If you don't have a lot of outdoor space, window boxes are a great way to add color and decoration to the outside of your home.They are easy to write and take a small amount of planning.Regular gardening maintenance will keep them looking great.
Step 1: Decide which method to use.
You can either plant directly in the window box, or you can fill the empty space around the pots with moss or bark.You can choose which option you like the most.It will be harder to change things out when the seasons change if you plant directly in the window box.You can put potted plants in the window box, but they may not grow as well.Make sure your pots have small holes in the bottom that are big enough for the soil to fall out, and large enough to provide drain access for excess water.
Step 2: A high quality mix is what you should choose.
You can get a high quality potting mix at your local gardening store.Peat moss, pine bark, or even a bit offertilizer can be included.Potting mix is different from potting soil.Potting mix is used for planters and pots, while theting soil is intended for use in flowerbeds.You shouldn't use garden loam for window boxes.The window box plants won't be able to grow their roots through it due to the fact that loam packs down more firmly over time.
Step 3: The window box plants need water.
Adding water to the soil may be a good idea if your window box is located in a place that gets a lot of sunlight.These crystals help keep your plants hydrated.Water storing crystals can be purchased at any gardening or home improvement store.If you travel frequently and forget to water your plants, you might want to consider adding some water retaining crystals.You need to think about the location of the box and whether you will be able to get to it easily.The window box should have holes in it for drainage.
Step 4: Evaluate the amount of sunshine your window box will receive.
Plants need different amounts of sunlight.Consider how many hours of sunlight the plants will receive if you place your window box in this location.Plants that fit this scenario are the ones you should choose.Rosemary, lavender, daylilies, and petunias are some plants that can tolerate a lot of sun.creeping fig, maidenhair fern, devil's ivy, spider plants, and peace lilies are some plants that will handle shade well.
Step 5: Pick a color scheme.
If you want your window box to fit in with the rest of your exterior, you should have a color scheme in mind.Add some flowering plants to the mix.Try to match the colors of your décor.If the faade of your home is plain, choose colorful flowers to add a pop of color.
Step 6: The box should be filled evenly.
You don't want your window box to look disorganized.The plants look somewhat symmetrical in the window box if you organize them in such a way.There should be a variety of plants on each side, not just one concentrated in one area.There are no big holes in the organization of the window box if you get plants that overlap each other slightly.
Step 7: Pack plants tightly.
The key to a good looking window box is to include a lot of plants.Plants that are known to flourish in packed situations should be chosen if they are overcrowded in a small window box space.There are some good plants to choose for a packed window box.You can choose plants that seem to produce a fluffier growth, which will look more packed than it actually is.This will make your window box look bigger than it really is.A few plants will look better than a sparse window box.
Step 8: Plants are arranged based on height.
When choosing which plants to include in your window box, you should think about the heights of the plants and how they will look together in the box.You might want to put a taller plant on one side with a smaller one on the other side.Pick the combinations that look the best.Hanging plants with vines that drape down over the edge of the box can add drama to your window box.Depending on the location, tall plants might not fit in your window box.The view of the windows might be blocked by them.
Step 9: You can mix and match different plants.
A window box full of plants might be boring.Adding texture and sizes of plants is a good way to mix it up.One plant with colorful blooms, one with wide-ranging leaves, and one that has a trailing vine are possibilities.Add some spikey Succulent with some fluffy-leafed plants.
Step 10: It's a good idea to avoid over watering window box plants.
The window box needs to be slightly damp at all times.You do not want to drown the plants.The soil should not get too dry.Make sure the soil in your window box is moist by checking it every day.Depending on the types of plants you chose and their specific water needs, you will probably need to water it once every two or three days.
Step 11: Take care of your plants.
You will need to perform routinePruning in order to maintain the beauty of your window box arrangement.Sharp shears can be used to cut the plants close to the stem.Just before a new period of growth, Prune your plants.First, discard any dead or unattractive parts of the plant.Think about the look and appearance of the plant to make strategic decisions.If one plant is growing more quickly than the other, you might want to trim it back a bit so the slower plant still has a chance to grow.
Step 12: If there is a chance of frost, cover your plants.
Plants can be killed by an unexpected frost.If you hear that the ground will freeze overnight, cover the plants in your window box.The plants can be covered with a piece of plastic.This will help keep your plants warm and give them a better chance of surviving the cold winter weather.
Step 13: The potting soil needs to be replaced each year.
It might be a good idea to replace the potting soil every year since the window box is small.You don't need to replant every plant.Remove most of the loose soil and replace it with a new mix.Don't damage the plant roots during this process.