Window Box Gardening 101: Grow Herbs & Veggies for a Healthier Kitchen
Humans have been growing their own food for ages and continue to this day. It’s sustainable, more convenient than buying from a store, and, for several people, satisfying.
While others dedicate an area of their yard for a traditional garden, some might not have enough real estate. This situation is where window boxes come in. They’re ideal for smaller residences and effective plants for a couple of tiny plants.
Interested in growing your little garden and having a healthier kitchen? Then, keep reading to learn more about window box gardening.
Why Use Window Boxes?
If you’re short on gardening space, window boxes give you the perfect opportunity to plant produce. All you need is a window, at minimum. The box doesn’t take much space but is enough for a few small edible plants. They come in various sizes. You can have compact ones for some bunches of herbs or larger ones for certain veggies.
A well-placed window box adds curb appeal to your home, too. When properly maintained, it’s a lovely sight even from far away.
Installing window boxes is also less complicated than preparing land for a garden. You’ll still need to measure your available space and have the right tools. Read more for an in-depth guide on installing them so they stay in place no matter what.
Where to Install Window Boxes
Window sills aren’t the only places to install your window box planters. Balconies, terraces, and, sometimes, rooftops are also viable spots. But make sure you can easily access these areas.
Sunlight is an important factor when choosing a place for your window box. Most commonly used herbs like parsley, oregano, and thyme need around six to eight hours of sun exposure for growth. For vegetables, it depends. Some kinds require a minimum of four hours of sunlight daily, while others need six. The amount of sunlight also matters. For example, radishes need full sun while bok choy tolerates partial shade and sun.
The ideal spot to install your planters for window box gardening is a south-facing window for consistent daytime light. When setting the planter outdoors, ensure it’s secure and protected from strong winds. The soil, water, and plants can make the box heavy, so it must have ample support from a bracket.
Selecting Your Box and Soil
Window planters come in many varieties. You’ll find ones made of wood, plastic, metal, or even ceramic. Whatever you choose, it should have drainage holes. Proper drainage prevents water from collecting at the bottom and causing wood rot.
A mistake some window planting first-timers make is using typical outside garden soil. This type is often too dense and might carry pests. Look for a high-quality potting mix that’s light and designed for window box gardening. Add organic matter or compost to help the soil retain moisture and allow proper airflow.
Best Herbs and Vegetables To Grow
Many kinds of plants are great for window box gardening, even some you might think are too big for it.
Herbs you can grow in a flower box include:
- Mint
- Basil
- Rosemary
- Coriander
- Dill
- Fennel
As for veggies, you can grow the following:
- Spinach
- Lettuce
- Green onions
- Pepper
- Cherry tomatoes
- Carrots
- Salad greens
Planning to grow nutrient-rich herbs and vegetables for your daily meals? Use a window box! Having one at your kitchen window will make picking fresh ingredients a breeze.
Planting and Care Tips
You’ll get a plentiful harvest when you’ve planted and cared for your herbs and veggies correctly. Make sure your seedlings have enough space to grow. Overcrowding could lead to poor airflow and the potential to introduce diseases. You can check your seed packets or plant tags for specific guidelines.
Watering may seem easy, but many beginners have trouble with it. In hot weather, a window box planter dries out faster than garden beds, so check the soil daily. If the top inch feels dry, it’s time to water. Consider watering just enough in the morning so your plants have the moisture they need throughout the day.
You don’t need fertilizer if your potting mix is already rich in nutrients, but a little bit can help keep your greens growing steadily. Add some diluted liquid fertilizer every few weeks for healthier plants.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Just because you have a smaller area to work with doesn’t mean everything always goes well. Window box gardening has its own issues that gardeners occasionally deal with.
First, your plant may be overwatered or lacking nutrients if you see yellow leaves. If it appears weak, it’s likely not getting enough light.
Another major problem is pests invading your box. Aphids and spider mites are common but are manageable with a natural insecticide. A basic formula involves mixing water with a few drops of dish soap to spray onto the pests. Also, keep your plants clean and pruned to reduce the risk of infestations.
Wrapping Up
A small home or lack of a yard shouldn’t stop you from growing your own herbs and vegetables. Window box gardening allows you to plant fresh produce for your meals.
You’ll need an appropriately shaped box and a supportive window or balcony for it. Water your plants daily and fertilize them regularly. Remember that they should also have enough sunlight, too. Soon, you’ll have healthy greens ready for harvest right by your kitchen.
