Window gardens can be created in any area of the home. For an instant uplift follow this step-by-step DIY guide
1. Choose your box
Window boxes can be purchased in many types and sizes. Some are simply plastic troughs with matching trays that you plant directly into. These are available in a range of sizes and colours to suit any window or exterior colour scheme. Terracotta boxes are also a popular choice and available in a variety of sizes. Another possibility is a decorative metal box, designed to give a wrought iron appearance that will hold a number of potted plants.
2. Give support
Care must be taken with the placement and attachment of window boxes, especially large ones. They can become very heavy when filled with pots, plants and potting mix, so ensure your supports are strong enough to hold the weight. For sash windows, place boxes on window sills and fix them securely to the wall beneath with metal straps or bars. Where windows open out, attach the window boxes a few centimetres below the ledge using brackets.
3. Branch out
Window boxes needn’t be restricted to windows, either. When attached at various levels to stark outside walls or balconies they can add interest and have a softening effect. Another idea, especially if you live in a flat with a balcony, is simply to place them on the balcony floor to create a wonderful miniature flowering garden. Place clusters of pots together and grow the tallest plants at the back. Be sure not to clutter the space, and remember that as a general rule, planters look better in groups of three rather than in pairs.
4. Lighten up
Some plants thrive in sunshine, others do well in the shade so study where you intend to position your window box and choose plants to suit. Note the amount of sunshine it will receive both morning and afternoon. Are there trees and shrubs nearby and do they allow filtered light through or provide dense shade? Will this light vary from season to season? It’s no good putting sun-loving plants in an area that’s in shadow most of the day.
5. Play with colour
You can grow many impressive colourful plants in window boxes including annuals, perennials, bulbs, small shrubs and conifers. Select low growing or trailing type plants, and you can let your imagination run wild. Consider also the colour of the walls and window frames surrounding your window box when choosing plants. Flowers that are too similar to the background colour may lose impact. For example, red geraniums will be lost against a red brick background but look spectacular against a white one.
6. Mix and match
Decide how much variety you want in your window garden from season to season. Will you, for instance, be happy with shrubs that remain in place throughout the year. Or would you prefer a mixed display of spring bulbs, followed by summer and then winter flowering annuals. You may also like to add some contrast by intermingling small evergreen shrubs or dwarf conifers with your flowering annuals and bulbs. The choice is yours, but always check with your local gardening store for plant suitability.
7. Ready set cook
Keen cooks can choose to make their window gardens useful as well as decorative by growing some herbs. Parsley, thyme, chives, sage, marjoram and many other herbs all grow happily in a window box, providing you with a pleasant aroma through an open window and fresh ingredients to add to your favourite dishes. This is one way you can have your very own kitchen garden – even living in a flat.
8. Get planting
Since your window box is a concentrated growing area, it is essential that you use a good quality potting mix for planting. Regular garden soil isn’t really suitable as it won’t be able to provide the growth environment needed and may well harbour some disease. Good- quality potting mixes are specially formulated to retain moisture, and allow sufficient air to get to the roots of plants for optimum growth. They also drain and retain plant foods better than soil. Set plants in the potting mix at the same depth they were growing in their containers when purchased.
9. Show you care
Once you have potted your plants, it’s essential that you give them plenty of tender loving care – and nutrients. Feed is vital in producing healthy plants and the maximum number of blooms. While most potting mixes contain slow-acting fertilisers which can last up to nine months, applying a liquid fertiliser on a regular basis is still beneficial. Just be sure to follow the label directions. Mulching is also a must as it will help to keep soil temperature down and assist in retaining moisture. When tending your plants, always remove any dead or fading blooms to prolong flowering.
10. Just add water
Drying out is the most common reason for failure in growing plants in containers, including window boxes. In hot weather, this means watering your plants every day. When it’s very hot and dry, you may even have to water twice a day. Give plants a thorough soaking each time so that water trickles out from the bottom of the box. Even though window gardens may receive rain, it is not sufficient for most plants’ needs. So, check regularly and water liberally.
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