Plant a Window Box for Spring
This charming and rustic project from Sarah Rose Inch’s Modern HomeMaker is sure to brighten up your home for spring! You’ll learn how to prepare, plant, and keep your window box plants healthy!
First, let’s get you started with the right materials. If you don’t already have a window box, they’re easy to make yourself or purchase from a hardware store or gardening supply store. After you get your window box set up, you’ll need high-quality potting soil, some gravel (unless your window box has drainage holes in the bottom), seeds or bulbs depending on what you want to plant, and lots of love!
Take some time to think about what kind of window box you’re going for. If you love cooking, maybe a mini herb garden would be perfect for you, or if you’re looking for something more aesthetically pleasing, consider what floral color palette would best complement your home.
Preparation is everything.
Your planting success is determined by how well you prepare your box. Make sure it is securely attached to its structure and has proper drainage. If there are no drainage holes, you can drill them into the bottom of the box or add a layer of gravel to avoid waterlogging.
Start planting.
Fill your box with a good-quality potting mix and add your plants. Be sure to leave about 2 inches between each planting, and cover the root balls completely. Add a little more dirt if necessary and pat the potting mix down gently.
Fill, thrill, spill.
Create visual interest in your window box, using the thrill, fill, spill technique. A thriller will add height and drama to your planting, a filler will add color and texture to your box, and a spiller will fall over the edge of your window box and give it balance.
Handle with care.
Regular maintenance is critical for the health of your window box plantings, and it will also help promote big blooms. Check your window boxes daily and water them when the soil is dried out. Pinch spent blooms to encourage new growth.
And that’s it! Enjoy your beautiful new window box from indoors or out!
Project by Sarah Rose Inch from the book, Modern HomeMaker
Blog by Jules Hostetter