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Gardening can be a relaxing hobby. In fact, studies have shown that

gardening reduces stress and even increases longevity. Unfortunately,

traditional gardening consumes so much time that the people who need

relaxation most rarely have time to garden.

Luckily, there is an alternative for busy people, a window garden. Gardening

in a window can be as simple as buying several potted plants and putting

them on a windowsill. For people with just a bit more time on their hands, a

window box offers more room for creativity.

Start a Window Box...

To start a window box garden, you will need a nice deep window box that runs

the width of your windowsill. You can find a box that blends with any decor,

ranging from fancy wrought iron boxes with glass inserts to simple solid

cedar boxes. Of course, the inexpensive shallower plastic window boxes will

also work, but these boxes require more maintenance, since they will dry out

much more quickly.

While you are picking out your window box, don't forget to look for brackets

so that you can hang the box to your window sill. You will also need a bag

of potting soil, some type of mulch, such as small pebbles or dried moss,

and water retaining crystals.

Before you begin planting your window box, you will need to install it

securely. Remember, your window box may be fairly light right now, but once

it is filled with moist soil, it will be much heavier and will need to be

well supported. Follow the manufacturer's instructions to be sure the

brackets are correctly installed and then lower your window box into place.

Once your window box is installed, you are ready to begin preparing the box

for planting. If your potting mix is not pre-moistened, dampen it so it will

not be so dusty to work with.

Mix your potting soil with the water retaining crystals and fill the bottom

of the window box with the mixture. Leave the top four inches of the window

box unfilled so that you can place your plants in the box without making too

much of a mess.

Now, it is time for the fun part, designing your window box garden. You will

need to decide on a theme for your window box. Then you will need to select

several plants that are not too big or invasive to plant in your box. If you

are unsure about whether you can design your window box garden, try one of

these simple planting themes.

If you love to cook, a culinary window box may be the ideal choice for you.

For a standard sized window box, you will need to buy one parsley plant, one

oregano or basil plant, and three chive plants. Position the plants so that

you have one chive plant on each end and one chive plant directly in the

middle.

If you enjoy flowers, you may want to change your window box several times a

year. In late winter, plant a row of six to nine daffodil or tulip bulbs.

Then, as soon as the bulbs are done blooming and the weather grows a bit

warmer, remove the bulbs and plant three geraniums and two Dusty Miller or

two vinca vines in the box.

Once you select your plants and place them in the box, carefully use the

rest of your potting soil mixture to fill in the empty spaces around your

plants. Be sure you do not cover the plantís stems and leaves with the

potting soil. They should be planted so that the new potting soil is even

with the soil already on their roots. Gently press down the potting soil

around each plant and then thoroughly water your window box. However, be

careful not to add too much water. The soil should feel as wet as a sponge

after excess water is squeezed out.

Finally, apply an even layer of your mulching material over the surface of

the potting soil in your window box. The mulch should be approximately an

inch thick. However, be sure you do not place the mulch directly against the

plant's stems. They need a bit of air around their stems to stay healthy.

Caring for your window box is simple. Just check the box two to three times

a week to be sure you do not need to water it. The water retaining crystals

should keep the potting soil from drying out too quickly.

Now, when you are feeling tired or stressed, you can pause for a few seconds to enjoy the natural beauty of your window box.





~Source Unknown