M INSIGHTHORIZON NEWS
// technology

How deep should a window planter box be

By Emily Phillips

A minimum of 8 inches in depth and 8 inches from front to back is required to have enough room for a selection of plants. Larger–say a foot in depth and width–is even better, particularly if you want to include a lot of plants and want them to fill out enough to overflow the box.

What do you put in the bottom of a window box?

In addition to drilled holes, stones and gravel are essential to proper drainage of windowboxes. Put a two- to three-inch layer of pea gravel or pebbles in the bottom of the planter. This will allow water to filter through the soil and gravel before passing through the drilled holes.

How deep should a planter box be for flowers?

Eight to 12 inches is usually adequate. If drainage is a problem, or if the plants you are growing prefer drier soil, the bed could be taller and filled with a porous growing medium. Vegetable beds should be 12 to 18 inches deep.

Should a window box be bigger or smaller than the window?

When measuring your windows to determine the size of your window box needs, a good rule of thumb is to get a window box that matches the size of your window or one that matches your window plus your trim. This is especially true when you have a wide trim around your window which makes the window look bigger.

How do you measure a window planter box?

The length of the window areas should equal the lengths of the window boxes. For example, if the length of first window is 3 feet, the window box should ideally be 3 feet. If the length of the second window is 6 feet, the window box should ideally be 6 feet.

Should I put stones in the bottom of my planter?

In general, it’s not necessary to put rocks in the bottom of plant pots. One rock to cover the drainage hole is enough – just enough so that the soil doesn’t leach out of the bottom but water can flow freely through the pot. Putting rocks in plant pots doesn’t aid drainage or improve air circulation.

Should you line planter boxes with plastic?

You need to line your planter box if it’s made from wood or metal. The liner will help prolong the planter’s life. You don’t need to use a liner if the planter is made using plastic, ceramic, or concrete as they are quite durable by themselves.

How wide does a planter box need to be?

Width – Planter boxes 1.5 to 2 feet wide provide space to grow vegetables in a small footprint. Narrow planters work well along a railing or fence, and as garden privacy screens, with matching trellises. Wide planters provide space to accommodate larger plants, even small trees, if you have the room.

What size should a planter box be?

For most plants, a 6-to 8-inch-deep planter box is sufficient. The depth may vary for some vegetables, however. Turnips, cucumbers, broccoli, beets, lettuce and green onions can all grow well in a planter box at that depth, but other vegetables, like cabbage, need a deeper depth of at least 10 inches.

Should window boxes go on all windows?

A good rule of thumb: Match the width of the flower box to the width of the window. Use smaller flower boxes on smaller windows, and larger ones on larger windows. … For windows with shutters, consider using a flower box wider than the window.

Article first time published on

How deep does a planter box need to be for cucumbers?

You’ll need a large container with several drainage holes. You may either use a plastic or ceramic pot for planting cucumbers in a container, but it should be at least 12 inches (30 cm.) across and 8 inches (20 cm.) deep.

How deep should raised beds be for flowers?

Raised vegetable beds should be at least 8 to 12 inches deep, however, they can be deeper if you have mobility problems or if soil drainage is poor.

How deep does a planter box need to be for potatoes?

Potatoes, usually spaced 10 inches apart, can be crowded a bit (but only a bit), when planted in containers. A pot with a 14-inch diameter at the bottom will have plenty of room for three starts. The deeper the pot, the better, but it should be at least 15 inches deep.

Can a window box be shorter than the window?

The Don’ts For the best effect, install window boxes that are about the same length as your windows. Don’t choose anything that is off by more than a couple of inches.

How do you hang a window box without drilling?

The most common method for attaching window boxes to the side of the house involves using screws, but if you have vinyl siding, bypass the drilling by using vinyl siding hooks. Slide the hooks into the seam of the siding, and you’re ready to hang your planter.

What wood is best for window boxes?

Because of their rot-resistant qualities, cedar and redwood are two of the best choices of wood for window boxes. Smooth high-grade cedar has a fine grain that looks good natural or stained.

What do I line my flower box with?

Line the entire planter with a sheet of plastic, trimming it so that it reaches but does not go over the rim. Staple the plastic all the way around the rim. Using a screwdriver or sharp stick, poke through the drilled drainage holes to let excess water drain out of the plastic liner.

How do you protect the inside of a planter box?

With a putty knife, apply roofing cement to the inside of the planter. This will protect the wood from water and keep it from rotting. Cover the drain holes in the bottom with landscape fabric to keep the soil from washing out. Finally, fill your planter with a good quality potting soil.

How do I keep my wood planter from rotting?

The best way to prevent deck planters from rotting is with a liner. Lining a wood planter prevents water and fungi from contacting the wood. Preventing rotting by separating that which is good for the plants, water and fungi from the wood.

What do you put in the bottom of a planter without drainage holes?

Some experts suggest using a layer of pebbles as a sort of drainage layer in those pots without drainage holes. This technique allows excess water to flow into the space with the pebbles, away from the the soil and therefore the roots of your plant.

Do planters need drainage?

Whether your potted plants are indoors or outdoors, proper drainage is an essential element to ensure they stay healthy. This process keeps water from pooling at the base of the pot, which can cause bacteria, fungus and root rot.

How many holes Should I drill in planter?

How Many Holes to Drill in a Planter. A hand drill will work best for this project. For small to medium planters (4” – 12” in diameter) it’s good to drill a couple of holes that are no larger than ½ of an inch. For larger planters, 16” and up, drill a couple of holes that are at least an inch in diameter.

How deep should planter box be for tomatoes?

Typical planter boxes tend to be extremely wide, but not deep. Once tomato plants are positioned within the growing medium, they must have a minimum depth of 12 inches beneath them for healthy root growth.

How far apart should raised beds be?

How much space do you need between raised beds? Raised beds should have at least 2 to 4 feet of space between them, especially if you plan to walk through the raised garden to get to other plants in the garden. You do not want to mistakenly step inside of a garden bed while trying to keep out of another.

Can you use 1 boards for raised beds?

Tips for Raised Bed Construction Most raised beds are 6 or 12 inches high, which would mean one 2×6 board or two stacked on top of each other to form the walls. … If the soil on your site is not suitable for planting or particularly for planting food, however, a raised bed with a bottom can give you a place to plant.

How wide should a planter box be for tomatoes?

3. Choose the Right Pot. Those seedlings may look small now, but a full-grown tomato plant needs a lot of space for a strong root system. For maximum production, the ideal pot size is 18-inch diameter for determinate tomatoes and 24-inch diameter for indeterminate tomatoes.

How deep should a container be for vegetables?

Most vegetables require between six and 12 inches of container depth to grow healthy and strong.

Are window boxes bad for your house?

Window boxes are meant to add color and beauty to your home. … However, if not cared for or installed properly, a window box can cause water damage to the wall where it hangs that will need to be repaired.

How heavy is a window box?

These window boxes weigh 15 pounds each, making them heavy-duty and capable of holding a lot of weight. These window boxes weigh 15 pounds each, making them heavy-duty and capable of holding a lot of weight.

How deep does a planter box need to be for carrots?

Your container should be at least 12-inches deep, to accommodate the developing roots. Select one with adequate drainage, or make several holes in the bottom of the vessel of your choice. Use traditional pots of any shape, or create your own from repurposed containers.

Can you grow peppers in a window box?

Peppers do extremely well in window boxes placed in high sun environments. They grow up and out. Using stakes and twine to secure the plant will help support the branches and weight of the growing peppers. … Most pepper plants will do well in window boxes including Sweet Banana, Yolo Wonder and Long Red Cayenne.