How to Plant in Window Boxes

Overview

Window boxes are an ideal way to add color and interest to the exterior of your home. Choose window boxes that complement the style of your home and make sure that they are the proper width. If you have shutters, choose window boxes wide enough to incorporate them as well.

Step 1

Cover the drainage holes in the bottom of the box with a small amount of gravel to prevent the soil from falling through the holes when you water your plants. Fill the window box approximately halfway with potting soil.

Step 2

Add fertilizer to the soil. Consult the package for recommended amounts for the size of your window box. Work the fertilizer into the soil.

Step 3

Choose your plants. Consider the sunlight the window box will receive each day and select the plants accordingly. Plants for full sun include petunias, geraniums, vinca vine and spikes. Partial sun suggestions include impatiens, verbena and coleus. Shade suggestions include impatiens, petunias and asparagus ferns.

Step 4

Place the tallest plants in the back of the window box, the bushy and midsize plants in the center, and the vining plants that will spill over the edge of the box in the front. Stagger the plants slightly so that they are not in a row.

Step 5

Dig holes that are slightly larger than the plants. Remove the plants from their containers and place each plant in its hole. Make sure the top of the root ball for each plant is nearly level with the top edge of the window box. Fill in soil around the plants, pat it down firmly and water generously.

Step 6

Install the window box under the window using screws and brackets.

Step 7

Water the plants in the window box at least once a day to prevent them from drying out. In especially hot weather, water twice a day. Fertilize two times per month with a water-soluble fertilizer.