are well taken care of to maintain its longevity and appeal. These window boxes usually receive attention from passersby for their beauty can make a difference.
So, if you are planning to create your own window box container garden, always consider the tips mentioned above. For plant lovers, there is always a solution to create a lovely garden. You should never let the place in which you are staying hinder you from doing what you love.
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.