What common mistakes should I avoid with window boxes?
Written by
Benjamin Miller
Reviewed by
Prof. Martin Thorne, Ph.D.Steering clear of potential issues is what allows your window box plants to grow and flourish. Too much water spells trouble for roots, and boggy soil is a sure-fire way not to have anything grow at all. Seasonal neglect results in a display that leaves much to be desired. With knowledge of these perils, maintaining a healthy and vibrant arrangement is easy.
Watering Errors
- Overwatering: Saturating soil daily causing root suffocation
- Underwatering: Allowing complete soil dryness between sessions
- Inconsistent schedules: Irregular hydration stressing plants
Soil & Planting Issues
- Non-draining soil: Heavy garden dirt causing waterlogging
- Wrong pH levels: Creating nutrient absorption barriers
- Overcrowding: Planting too densely restricting root growth
Seasonal Neglect
- Ignoring rotation: Keeping summer plants in freezing temperatures
- Skipping soil refresh: Depleting nutrients year after year
- Missing frost protection: Exposing plants to damaging cold
Avoid overwatering using the finger test method; if it's dry (up to your second knuckle), you can water that plant. Water only when dry down to your second knuckle. Watering in the morning helps limit evaporation. Ensure containers have drainage holes and avoid placing them in water.
Choose plants based on your light conditions. Use a light meter or count the hours of light each window gets before selecting a plant species. For a south-facing window, choose sun-loving petunias. For a north-facing window, select shade-tolerant ferns. Do not attempt to place plants with incompatible light conditions in an environment that is unsuitable for them.
Replace your soil every year to maintain your nutrient levels! Each spring, remove the top 3 inches of soil. Then, replace with a new, well-draining potting mix that contains compost or composted material. When you replace the mix, add a slow-release fertilizer. This replenishes minerals leeched from your previous growth.
Change with the seasons for ongoing presentations. In autumn, replace your summer geraniums with frost-tolerant kales. Use some burlap to protect your evergreens when freezing temperatures arrive. Inspect the plants weekly for any pests. If a pest problem is identified, do not wait too long to respond, or they could spread.
Read the full article: Ultimate Guide to Window Box Plants
