Wednesday, January 12, 2011

Windowbox Gardening

A windowbox garden will enhance the view from any window. Open your windows and enjoy the beauty and pleasant aromas of the plants. From the strong sweet Lavender to the subtle scent of the Diang-over nthus. That will last from Summer until the first frost. The combination of hang-over plants, up-right plants and fillers can brighten anyday. The deeper your windowbox the better.
A box that is at least 9 inches deep will allow flowers enough room for root growth and soil will not dry out as fast. If you are a do-it-yourselfer building your own window garden should be fun. You will need one piece of ply board, water sealant,finishing nails one 1/2*1 inch trim, and 2 or 3 supporting brackets. You will also need enough window screen to line the bottom of your box, gravel, sphagnum moss and a balanced fertilizer (preferably liquid), potting soil, and your plants. If you are not a do-it-yoursselfer there are some very nice windowboxes on the market.
Be sure to mount your new box garden so there is a large enough gap for proper air circulation. Moisture can be trapped between windowsill or siding causing wood rot.
Once your window garden is mounted in place you are ready to begin.
First place window screen inside flat on the bottom covering drainage holes. Second, distribute a layer of gravel ensuring proper drainage. Third, spread potting soil or top soil on top of gravel measuring up to 1 inch from the top.
There are many flowers that are both beautiful, alluring and fragrant that can thrive together, bringing much pleasure all summer long.
For example: Creeping Phlox, Iceland Poppies, Sweet Alyssum, Geraniums, Petunias, Ferns, vincas, the list goes on and on.

TIP 1: Water the soil not the plant. They can develope fungal diseases especially sense they will be exposed to night air.
TIP 2: Placing a windowbox garden at your kitchen window will enable you to grow fresh herbs.
Herbs are easy to grow and very fragrant. There are many herbs used everyday and you will be proud to show off your herb garden. Some herbs you may enjoy growing, Chives, Coriander, Chamomile, Dill, Basil, Oregano, Parsley, Thyme, Spearmint and Rosemary.
TIp 3: Try a mini salad garden. just follow the instructions on the packages, water fertilizer and watch your garden grow right outside of you window.