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Window box securely in place with drainage holes and saucer, depending on type; compost to suit planting - potting compost - or a loam based type such as John Innes, if planting small shrubs; ericaceous compost if planting acid-loving plants such as heathers; crocks (broken pots) or stones; choice of plants; hand trowel; watering can.
Optional: piece of membrane such as Plantex or sacking; gravel or pebbles to finish the top of the compost.
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Check your window box has drainage holes in the base or at the bottom of the sides. Some plastic containers may have to be drilled through, and a saucer placed beneath the box. Cover holes with crocks or stones - make a layer about 5 - 7 cm deep. If you have it to hand, cut a piece of sacking, Plantex membrane, or J cloth to cover the crocks. This filters water through but will stop your compost from being washed out.
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Use the pot of your largest plant to check the amount of compost to add to the window box. Hold it inside the box, leaving space at the top, so that the compost surface will finish about 3 cm below the top. Put compost into the window box to this level.
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Arrange plants in their pots on top of the compost. Your plant arrangement may depend on the view out through the window, as well as how the box looks from the front. Put trailing plants around the edges so that these will cover the box in time. Space other plants out to fill the box as they grow. Start by planting the plant with the tallest pot. Ease it out of its pot and place it into position.
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Add more compost to get the correct planting height of smaller plants - level with the first, largest plant. This ensures the smaller plants do not sink, or have their roots dangling in space. Ease plants out of their pots keeping their rootballs intact, and place them in the container. Use handfuls of compost to fill in the spaces between the roots of each plant, firming them in as you go.
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Water your planted window box well, using the rose attachment on your watering can so as not to wash the top layer of compost away from the roots of the plants. Apply a layer of gravel or pebbles to cover the top of the compost. Not only does this look good, but it helps to retain moisture around the plants, and stops the top of the compost from forming a crust which sheds water from it. Water your window box regularly - daily in hot dry weather.
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Check window box for drainage holes and put into place. |
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Arrange and space plants on top of the compost. |
Add compost to get planting levels right, filling the box. |
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