Add Your Potting Soil: Make sure you pick a good potting mix for your box. I can't stress enough how important this is! In the past, I've thrown in whatever soil I could get my hands on at the time. Never do this! Pick a premium soil that holds moisture and has some slow release plant food. This will save you from sad and leggy, dried out plants. You put in all the effort to make it pretty. Don't skip out on this step, and you will be enjoying your box from spring to fall. If you already have soil from last season, just mix in some new soil and you are good to go!
What I Recommend: Proven Winners Premium All Purpose Potting Soil
Water Less: As the season progresses, life always tends to get busy. The weather heats up, and your box will rely on steady watering. Whenever I'm putting together a planter of any kind, I throw in some rain gel. It helps your soil hold in moisture and cuts down on the frequency you have to get out your watering can. I use two packets in my box, and it lasts all season long.
What I Recommend: Burpee Rain Gel
Choose The Right Blooms: There are many different factors that play into what will work in your window box. It depends on the size and height of your box. If it is in full sun or shade and, of course, the season. Here in zone 6a New England, the nighttime temperatures still drop into the 30s. Pansies are the perfect springtime flower. They can tolerate frost until it begins to warm up a little more. In a couple of weeks, I will be adding some trailing vinca vine. It is very hardy and adds a bit of whimsy. If you are lost when shopping, try looking for a thriller, a filler and a spiller. The thriller will add some height. The filler will fill in your box, and the spiller will trail down. In my front box, I can only do filler and spiller since there isn't much room for flowers to grow tall.
More About The Thriller, Filler & Spiller Method: This Old House
Keep Your Flowers Fertilized: Once you get in a routine, it becomes habit to feed your plants. I like to do it once every few weeks, and my flowers really appreciate it! If you want blooms rather than heavy foliage, make sure to look for a fertilizer higher in potassium and phosphorus.
What I Recommend: Espoma Organic Flower-tone 3-4-5
Experiment & Try New Things: If something doesn't work, thats okay! I've planted flowers that just don't really pop. It's perfectly normal to not have it look like it's straight out of a magazine. Your house is real, and they aren't being prepped for a professional photoshoot! We all have budgets, so gather your plants a little at a time. You don't have to spend a fortune and fill it all at once. I'd love to walk into my local flower store and buy 20 pristine flats full of flowers, but it ain't happening any time soon. Don't get discouraged. As seasons change, you may have to swap out your plants as the flowers fade. Be ready for this to happen. This didn't mean you failed! Some flowers like pansies for example DO NOT like the heat. Once those 80 degree days become consistent, they will wither. As long as you know this ahead of time, you will be ready to try something new.
Inspiration: Better Homes & Gardens Sun - Better Homes & Gardens Shade
Do you have any window box tips and tricks? What varieties do you like to add to your spring window box? Share them with me below in the comment section! The next edition of Tuesdays In The Garden will be April 25, and it will be a Mother's Day themed post. See you then!
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20 Comments
Christine
April 13, 2017 at 3:27 pmLoving your window box! I have been thinking on bringing mine back. Many years ago I had two large ones and flanking each end I had long trailing ivy and it got so long I swagged it together.
I’ve been thinking on doing that again. It was a show stopper. Now ya got me thinking!
Liz @ Elizabethcolette
April 13, 2017 at 3:17 pmLove these flower box ideas. I think they really look nice.
Britt
April 13, 2017 at 11:02 amThis is a great post! I have been debating doing window boxes this spring now that I am settling into the new house – I think they would look great along the front! I’m sure all your tips will be helpful!
Britt | http://alternativelyspeaking.ca/
Cait Weingartner
April 12, 2017 at 3:31 amPerfect timing! I’m in the planning stages of some patio gardening, so I really appreciate these great tips for lovely window boxes and planters. Thanks for sharing your expertise!
Michelle @ramblingwoods
April 12, 2017 at 12:58 amHello Angie…I haven’t seen a window box since my Grandmother’s neighborhood where many people had them. I love the look and appreciate the directions. They really are just charming to have and to see….Michelle
riitta k
April 11, 2017 at 11:51 pmI love small flowered pansies (Viola cornuta) and have them every year in large pots, for I donate have window boxes. Your photos are gorgeous.
Sue
April 11, 2017 at 11:47 pmHello Angie, your window boxes are gorgeous. I appreciate all the tips you’ve given too. Cheers!
Jami
April 11, 2017 at 2:44 pmGreat tips with fantastic photos (as usual), Angie – thanks!
Shelly
April 11, 2017 at 2:33 pmI don’t have any window boxes. Most of our windows are on the second story or way down low for the basement since we live in a tri-level home. But I love yours they look so pretty. I wish we could have them at our home.
Jennifer Dunham
April 11, 2017 at 1:49 pmWindow boxes can be so beautiful! These are some great tips to keep them looking fresh!
Diane Williams
April 11, 2017 at 1:03 pmWhat great tips! I am definitely going to add some rain gel to my pots this year. They always dry out mid summer and no matter how much I water the hanging baskets they won’t absorb the water into the middle of the pot. Thanks for the inspiration. I can’t wait to get started.
Heather
April 11, 2017 at 11:23 amWhat are the striped pink flowers in the last picture? Gorgeous!
Michelle Marine
April 11, 2017 at 11:05 amI love the pansies! I have a few ready to plant. Thanks for the tips, Angie!
Patti
April 11, 2017 at 10:14 amI used to love planting window boxes in different home that was more suited to them. I even have a couple of hayracks that I can’t seem to part with. You’d think that after 13 years I’d give them up already. 🙂
Instead I do a lot of hanging baskets and pots.
Great tips. Planting flowers is one of my all time joys.
Michelle
April 11, 2017 at 8:51 amI don’t have window boxes at the moment, but we’re doing some remodeling, so maybe I’ll add one. These are really good tips – I love the thriller/spiller/filler! I also appreciate your “can-do” attitude and lovely pictures! I look forward to Tuesdays in the Garden!