GardenMaid| Window Box Gardens

Window Box Gardens

Window boxes are nowhere near as popular in the US as they are in Europe. Europeans have had rich tradition of growing plants in window boxes. Visitors returning from Europe often express an appreciation for the quantity and quality of the window boxes they have seen. In the Spring, daffodils, tulips, hyacinths, pansies, wall flowers, and English daisies appear in profusion; in Summer, geraniums radiate their dependable beauty.

Perhaps it is time for us to emulate our neighbors across the pond. Window boxes full of beauty offer apartment dwellers the enjoyment of a little garden that may be viewed whether one is inside or out.

It doesn't matter how large or small your dwelling; as long as it has a window you are good to grow. Pansies in the late Winter and Spring, petunias or fuchsias for the Summer. Winter plantings will vary depending on your area. Here in Zone 6 we plant pansies in the Fall and they get a quick start next Spring.

For a very early Spring treat be sure to poke a few crocus bulbs in the planter. There is nothing quite as heart-warming as trudging home though a late Winter snow to find those little joys blooming at you.

To be user friendly to you and the plants, a window box must be large enough to accommodate the plants, small and light enough for you to move and secure. Small and shallow boxes are not really practical, because they hold too little soil and so dry out quickly. In the hot Summer sun, a small amount of soil can overheat quite quickly. The best boxes are a minimum depth of eight to nine inches, with a width of ten to twelve inches across the top at the widest point. The lengths will vary according to the window or railing.

Wood is most common material used in the construction of window boxes for residential use. Redwood, cypress and cedar are the natural woods that will last the longest. Cedar is the least expensive of the three.

Common pine and white spruce are poor choices as they will rot within a few years. Lining them will only delay the process slightly. Treated wood is an option for flowers but is not recommended if you are growing herbs or vegetables.

Other options for commercially sold products include boxes made from durable lightweight materials like plastic, fiberglass, spun glass, and garden glass.

Another option is a "window shelf" made from a single board where you can sit your pots and smaller containers. Just keep in mind that during the heat of the Summer these can dry out very quickly.

If you are handy with tools, you can make your own boxes from wood, following instructions in pamphlets from your agricultural experiment station. Whatever plans you follow, get boards one to one and a quarter inches thick as thinner boards will warp and offer little insulation against summer heat.

The fasteners used should be brass or stainless steel screws. If you must use nails, use hot dipped galvanized nails. For additional strength secure the corners with angle irons. Be sure to provide enough drainage holes in the bottom for water to pass through freely. Half-inch drain holes, spaced six to eight inches apart should be drilled so that the draining water does not drain onto the structure of the building.

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