Last Updated on April 12, 2024 by Real Men Sow
Evergreen plants in window boxes and troughs bring a lively vibe to indoor gardens. Whether you are planning a small garden in your house or outdoors, read on the benefits window boxes!
Grow Plants For Window Boxes and Troughs
Window boxes are a lifesaver for gardens and houses, especially when it’s too busy to do anything else. They’re also a great option if you’re in the middle of building work. Troughs and window boxes provide some sort of garden, no matter what the land is like, with a cheerful view from both indoors and outside. If you have to work near the window, the plants can be easily removed.
Types of Window Boxes and Troughs
- Ready-made available in many sizes, shapes, and materials.
- You can make your own box out of timber or marine plywood. You can also make a brickwork trough to support the foundation of your house.
- or, if find more inspirations from the 10 reusable household items that I listed previously.
Siting and Fitting a Window Boxes For Evergreen Plants
It is better to have a removable box so that you can access the window and ledge, and for maintenance and repairs. Boxes are heavy and likely to be broken away. To ensure your peace of mind, attach side brackets to hold them in place. To prevent sills from sloping dramatically, wedges can be used (homemade or purchased) to hold the box level.
How to set up evergreen plants for window boxes
Support a box underneath the window ledge to allow for windows to open. Use right-angled brackets or metal brackets. To screw the brackets into place, simply drill holes in the wall and use a spirit level. You can also choose a window box that is suspended from screws from the wall. These are only suitable for lightweight plastic boxes. However, a row of them under a large window is as effective as one large container and easier to move.
One of the best ways to ensure a flourishing display of evergreen plants in your window boxes is to incorporate the convenience and efficiency of self watering window boxes. These innovative planters take the guesswork out of watering and provide a consistent moisture level for your plants, promoting healthier growth and reducing the risk of overwatering or underwatering. Self-Watering Window Boxes are designed with a reservoir system that allows the plants to draw water as needed, keeping them well-hydrated even during hot summer days or when you’re away on vacation. With these self-sufficient containers, you can confidently cultivate a stunning assortment of evergreen species, knowing that they will receive just the right amount of hydration to thrive throughout the seasons. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a beginner, incorporating Self-Watering Window Boxes into your floral arrangements will undoubtedly elevate the charm and beauty of your windows and surroundings.
Planting Window Boxes and Troughs
Place the pots in the trough or box. They can then be easily steamed out, either for house maintenance or swapping plants. To disguise pots, fill the box with compost before you plunge them. You can also place the pots first and then cover them with bark mulch, stone chips. You can also fill the container with compost, and then plant it directly.
General Plant Care for Evergreen Plants Growing in Window Boxes or Troughs
Plants in boxes or troughs require more attention than garden plants. There is only a small amount of compost that can hold in moisture during dry spells and heat in colder weather.
Watering evergreen plants in window boxes
- Watering is essential – either by hand or automatically by using a patio drip irrigation kit or a system from Gardena, Hozelock or an automated system.
- Before planting, add a water retention gel. The gel slowly releases water as the plants require it.
- Self-watering containers can be useful, provided you remember to refill the reservoir frequently.
Drainage and insulation
- The roots will die if they are suffocated by waterlogged compost.
- Waterlogged compost in Winter would freeze solid, killing the plants growing in it.
- If drainage holes are not present, you can add them.
- Insulate winter boxes or troughs. Use bubble plastic or polystyrene packing chip to line the containers or wrap the pots around them.
Feeding and Other Care
- Composts are quickly depleted of fertilizer. A tomato fertilizer can be used to fertilize your plants for fruiting and flowering.
- For more flowers, please contact Deadhead.
- For bushy growth, pinch out the tips.
- If you want to plant permanent plants, trim your trailers in spring. To keep shrubs compact, remember to shear them in summer.
Planting Ideas In Window Boxes
Evergreens for Permanent Planting in Window Boxes and Troughs
Bushy Plants to Grow for Sun or Shade:
- Skimmia japonica ‘Rubella’
- Euonymus fortunei, such as ‘Emerald and Gold’ or ‘Emerald Gaiety’
Bushy Plants to Grow for Sun or Partial Shade:
- Box (Buxus)
- Hebe
- Piggy-back plant (Tolmiea menziesii)
Trailing plants for Window Boxes and Troughs
What to Grow for Sun or Shade:
- Creeping Jenny (Lysimachia nummularia)
- Ivy (Hedera)
Plants for Summer Window Boxes and Troughs
Bushy Flowering Plants for Sun:
- French marigold (Tagetes) plug plants or seeds
- Geranium (Pelargonium) plug plants or seeds
Bushy Flowering Plants for Sun or Shade:
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- Begonia plug plants or seeds
- Busy Lizzie (Impatiens)
- Fuchsia.
Trailing Flowering Plants for Sun:
- Ivy-leaved geranium (Pelargonium peltatum).
- Nasturtium
- Sweet pea (Lathyrus odoratus)
Trailing Flowering Plants for Sun or Shade:
- Creeping Jenny (Lysimachia nummularia)
- Lobelia
Trailing Leafy Plants for Sun:
- Ground ivy (Glechoma hederacea)
- Helichrysum
Crops for Window Boxes and Troughs in the Sun
Evergreen Bushy plants:
- Thyme plants or seed
- Sage plants or seed
- Marjoram plants and seed
- Rosemary plants or seed
Perennials that die down each winter:
- Chives
- Annuals
- Parsley
- Patio vegetables
- Radishes
- Spring onions
Trailing plants:
- Strawberry plants
- Cherry tomato plants or seed
Wildflowers for Window Boxes and Troughs
For sun:
- Red valerian
- Thrift (Armeria)
- Thyme plants or seed
For sun or shade:
- Bluebell (Hyacinthoides (formerly Endymion) non-scripta)
- Cowslip (Primula veris)
- Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea)
- Primrose (Primula vulgaris)
