Planting a window box can add lots of beauty to the outside of your home. A window box doesn't always have to be attached to a window though. You can add them to a deck, patio, porch, etc...especially with all the different available containers and brackets.

First you need to purchase potting soil and you can actually go with the lighter weight, soil-less mixes of peat moss and vermiculite, with fertilizer already added in. This is better for the plants because it will provide aeration for the roots and better drainage. Also when buying a container, find one with drainage holes or you will end up with a soggy mess. You will have to cover the holes though or the soil will drain out along with the water. Find some rocks or porous material to line the bottom. Don't use too many or your box will be too heavy!

After you add the soil, you can then begin to plant your flowers. When choosing plants, you can either stick with a color theme or try mixing colors for added interest. Whatever way you choose, the plants should complement eachother. Lets say you want to use all yellow flowers. You will get the best look when using plants with leaves and flowers with different shapes and sizes. Try not to stick with just one type of plant. If you want to mix colors, look for flowers with colors on the opposite end of the color wheel.

Another way to make your window boxes stand out is with "accent" plants. Accent plants can add interest as well as beauty to a window box. These can be Trailing plants (such as Vinca), Coleus (these come in a variety of colors) and upright spiky leaved plants (such as Draceana). There is no set formula to what you can use.

Once you pick what kind of plants to use, plant them with the taller ones in the back, or middle, and fill in with the rest. Trailing plants need to be placed near the front and will need regular trimming once they start to grow. After you have your window box planted, don't forget to water it!

The best thing about a window box, is it can be updated throughout the growing season. By the end of summer, you could redo the box with fall plants. Geraniums and Pansies are especially popular and the Pansies can last all winter, depending on your climate. During the Holidays you could put greens and Holly in your window box for a festive look.

Whatever you choose, the best plants for a window box depend on individual tastes, climate and how you want it to look. Try different themes and color combinations and see how beautuful your home could be for years to come.