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DO IT WITH FLOWERS – USE WINDOW BOXES
By homejack | May 31, 2008
What A great way to increase value to your home by adding visual color appeal. Window boxes and a few creative ideas give you a way to do it like the professionals.
If you are buying the window boxes, measure the width of the window including the trim. Choose a box that is at least as wide as this. Two to six inches longer will be better. The depth of the box should be a minimum of six inches to allow for root growth.
Be sure to use proper mounting brackets for your box. These can be purchased along with the boxes. If the box does not have drain holes and is made of wood or plastic, drill several holes in the bottom. Mount the box before adding the soil.
When mounting the boxes, leave a few inches of space between the bottom of the window trim and the top of the box. Have someone hold a box for you so you can judge what looks best. Remember to allow for flower growth height as well.
To keep the soil from falling through the drainage holes, place one or two layers of newspaper in the box, then add soil until the box is about 2/3 full.
The soil should be mixture of fresh potting soil and peat moss or pine bark. If the potting soil does not contain fertilizer, follow package instructions and add slow-release pellets.
Take the plants out of the containers and place them in the box. Use a hand trowel to make a space for them. Follow any instructions for placement that allows for growth and the look you desire. Gently press the soil around the plants.
Add additional soil as needed. Leave the soil height one or two inches below the top of the box. After placing the plants in the box, don’t forget to water the plants and soil.
Plants in boxes and pots require more water than if they were planted in the earth. If the temperature is hot, water every day. In about two weeks, begin adding a minimum (1/4) amount of liquid fertilizer to the water once a week to supplement the original fertilizer.
For help in choosing plants with color to place in your window boxes and outside pots, look for my article, ‘Say It With Color - Choose The Right Flowers’.
Topics: General, Lawn/Garden |