irrigating window boxes

What can I use to drain a window box?

In addition to drilled holes, stones and gravel are essential to proper drainage of windowboxes. Put a two- to three-inch layer of pea gravel or pebbles in the bottom of the planter. This will allow water to filter through the soil and gravel before passing through the drilled holes.

How often should you water window boxes?

Frequent watering is the most important part of caring for plants in window boxes. As with most containers, window boxes will need to be watered at least once a day.

How do self-watering window boxes work?

There is an overflow hole, so excess water simply drains away. The soil soaks up the water from the bottom, so as long as you keep the reservoir filled, your plants get a consistent level of moisture, delivered directly to their roots. The reservoir system makes self-watering containers very water-efficient.

Should you line a window box?

You can use planter liners all throughout the year. Even copper and planters with a medal powder coating on them will benefit. In fact, experts recommend using liners throughout the year even if you do not swap flowers seasonally to extend the life of your window boxes.

What is a self watering window box?

They have big water reservoirs that keep soil moist and plants healthy. An easy-to-read water level indicator helps you keep the reservoir full, and adjustable steel mounting brackets allow for wall or deck rail mounting.

Should you drill holes in window boxes?

It's absolutely necessary that a window box have drainage holes so plants do not sit in soggy soil. If your box does not come with holes, you will need to drill holes in the bottom before installation.

Are window boxes bad for your house?

Poorly designed window boxes that are installed incorrectly can damage a house. ... Window boxes can really make the exterior of your home attractive. They can add color to a home no matter what the season. My wife changes the look of our large window box four times a year.

What color should Window boxes be?

Brown, beige and other neutral colors serve to ground the window boxes and make them disappear against most houses. Light brown window boxes set against neutral grays, washed-out brick reds or even browns, make the flowers and plants in the box stand out and the window flower box itself disappear.

How many plants should be in a window box?

Generally I would use 3 or maybe 4 plants in 10 or 12-inch planters, 4 to 6 plants in a 14 to 16-inch planter and Six to 8 plants in an 16 to 20-inch planter and so on.

Is it bad to water plants at night?

Watering at night is not the best for your plants' leaves or overall health. ... After a night time soak, leaves can stay wet for a pretty long time since they don't have the day's sun to dry them off. Because of this, damp leaves become extra vulnerable to fungal development.

How do I keep my window box plants alive?

Unless your window boxes are full of succulent plants, which require minimal water, you should always keep the soil moist, but never muddy. Early morning or early evening watering is recommended.

Should you water plants from top or bottom?

Bottom watering is a practice where the plant is set in and absorbs water from a saucer or container filled with water. Plants regularly watered from the bottom should occasionally be watered from the top to get rid of excess salts in the soil. ... It is better for plants to be a bit dry, than too wet.

Do you put rocks in the bottom of a self watering planter?

The only way that gravel at the bottom of the pot will increase drainage is if the pot has insufficient drainage, either due to not having enough drainage holes, or by having blocked drainage holes.

Should a window box be wider than the window?

For the best visual effect, your window box should be at least as wide as the window but should not extend more than three inches beyond the trim on each side.

What do you line flower boxes with?

Line your planter boxes porous landscape fabric. The goal here is not to prevent the wood from getting wet—that's impossible in outdoor settings—but rather to prevent the potting soil from directly contacting the wood.

Can you put perennials in window boxes?

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.

What wood is used for window boxes?

Because of their rot-resistant qualities, cedar and redwood are two of the best choices of wood for window boxes. Smooth high-grade cedar has a fine grain that looks good natural or stained.

Do self watering planters work?

Do Self Watering Planters Really Work? Yes – but you have to use them correctly. A “self watering” container doesn't actually water itself. It is a watering system using planters that contain a reservoir of water at the bottom.

How many drainage holes are in a window box?

In Purdue's bulletin on container gardening (http://www.hort.purdue.edu/ext/HO-200.pdf ), they say: "To provide drainage, drill three or four small (1/4 inch) holes in the bottom of the container. Holes larger than 1/4 inch in diameter will allow too much soil to escape.

Do flower boxes need drainage holes?

Holes in the bottom of the planter are essential for proper drainage. The holes give the excess water an escape route so it doesn't stay in the soil. Many flower pots come with only one drainage hole. ... If the container is made from a material you can drill, add two or three more drainage holes.

What is the best soil for window boxes?

Purchase a sterile potting mix containing peat, perlite, and other ingredients that improve drainage, aeration, fertility, and water-holding capacity. Consider using a water-absorbing polymer to decrease watering frequency.