Plant Gardens 101

You can start an organic vegetable garden in planter boxes. Tired of waiting for the price of commercially produced organic vegetables to drop to more reasonable levels? You don’t need a large garden plot to grow your own vegetables. A few planters outside your window or door can provide all the space you need to plant some varieties of the vegetables you consume most often. You can choose from roots, leafy vegetables, and fleshy vegetables as you plan the layout of your organic garden. Selecting a nutritious mix of soil and watering your plants often should boost the health of your vegetables.

Carrots, beets, turnips, and radishes are all root vegetables. Roots also include potatoes, rutabagas, and sweet potatoes. Some of these edible roots can grow well in planter boxes. Carrots or radishes would make a good start for your organic garden. Do not select shallow planters for these vegetables, however. (more…)

Planter boxes give you the benefit of raising organic vegetables right outside your door or window. Rising costs of produce have caused some budget-conscious people to reconsider the money they spend on fresh fruits and vegetables. But at what cost to their health? And the price of organic produce is even higher. You can grow your own vegetables, even without much space. Roots, leafy vegetables, and fleshy vegetables can all grow well in planter boxes, if you choose the right varieties and provide the attention they need.

Root vegetables are edible roots of plants. Vegetables which fall in this category include carrots, beets, turnips, parsnips, radishes, potatoes, and sweet potatoes. Root vegetables can work well in planter boxes, as long as the planters are deep enough. Try carrots and radishes. (more…)

It’s pretty much impossible to find a person you know who doesn’t like the look of cheery flowers. What is much more common are those unfortunate people who don’t have room or access to a garden. The urban wonder and space-saving solution are planter boxes, that compact little garden on the go we see on so many windows and in backyards. But maybe this is your first window box, or you’re more of a butterfingers than a green thumb. Here’s a quick look at what plants and flowers go well in these mini-gardens.

Herbs:

Planter boxes are absolutely ideal for herbs, which are normally small plants to begin with. Try planting basil, cilantro, chives, or whatever your spice of choice. The taste of dried herbs is nothing compared to the freshness of aromatic, hand-picked herbs from your own garden. Besides, buying fresh herbs from the grocery store is expensive, and tricky to store. Also, when the winter turns cold, smaller planter boxes can be brought inside for fresh herbs all year long. (more…)

If your apartment leaves little room for growing things, you can use planter boxes to host an herb garden. An herb garden also requires a more minimal commitment of your time for maintenance. There’s no need to fertilize herbs regularly, and they can withstand dry spells if you forget to water them occasionally. Before you begin, make sure that your planter boxes receive plenty of sunlight. If they are located in a shady area, you should use plants that respond well to a shady environment. Provide your herbs with well-draining soil. Prune and harvest appropriately, and you should enjoy a bountiful supply of fresh herbs for your cooking.

Herbs do require full sunlight. They like direct sunlight, and lots of it. If your planter boxes will be in a shady area, you should pick different plants that like shade. (more…)

Finding someone who doesn’t like flowers is like finding someone who doesn’t like sunshine. The uplifting and beautiful colors and blooms brought on by the multitude of flower species are what makes planter boxes so popular, especially in urban centers where green space is scarce. It’s not only flowers that people plant, though. There are some incredible edibles that you can grow easily at home in your window sill or freestanding planter boxes. What exactly should one plant in these mini-gardens? Herbs, vegetables and flowers tend to flourish in this environment. Here, along with what types to plant are a few helpful hints on how to do it. So even if you’re guilty of killing everything your butterfingers touch, there’s hope yet to turn you into a green thumb.

For starting out, herbs are practically foolproof and their smaller sized plants fit perfectly in compact planter boxes. Place them indoors, outdoors, in most any kind of sunlight. It’s hard to mess these guys up. As a starter, try your hand at cilantro, basil, chives or whatever your favorite spices are. There is absolutely zero comparison between the taste of dull, store-bought dried herbs and fresh from the garden herbs. And if you’ve bought fresh herbs from the grocer, you know how expensive they are and how quickly they wilt in the fridge. The best part is, once the weather turns cold, smaller planter boxes can be brought indoors for yearround fresh herbs. (more…)

Planter boxes offer a garden plot for those who live in cramped spaces. Even residents of studio apartments can grow their own fresh herbs. If you want to give herb gardening a try, you should first consider the growing requirements of herbs. If your planter boxes can expose your herbs to the proper levels of light, your experiment could succeed. Set up your planters with good drainage and soil before planting your herbs. When the time comes, harvest your herbs and enjoy the crops you’ve produced through your own nurture.

Like all plants, herbs require certain levels of sunlight and water. While herbs can be very tough plants, even withstanding drought, they can’t forgo water. Use your fingertip to gauge the dampness of the soil in your planter boxes and evaluate if you need to water. If the soil feels damp, it’s good. If the soil feels wet, you have likely overwatered. Wait until the soil dries, and use less water next time. If the soil feels dry, water your herbs (but don’t try to compensate by saturating the soil). A slightly drier soil is better than soggy soil for herbs. (more…)

You’ve heard them called cute, quaint, and oh so pretty. Planter boxes, though, are more than just an aesthetic addition to a home. These symbols of Southern charm and beauty also have very real benefits that allow one’s inner gardener to flourish, not matter where one lives. Perhaps you can commiserate with one of the following scenarios; perhaps you already have the perfect, prize-winning garden. Regardless your situation, give planter boxes a shot.

Problem 1:

Jeannette lives in a fabulous loft apartment in New York City. What she gave up for the great view on the 30th floor was a shot at a great garden, as if there were even any green space to go around. She lives close to Central Park but would love to bring some color to her urban setting.

Solution: (more…)

You’ve seen them on countless homes but never really gave s second thought to planter boxes. As a symbol of Southern charm, these compact containers provide compact gardens to more than just quaint little houses out in the country. For example:

Scenario 1: Jessica lives in a sky rise apartment in the big city. Not only does she not have a backyard or garden space, but she is also on the 30th floor.

Scenario 2: Matthew has a condo in the suburbs and a decent size front lawn. The problem is, the front of his home faces West and so he only receives the weak, late day sunshine, which is not strong enough for the sun-seeking plants he prefers. (more…)

What’s better than a handpicked bouquet of vibrant flowers or the taste of fresh herbs? Not having to spend hours of back-breaking labor digging up a plot of arable land to make into a garden. Planter boxes are the not just the easy way out; they are the perfect and mobile way to showcase your blooms and foliage. Before you set up a box in your backyard or window, refer to this handy checklist so you’re prepped and ready to plant.

1. Plan ahead. Count how many planter boxes you have versus how many plants you would like, but take into consideration the spatial needs of the different species. Some plants require more space, while others have long-reaching roots. Others still, like ivy or phlox are creepers that will eventually hang over the sides of planters boxes. (more…)

Planter boxes are a fun and easy way to create a mini mobile garden. Whether you’ve opted for flowers, creepers, leafy foliage, or whatever plant of your choosing, know what to do from start to finish. Before you even set foot in a nursery, having a plan of action will ensure the best results possible, and a beautiful bounty in your planter boxes.

Plan ahead

Count out how many planter boxes you’re using and consider space factors before settling on a specific number of plants. Remember that some plants require more room than others, have longer reaching roots, or will eventually creep or hang over the side of the box. Sunlight is another key issue to take into account. Plants and flowers are usually divided into three basic categories as far as the amount of sunlight they need: direct sunlight, partial sunlight, and shade. In addition to planning out where each box will sit with this mind, also be careful not to plant a shade seeking plant with a sunlight seeking plant. When choosing plants, and especially flowers, keep in mind different color and pattern combinations. Often times, a pairing of a few different flowers and a green leafy plant like a grass or a fern can make a lovely combination. (more…)