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How To Make Window Boxes

Step 1: Cut List. Cut 3/4″-thick cypress or cedar boards to following dimensions: Step 2: Secure the Cleats. prev. Step 3: Assemble Front and Back. prev. Step 4: Assemble Sides. Drill Needed for Window Box Project. Step 5: Attach Trim. Step 6: Prime and Paint. Step 7: Hang the Window Box. Step 8: Create Drainage.

What material is used for window boxes?

Window boxes are made from a variety of materials, such as terra cotta, plastic, copper and wood. The best window boxes are made from a material that is durable and resists cracks. Wood is a good choice for window boxes, and they are fairly simple to make.

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 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 do you keep a wooden window box 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.

Is pine good for planter boxes?

Natural, untreated pine can also be used to build planters, but it must be sealed to make it resistant to weathering, rot and fungus. Pine is also soft, which makes it vulnerable to nicks, gouges and other damage.

How wide should a window box be?

For the best visual effect, your window box should be at least as wide as the window but should not extend more than three inches beyond the trim on each side.

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.

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.

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. Matching the right window box to your home can add curb appeal, but there are many things to consider before making a final decision.

What should I line my planter 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 many flowers should I plant in a window box?

For a 2′ window box, use 2-3 geraniums, for a 3′ window box use 3-4 geraniums. In between the main plants, put in a filler plant- something that stays lower and more compact such as lobelia, calibrachoa, compact verbenas, flowering vinca or petunias.

How many plants should I put in a window box?

Traditional planting is when you allow enough room between plants that the planter looks full after 2 to 3 weeks of additional growth. Generally I would use 3 or maybe 4 plants in 10 or 12-inch planters, 4 to 6 plants in a 14 to 16-inch planter and Six to 8 plants in an 16 to 20-inch planter and so on.

How do you make a wooden window box?

Step 1: Cut List. Cut 3/4″-thick cypress or cedar boards to following dimensions: Step 2: Secure the Cleats. prev. Step 3: Assemble Front and Back. prev. Step 4: Assemble Sides. Drill Needed for Window Box Project. Step 5: Attach Trim. Step 6: Prime and Paint. Step 7: Hang the Window Box. Step 8: Create Drainage.

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.

Do window boxes damage window sills?

High-quality window boxes will not damage your home one bit if you follow a few simple steps. The window box material must be able to withstand the weight and not sag, bend or break. If you want to make a traditional wood window box, you should use redwood or cedar.

How deep 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.

Can I use treated lumber for planter boxes?

Scientific evidence and data have shown that using pressure treated wood for raised bed or box gardening is safe to adults and children in terms of the plants grown and used in these containers. For proper drainage, the plastic material should not be used underneath the raised bed garden.

Can I use pressure treated wood for a planter box?

Yes, the “new” pressure treated wood is safe for use for raised garden frames with a few precautions! Up until 2003, the most common preservative used for pressure treated wood was chromated copper arsenate (CCA), a compound using arsenic as its primary rot protectant.

What kind of wood do you use for planter boxes?

Cedar, white oak and redwood naturally resist termites and other insects. They stand up very well to the elements and last season after season. They can, however, require more upfront investment. Soft woods such as pine work best for indoor planters.

What is the best depth for a window box?

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.

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.