Successful Planter Window Boxes

One thing to consider with planter window boxes is durability. Painted wooden boxes look nice but can be susceptible to rot with all that moist dirt inside. If you use a wooden box, consider a plastic liner that can help keep the wood dry and make it last longer. Of course, your box will be outside and will also be exposed to weather from the elements - yearly cleaning and repair as well as storing it indoors at the end of the season can help keep it looking good for years to come.

Planting

The best soil to use in planter window boxes is potting soil. Make sure that the box or it's liner has drainage holes. It's not a bad idea to get a "self watering" planter that has a reservoir where the excess water sits and can be sucked up by the soil as it dries out. Check the reservoir each day to see if you need to add more water. Flowers need to have lots of water, but not be swimming in it.

Some people like to fill their planter window boxes with 1 type of trailing plant, but I like to add a variety at differing heights. If your window box is against the house or a window, try a spikey green plant for the back that sticks up and adds height. The front will look great with some vines trailing out on the edges and in the middle. Some colorful flowers inside with lush green leaves or green plants will round it out. You can plant pretty much anything you want in them so go wild!

Care

Planter window boxes require little a little bit of care to keep them looking fresh and vibrant. You must make sure that they are watered regularly - don't let them get too dry! You should pinch off any dead flowers or leaves and fertilize every other week with a fertilizer specifically made for flowering plants. I usually check my window boxes every evening to see if they need water (they usually do so plan to water almost every day) and to pinch off any dead flowers and clean out dead leaves. It only takes a few minutes and is very relaxing and one of the most fun parts of gardening!