what can you put in a window box besides plants

Another fantastic way to utilize window boxes is by planting edibles. Create an herb window box and fill it with basil

, oregano, thyme, and chives. Make yourself a salad planter by planting leaf lettuce, kale, spinach, and green onions.

Full Answer

What are the best plants for window boxes?

A key point to bear in mind is that the best plants for window boxes are those which are low maintenance. If you are going for a floral look, they should have a long flowering period so that you are not left with two weeks of colour, followed by months of boring green leaves.

What can you put inside a planter to grow plants?

House Plants Take your planter indoors and fill it with a house plant or two, like an easy-to-grow snake plant. This works well for small planters that have drainage holes in them already. If yours don't have drainage holes, make your own. 4. Decorative Stones or Moss

What can you put instead of flowers in a garden?

Bonsais, ferns, and palms are a few examples of non-flowering ornamentals. There are even ornamental cabbage and kale species that will add a colorful touch to your space. 6. Faux Plants If gardening isn't your thing, but you love greenery, faux plants are always an option.

What are the best daffodils for window boxes?

Nothing says spring like a burst of yolk yellow narcissi. Bulbs can be brilliant for window boxes, and if you choose dwarf daffodils such as Tête à Tête (shown here with Erlicheer), they won’t grow too long and lanky.

What do you put in a window box?

Petunias, geraniums, zinnias, nasturtiums, and begonias are good choices for main-theme flowers. Fill in with things like inch plant, ivy, euonymus, heather, or vinca, which will cascade over the edge of the box. Impatiens do well in shady locations. More subtle choices include coleus, heliotrope, and salvia.

What is a good filler for window boxes?

Annuals are often the fillers of choice for a sunny window box, as the low-maintenance plants bloom from spring until the first frost in autumn. Dwarf French marigold (Tagetes patula) is an example of a hardy, drought-tolerant, sun-loving annual. Marigolds come in vivid shades of orange, yellow and gold.

What do you put in window flower boxes in the winter?

Try junipers, arborvitae, False cypress, Japanese yew, spruces, flowering heaths and heathers and boxwoods. Add flowers and pretty foliage for color. Pansies are generally hardy to zone 4 and rebloom in winter in zones 7 and higher, while violas are hardy in zones 3 to 9.

How do I keep my window box from rotting?

Peat moss mixed with vermiculite or sand is a perfect choice. Do not use garden soil as this is far too heavy and will compact together, therefore preventing adequate drainage. Sit your planter box on top of some bricks or pieces of wood to allow at least 2 inches of space for air circulation.

What can you put in a flower box besides flowers?

7 Things to Put in Planters Besides FlowersVegetables. Image Credit: Liudmila Chernetska/iStock/GettyImages. ... Herbs. Image Credit: AustinChan/iStock/GettyImages. ... House Plants. Image Credit: Stephen Paul for Hunker. ... Decorative Stones or Moss. ... Ornamental Plants. ... Faux Plants. ... Succulents.

What do you put in a planter box?

Simple steps to fill a planter box Fill the planter box with good quality raised garden mix or all-purpose potting soil. Mix compost and aged cow manure through the top layer of the planter box. Plant vegetables, annual flowers or citrus in the planter box. Cover the soil with mulch and water it in.

How do you prepare a window box for winter?

The window box should be lusciously full of draping evergreens. Cut the stems of the sedum to a length to allow them to nestle into the greenery. Carefully insert twigs, reeds, and dried flowers to fill in the spaces. Then add the pine cone and apple picks to finish the winter flower box arrangement.

What can you plant in a window box in January?

IN THIS GUIDEGrowing Edibles.Brassicas.Alliums.Beans / Peas.Pansies.Dwarf Conifers.Small Evergreen Shrubs.Ivy.More items...•

Will perennials survive in a window box?

If gardening isn't your thing or if money is an issue, perennials are the perfect choice for window boxes. In the right climate and environment, they can survive through the winter and grow back the following spring. In climates with light frosts, your perennial choices may seem endless.

How long do window boxes last?

Simply topping off your window boxes yearly will encourage shallow rooting because plants grow best in newer potting soil, and deep rooting encourages the best growth. To avoid all of these problems, your potting mix should be replaced every two years or so.

What do you line a planter with?

If you're a bit confused, consider one of the following options:Plastic pots. Plastic pots are quite convenient. ... Plastic sheeting. If you want a more permanent liner, then plastic sheeting is a good option. ... Resin. It is possible to waterproof planter boxes by lining them with a cloth dipped in resin. ... Fibreglass. ... Pond liner.

Do window boxes cause rot?

Make sure your window box has proper drainage. Improper drainage can cause your window box to rot faster. Wooden boxes may last for several years, but they will eventually rot. If you notice that your window box has boards that are separating or wood that feels soft to the touch it is time to replace your box.

How many plants should be in a window box?

The size of your container and the types of plants you are using make a difference. “Most plants will grow 3 to 4 times larger by the end of the season, so leaving some room for growth is important,” says Sue. Sue recommends using 5 to 7 plants in a 24” window box depending on the varieties you select..

How do you decorate a flower box for winter?

Ferns, evergreens, perennial flowers in red and white, wreathes, ornamental decorations, plants, artificial flowers, poinsettias, jingle balls, ribbons, pine cones, christmas tree trimmings, garland, lights, holly and more are some simple and effective ideas that can be used to decorate your flower boxes.

Is Lantana good for window boxes?

LANTANA TYPES Bush types can be used in upright containers as a stand-alone accent or in combination with other plants. Some of the best varieties include Luscious® Goldengate™, Landmark™ Citrus, and 'Dallas Red'. Trailing or spreading forms are suitable for hanging baskets and window boxes.

How do you hang flower boxes on brick?

0:033:33How to Attach Window Boxes to Brick Siding | This Old House - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipNow the window boxes come with a couple of brackets to mount it to the wall. Now these brackets areMoreNow the window boxes come with a couple of brackets to mount it to the wall. Now these brackets are bolted to the brick.

What plants should I put in a window box?

The main-theme flowers include petunias, zinnias, nasturtiums, and begonias. Plants like ivy, euonymus, and vinca will cascade over the edge of the box, if you fill in with them. Impatiens do well in shady places. If you don’t have a lot of space to work with, you may want to consider adding a few more plants to the mix.

What can I grow in a north facing window box?

These include astilbe, wax begonia (Begonia x semperflorens-cultorum), snapdragon (Anthirrinum), cardinal flower (Lobelia cardinalis), and English daisy (Bellis perennis), which are all upright flowering plants that grow over 12 inches tall and can be used as houseplants.

Can geraniums survive in shade?

Geraniums form low mounds and bloom from spring through fall in white, red, purple, pink, or blue. They will thrive in part shade, and some cultivars do perfectly in full shade. It’s a bonus that hardy geraniums are tolerant of dry soil. Geranium seeds are easy to germinate, but germination can take up to two weeks.

Do geraniums need sun or shade?

Geranium grows best in light shade and is the only annual Geranium that needs a spot in full sun. Geranium seeds are available in a wide variety of colors and shapes. The most common colors are red, yellow, orange, green, blue, purple, pink, and white. Geranium seedlings can be grown from seed or cuttings.

What can you put in a flower box besides flowers?

Succulents — think aloe, cacti, and the like — are some of the easiest plants to care for. If you want a low-maintenance plant, you should get a Succulent. Multiple plants can be placed in a large planter or a single plant in a small pot. If you’re looking for a plant that’s easy to maintain, look for one that is drought-tolerant.

How many plants should be in a window box?

The type of plants you are using and the size of your container make a difference. Sue that leaving some room for growth is important because most plants will grow 3 to 4 times larger by the end of the season. Depending on the amount of light you will be getting, Sue recommends using 5 to 7 plants in a 24” window box.

What do you put in low maintenance window boxes?

option. They will look after themselves and don’t need to replant. They are a good choice for window ledges which don’t catch the sun. You can try dwarf conifers, trailing ivy, fatsia japonica and other evergreen varieties. If you want to grow your own plants, you can buy them from nurseries, garden centres or online.

What do you put in a window box for a planter?

Turn any galvanized tub or bucket into a window box planter by drilling drainage holes into the bottom. Fill with fresh herbs like parsley, oregano, basil, and mint so you’ll always have edible essentials for your kitchen.

What should I line my window box with?

You can line your box with plastic first if you like (make sure to poke holes in the plastic for drainage). This is just to make it easier to remove the soil year by year. Otherwise just pour your compost straight in; use an organic potting mix, and fill to about an inch from the top of your box.

What to do when choosing plants for window boxes?

One of the first things to do when choosing the best plants for window boxes is to work out out your planting style. Do you prefer more minimalist modern garden ideas? Cascading and romantic styles? Simple Scandi neutrals? Hot colours or classical elegance?

What can you plant in a window box in winter?

Evergreen shrubs are a top choice for the colder months. Green doesn’t have to mean boring: choose varieties with berries for added interest. Gaultheria procumbens (checkerberry) has vivid red fruits on dark foliage, and it’s a dwarf shrub, so it is suitable for compact spaces. Skimmia is another top pick for bright berries. Plant with ivy, which will trail over the container edges.

How to keep flowers coming?

Flowering plants should be deadheaded regularly to keep the blooms coming. Snip off old flowers with a pair of sharp scissors or a set of the best secateurs.

What plants can be planted in winter?

Winter pansies, violas and hardy cyclamen ( Cyclamen hederifolium) are some of the best plants for winter pots, creating a softer, prettier floral feature and the ones with white petals look stylish when planted in zinc boxes. Heather is another good choice for winter windows. It needs to be planted in ericaceous (acid) soil, which can be bought in bags from garden centres.

What color are trailing lobelia and bacopa?

Here, we are showing trailing lobelia and bacopa, selected in complementary shades of purple and lavender, which have been interplanted so the colours mingle.

What to plant in a row for minimalist?

Try dwarf conifers, trailing ivy, fatsia japonica and euphorbia. Mix and match foliage textures to create extra interest, or repeat the same plants in a row for some minimalist chic.

What bulbs are good for window boxes?

Nothing says spring like a burst of yolk yellow narcissi. Bulbs can be brilliant for window boxes, and if you choose dwarf daffodils such as Tête à Tête (shown here with Erlicheer), they won’t grow too long and lanky.

What to do with planters for outdoor gathering?

Use planters as makeshift beverage tubs and place them in convenient gathering spots—by the grill, pool or a seating area—and keep the drinks flowing.

What is a thriller plant?

Create a combination of thriller, filler and spiller plants. A thriller is a bold plant that creates height, a filler is a mounding, billowy plant and a spiller is a low trailing plant that spills out of the sides toward the ground.

What herbs are good for a feast?

Or, create a feast for the senses with potted herbs. Aromatic herbs such as mint, lavender, basil and rosemary infuse the air with their natural scents and enhance your favorite dishes.

How to make an inviting gathering space?

If you want to create an inviting gathering space, don’t forget the accent table. You can place candles or magazines on top and give guests a place to rest plates and drinks. Make a table with your favorite planter by placing a sturdy top over it. Here, we used our glass tabletop protector from the Terrific Trio. Voilà!

What Can You Put on Outdoor Planters other than Plants?

Your outdoor planters may also be used as a Kitchen Herb Garden! You can use easy-to-grow herbs in your outdoor planters and just place them right beside your kitchen sink. Also, make sure that it still gets enough sunlight, alright? This way, you can harvest fresh herbs right at your house! Functional and fulfilling, right?

How Are Outdoor Planters Useful?

Before we begin, let’s first talk about how outdoor planters are useful for us. Outdoor planters may be made up of plastic or wood. It comes in all sorts of sizes and shapes just as long as an adequate amount of soil and plant may fit in. Having these outdoor planters in your garden adds an ambient texture and aesthetic to your home.

Should Outdoor Planters be Raised Off the Ground?

It actually depends on the type of planters and plants they contain. There are cases where wooden outdoor planters get their bottom parts soaked up in stagnant water for long periods of time. This ultimately made the material rot and develop mildew. So, the safe answer to this question is that you, as an owner, have the responsibility to occasionally check your outdoor planters.

What to put in a large planter?

Around the house, large planters are useful by the front door to hold umbrellas or winter gear, such as mittens, hats and scarves. In your den, use large metal planters to hold magazines or newspapers. Keep your pet toys contained in a low planter. Line large planters with a plastic bag and use it as a wastebasket in your bathroom or bedroom.

What to put in a planter for a party?

Decorative planters are useful for parties and entertaining. Fill a large urn with ice to chill bottles of wine or champagne. Use smaller pots to hold utensils on a buffet table or at picnics. Fill small pots with sand and small shells. Place a votive candle in the center. Plant flowers or green plants in your planters to use as table decorations at a party or reception. Use clean terra cotta pots to bake individual loaves of bread. Place one at each guest's place.

What are planters used for?

Planters have an obvious use -- to hold plants inside your home or on the patio or porch. You can arrange them to add flowers as accents in your flower beds or as containers on your deck or balcony. Large planters are used as landscape features. If you have extra planters at your disposal, however, there are practical and decorative uses for ...

How to use a bathroom planter?

Inside Uses. Use small planters to hold items on your bathroom counter. Place cotton balls or swabs in the pots to keep them within easy reach in the bathroom. Use them to hold decorative soaps. Roll up extra wash cloths and display them in a planter. Use larger metal or wood planters to hold rolled-up bath towels for guests.

How to decorate a table for a party?

Fill small pots with sand and small shells. Place a votive candle in the center. Plant flowers or green plants in your planters to use as table decorations at a party or reception. Use clean terra cotta pots to bake individual loaves of bread. Place one at each guest's place.

How to keep pet toys in a low planter?

Keep your pet toys contained in a low planter. Line large planters with a plastic bag and use it as a wastebasket in your bathroom or bedroom. Place small planters on your desk at work to hold pens and pencils or wrapped candy. Advertisement. Michele Norfleet.

How to keep pine cones from smelling?

Fill large planters by your front door with pine cones during the fall or winter. The scented ones provide a nice fragrance when guests arrive at your home. Coil your garden hose inside a large clay pot or urn to keep it off the ground and hidden from sight.

How do I fix my window box to the wall?

First, you need to find the studs in your wall using a stud finder. Once you know where the studs are, you can use a drill to make pilot holes for the screws. Next, you will need to attach the brackets to the window box using the screws. Finally, you can hang the window box on the brackets.

Can you put window boxes on vinyl siding?

Yes, you can put window boxes on vinyl siding.There are special vinyl siding hooks that you can purchase that will allow you to hang window boxes on your vinyl siding.

How do you attach a planter box to a deck railing?

One way is to use screws and bolts to attach the planter box to the deck railing. Another way is to use zip ties or Velcro to attach the planter box to the deck railing.

What do you put in a window planter?

Some people put flowers in their window planters, while others put plants or herbs.

What can you put in window boxes besides flowers?

Vegetables, herbs, annuals, and perennials are all popular choices for window boxes.

What do you put in planter boxes in the fall?

Planter boxes can be filled with a variety of fall plants and flowers. Some ideas include mums, Helen’s flowers, and ornamental kale.

How do you plant a fall container garden?

To plant a fall container garden, select a container that is at least 12 inches deep and has drainage holes. Fill the container with a mix of potting soil and compost. Add plants that are appropriate for the fall season, such as mums, asters, and sedum. Water the plants regularly and fertilize them every two weeks.

How to protect a flower pot from insects?

Add a coat of paint to your flower pot and a piece of knotted rope through the hole in the bottom to create a handy contraption to protect dishes and dips during your outdoor parties from those pesky party-crashing insects. Who knew flower pots belonged to the food table?

How to make a flower pot out of cotton?

Cut a piece of fabric to fit over the top of the cotton. Add a strip of hot glue along the inside rim of the flowerpot. Place the fabric over the cotton, press it over the glue strip on the inside and hold it in place until secure. Cut the paper tape measure to fit around the pot and attach it with hot glue. 11.

How to make a pot out of a white pot?

Start with a white base coat and let it set then move on to other colors of your choice. You might want to let the pots dry overnight. Glue pots together. Add a bit of glue to the inside edge of the pots and firmly place them together. Let the glue set for some time.

Why do you use terra cotta pots as refrigerants?

Here’s why. Terra-cotta pots make for great ‘refrigerators’ because of their porous nature. You can borrow from ancient wisdom and convert a jumbo flower pot into a cold drink cooler for summertime get-togethers. You’ll be surprised how long a flowerpot can keep things cool.