Having a Window Planter box provides the opportunity to bring your garden almost into your home. Moreover, your window  box can be changed throughout the year. This is done by simply adding seasonal plants to your few decorative, but permanent, ones. Imagine the satisfaction of passersby viewing your lovely creations time after time and, of course, your feelings of pride in knowing they're doing just that. Still, If your time is limited, we have a permanent design right here.

So, let’s get to it!

You can buy many types of window box designs. Or you can make your own. Wooden window boxes can be constructed at home quite inexpensively. Ideally, they should be at least 20cm deep (8 inches) and wide, and contain several drainage holes.

If your window is very long, it is better to have two or three short boxes, rather than one long one. If that window box is to sit on a windowsill, place wooden wedges underneath to allow drainage, and the circulation of air. The wedges should also compensate for any slope that the sill may have.

A window  box should be fitted securely to prevent its sliding off in strong winds. Also, before planting-out those wooden boxes, paint them with a non toxic preservative to create a seal.

Low, clumpy plants are best. These really suit window boxes, for have less chance of being damaged by the wind, and won't block out much natural light passing through your windows as most taller types would.

Annuals, are an excellent choice for a window box. You can make your arrangement very interesting by using plants with contrasting colors, such as herbs mixed with foliage plants.

A window box planted with a variety of herbs on a sunny windowsill can be beautiful to look. But more than than. It can be very convenient when you want to pick a sprig or two for the cooking pot.

Before filling your window box container with soil and placing in those plants, always position your box. Plant permanent or long-term species directly into the box once it is fixed securely. Do this first. A good idea is to place pots inside the planter box, packing peat moss around them to disguise them. Such a method will help keep your plants moist and cool.

You can easily change these inner pots around. This will enable you to have a constant color in your window planter box throughout the changing seasons.

Place together in one container, those plants that require similar amounts of water, fertilizer, light and soil conditions.

Care and Maintenance for your Window Box

Regular attention is requisite in keeping a window box looking at its best. You will need to pick off all finished flowers. And you'll need to prune any leggy or stringy plants.

Water the plants carefully for the first few weeks, that is until they are established. A light mulch of decayed leaves or peat will help to conserve moisture. Don't use pine mulch as it highly acidic.

Because window boxes dry out rapidly, it's important to water often in summer - possibly every day. Keep the soil slightly moist: not to the point of being soggy.

Window planter boxes need to be regularly fertilized. Apply slow-release fertilizer to long-term plants. For annual and vegetables, use a diluted liquid plant food. Liquid seaweed is a great way to add those beneficial nutrients. Also, be sure to water the box before and after adding the fertilizer.

Potting mix – Use a potting mixture that contains water crystals and one that adheres to your country's standards.

Selecting Plants for your Window Planter Box

The way to a wonderful window box: Choose suitable plants for your particular position. Below are listed some of the more popular window box plants.

Calendula dwarf

Carrots

Chives

Chrysanthemum, dwarf

Geranium

Heliotrope

Kalanchoe

Lobelias

Marigold, French

Nemesia

Pansy

Pelargonium, scented leaves

Petunia

Radish

Rocket, edible

Rosemary

Salvia

Silver foliage plants

Sorrel

Thyme

Tomatoes, cherry

Shady Position planter box plants

Ageratum

Alyssum

Begonia, bedding

Busy Lizze, impatients

Cineraria

Coleus

Ferns

Forget me not

Heart’s ease

Ivy

Mint

Native Violets, Australia

Parsley

Polyanthus

Primula

Spider plant

Vinca

Gardening Tips for a Window Planter Box

1.Evergreen foliage can become overgrown over the year. In spring wash off any accumulated dirt and check for sooty moulds or signs of infestation by pests such as caterpillars or grubs.

2. To save bulbs for next year, allow the leaves to die right back.  Then dig 'em up and store in a cool dry place.

3. If the leaves of permanently planted glossy foliage plants begin to loose their sheen and colour, it is a sign that the plant needs fertilizer. Sprinkle in some slow-release fertilizer and boost with a liquid feed.

4. Position blue flowers where they can be seen at dusk. This is when their colours become far more intense.  

5. During the summer months, pick and dry the leaves of scented Geraniums and Lavender for use in Pot-Pourri or in Muslin bags to scent linen.

6. Herbs are at their most flavoursome and aromatic before they flower, so as soon as the plants are well established, you can start picking them for use in the kitchen.

I hope you enjoyed my article Window Planter Box. Happy Gardening, Marty