The Best Window Box Planters

Window boxes are an excellent way to add vibrant color and greenery to your home. They come in various shapes and styles, from basic wooden planters to sleek modern designs.

Window box planters can add a touch of charm and color to any home’s exterior.

They are perfect for urban dwellers who have limited ground space for gardening or for anyone who wants to enjoy flowers and foliage within view of their windows.

Here’s a quick overview:

1. Types of Window Box Planters

• Plastic and Fiberglass: These are lightweight, cost-effective, and come in various designs and colors. They are resistant to the elements and won’t rust.
• Wood: Wooden window boxes have a traditional and timeless appeal. They can be painted or stained to match the exterior of the house. However, they need to be treated to prevent rotting.
• Metal: Metal window boxes are durable and can withstand extreme weather conditions. However, they can heat up in the sun, which may not be ideal for some plants.
• Ceramic and Terracotta: These offer a rustic look and are quite heavy, so they need strong support.

2. Plants for Window Box Planters

The choice of plants depends on the direction of the window (north-, east-, south-, or west-facing) and the amount of sunlight it receives. Some popular choices include petunias, geraniums, begonias, ivy, and herbs like thyme and basil.

3. Maintenance

Regular watering is essential as plants in window boxes tend to dry out faster than those in the ground. It’s also important to feed them with plant food or fertilizer regularly.

4. Installation

Installation involves attaching brackets to the wall below the window, then resting the window box on top. It’s crucial to ensure that the brackets can support the weight of the box, soil, and plants.

With a little creativity and care, window box planters can turn your windows into beautiful garden spots.

Last update on 2024-12-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

What kind of plants can you put in a window box?

Depending on how much sunlight the box will receive, you can put various plants in a window box.

Here are some suggestions:

1. Full Sun (6+ hours of direct sunlight daily)

• Petunias: These are ideal for window boxes as they bloom all summer and come in many colors.
• Geraniums: Known for their bright and cheerful flowers, geraniums can tolerate full sun.
• Marigolds: These have a vibrant color that can brighten up any window.

2. Partial Sun/Shade (3-6 hours of direct sunlight daily)

• Begonias: These plants have beautiful foliage and flowers and do well in partial sun.
• Impatiens: Known for their vibrant blooms, these plants thrive in partial shade.
• Fuchsias: These have stunning, drooping flowers that add visual interest to window boxes.

3. Shade (less than 3 hours of direct sunlight daily)

• Coleus: This plant is grown more for its colorful foliage than flowers and thrives in shade.
• Ferns: Various ferns do well in the shade and can bring a lush, green look to your window box.
• Hostas: These are shade-loving plants with beautiful foliage.

4. Herbs and Vegetables

Some herbs and vegetables also do well in window boxes.

Examples include:

• Basil
• Thyme
• Parsley
• Chives
• Lettuce
• Radishes

Remember to match the plants to the conditions they will experience in the window box, considering factors like sunlight, wind exposure, and how often you’ll be able to water them.

Last update on 2024-12-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Window Box Buying Guide

When buying a window box, there are several factors to consider to ensure you choose one that will best suit your needs.

Here’s a buying guide:

1. Material

Consider the material of the window box.

Here are some options:

• Plastic and Fiberglass: These are lightweight, economical, and weather-resistant. They come in a variety of designs and colors.
• Wood: Wooden window boxes have a classic appeal. If you choose wood, make sure it’s treated to resist rot.
• Metal: Metal window boxes are durable and can withstand all weather conditions. However, they can heat up in the sun, which may not be ideal for certain plants.
• Ceramic and Terracotta: These have a rustic look but are heavy and require strong support.

2. Size

Choose a window box that fits the size of your window. A good rule of thumb is that the box should be the same width as the window or slightly wider.

3. Depth and Width

The depth and width of the box should be large enough to accommodate the roots of the plants you want to grow. A depth and width of at least 8 inches is a good starting point.

4. Drainage

Ensure the window box has adequate drainage holes to prevent waterlogging, which can harm the roots of the plants.

5. Installation Requirements

Check what is required to install the window box. Some boxes come with brackets for installation, while others may require you to purchase the hardware separately.

6. Style

Choose a style that matches the exterior of your house. Window boxes come in a range of styles, from modern to traditional.

7. Maintenance

Consider how much maintenance the window box will require. Some materials may need to be painted or sealed regularly to keep them looking their best.

By considering these factors, you’ll be able to choose a window box that suits your needs and enhances the beauty of your home.

What plants to put in the window box in winter?

Window boxes can provide color and interest even in the cold winter months.

Here are some plants that thrive in winter and can survive lower temperatures:

1. Evergreens

• Boxwood: This is a small, slow-growing evergreen that maintains its green color all year round.
• Dwarf Alberta Spruce: These miniature evergreens can add a festive look to your window box.

2. Winter Flowers

• Pansies and Violas: These flowers are hardy and can bloom throughout the winter, even in snow.
• Winter Jasmine: This plant has bright yellow flowers that can add a pop of color to your winter window box.

3. Winter-Friendly Herbs

• Rosemary: This herb is quite hardy and can survive in colder temperatures.
• Thyme: Thyme is another herb that can withstand winter weather.

4. Ornamental Grasses and Foliage

• Red Twig Dogwood: The bright red stems of this plant can add a beautiful contrast to the winter landscape.
• Heuchera (Coral Bells): Known for its vibrant and varied foliage, Heuchera can provide a splash of color.

5. Winter Berries

• Winterberry Holly: This plant loses its leaves in fall to reveal bright red berries that persist through the winter.

Remember, it’s essential to check the USDA Hardiness Zone for each plant to ensure it can survive in your specific location’s winter conditions.