Adding Window Boxes to Your Shed

Window boxes add style and beauty to any shed or outdoor building, providing the opportunity to match any architectural style with beautiful flowers that complement them.

Start with young annuals as they can quickly adjust to life in containers, fill your box with well-draining potting mix and consider adding a balanced fertilizer for best results.

Size

Window boxes don’t just need to be located under windows – they can also be mounted onto railings, fences, gates and low walls as shown above. When mounting them elsewhere it is essential that they are appropriately sized – too small will look puny while those too large can crowd out their surroundings and create an overly-fussy appearance. Whenever possible select one which is slightly longer and wider than the window where it will be placed for optimal results.

If your window box won’t fit within standard size windows, consider having the staff at your local home improvement store cut wood to form custom sizes. It may cost more, but will create an elegant and high-end appearance. In addition, garden centers or big box stores may sell liners that provide protection from wet potting mix that could deteriorate its wood – an added layer of defense from wood decay!

When selecting plants for a window box, be mindful of how much sunlight the box will receive. South and western exposures offer bright sunlight that’s ideal for flowering annuals like petunias, zinnias, ageratum and angelonia; sun-loving herbs like basil, fennel, parsley and oregano also thrive well in sunny environments.

To achieve lush and full flowers, plant them close together (another gardening tip: buy six-packs of young seedling annuals instead of mature specimens). Deadhead spent blooms to encourage continued growth; fertilize with a balanced water-soluble fertilizer at regular intervals for maximum results. If regular watering becomes challenging during peak growing season, self-watering reservoirs offer consistent moisture without you needing to check on it daily.

Coconut fiber or sphagnum moss should be used to line the bottom of a window box, as these materials help the soil retain moisture and look nice as well. A light soil-less potting mix specifically tailored for containers should also be used; garden soil will weigh down your window box.

Materials

Window boxes add color and ambience to sheds, garages, porches and patios alike. Mount it by a door, on walls or railings or wherever else desired to add vibrancy and beauty. When considering materials for your planter for outdoor locations such as cedar redwood or treated lumber – choose materials which withstand weather elements well such as treated lumber. Paint it before mounting for an individual look!

Flowers make an excellent addition to spring window boxes. Selecting the appropriate combination can bring color and vibrance to any shed, as well as complement the colors of your home. When selecting flowers, take into consideration their lighting requirements and bloom time; petunias and marigolds require full sun with well-draining soil and are excellent choices. Petunias and marigolds bloom throughout summer and make classic window box additions; in contrast geraniums, fuchsias prefer partial shade while impatiens and Lobelia varieties offer varied flowering colors in both bedding varieties as well as trailing varieties – perfect additions!

Your window box’s size is crucial in setting off an appealing and balanced garden design. For optimal results, use a container that measures at least as wide as your window frame for best results; anything wider would cause its contents to look out of scale and too large in comparison. With narrower windows you may still create an eye-catching arrangement by including tall plants or trailing flowers for balance.

When selecting plants for your spring window box, look for plants with differing shapes and textures to distract from any size discrepancies between your planter and window. In terms of flowers, consider matching their hue to that of your home: cool-toned homes are enhanced by blue or purple blooms while warmer tones look beautiful when accented by red or orange ones.

To ensure your flowers thrive in their window box, ensure it features ample drainage holes, lightweight soil-less potting mix and consistent moisture levels. Heavy garden soil may not be appropriate as most window boxes attached to buildings require something lighter such as compost.

Installation

Window boxes add an elegant touch to any shed and can quickly dress up windows. However, for optimal functionality they must be properly installed so as to support their weight of soil and plants without damaging either your shed or its siding. In this video from This Old House landscape contractor Roger Cook shows us how to hang one and provides tips for maintaining an appealing display.

Start by identifying an ideal mounting location for your window box. On a double-hung or sliding window, measure down 1 inch from underside of windowsill near one side of frame and make a pencil mark to mark where top bracket should sit; repeat process on opposite side.

Take care to drill a pilot hole and countersink into the bracket at your mark, before fastening it to your shed with three inch galvanized decking screws. Repeat these steps on both ends, ensuring they are securely fastened at equal height.

Set the empty window box over two brackets with its angled side facing outward. Utilize a level to check that it is level and has an equal overhang on either side of the shed; if unevenness arises, make adjustments until it meets with trim of window frame.

Maintenance

Window boxes provide an effortless and manageable way for newcomers and experienced gardeners alike to flex their green thumbs. Selecting flowers and plants appropriate to the location, size, style and color of your shed are key. Selecting high-quality materials can extend its longevity while cutting watering costs.

Consider how much light your window box receives daily when planning its design. Incorporating plants that provide maximum growth opportunities like full sun can offer and partial shade may limit plant selection to annuals or succulents only. When designing for full sunlight exposures such as petunias, geraniums, compact zinnias and ageratum as annuals while using herbs like basil, fennel, cilantro or parsley as herbs will add beauty, fragrance and beauty.

If your window box doesn’t receive much direct sunlight, try choosing shade-tolerant flowers such as fuchsias and lilies or perennial hydrangeas for maximum bloom potential. A long planter window box mounted at eye level on a railing, fence or gate may also make an excellent addition for north-facing windows or shaded areas.

Window boxes require less upkeep than traditional garden beds, yet it’s still wise to fertilize them regularly with a balanced water-soluble fertilizer. Deadheading spent flowers will encourage more blooms while regular trimming can keep them looking their best. Watering regularly will prevent soil drying out but be wary not to overwater or you risk damaging both plants and container alike.

Before planting new flowers into your window boxes, be sure to prepare the soil by removing old plants and replacing it with fresh soil formulated specifically for containers. Dig small holes for roots. It’s advisable to lining your container with plastic to protect its contents against heavy rainfall; additionally, a frost blanket or temporary indoor storage may be beneficial during cold spells. Alternatively, consider installing an automatic watering system so your plants remain healthy without needing manual attention from you.