There are a lot of different kinds of planter boxes and raised beds out there, so it can be hard to tell them apart. To keep things simple, let’s stick to the most common ones.
A raised garden bed is a big frame that sits on the ground and lets the soil below reach the bottom. It stands on four or more legs, which raise the bottom of the planter box off the ground. You can grow a lot of food and flowers in both types, but raised beds are usually bigger because they hold more soil.
Planter boxes are a great way to grow vegetables, herbs, flowers, and other plants if you have limited yard space. With the right soil, plants, and care, anyone can have a successful container garden in planter boxes – even beginners!
In this detailed guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to plant your first planter box garden, including:
- Choosing the right planter box
- Picking the best soil
- Deciding what to plant
- Planting your plants
- Caring for your planter box garden
Follow these simple steps and you’ll be on your way to growing fresh fruits, veggies and herbs on your patio or balcony.
Choosing the Right Planter Box
The first step is selecting the right planter box for your space. Here are some tips:
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Consider the size – Planter boxes range from small (2 feet long) to large (4 feet or longer). Make sure to pick a size that will fit in the space you have. Bigger is not always better with planter boxes.
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Material matters – Cedar and redwood are popular natural wood choices that last. You can also find planter boxes made from metal plastic, concrete and other materials.
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Ensure adequate drainage – Holes in the bottom of the planter are needed for excess water to drain out.
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Add wheels – Wheeled stands make it easier to move heavy planter boxes.
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Match shapes to space – In addition to basic rectangle planter boxes, you can also find L-shaped, U-shaped and tiered options.
For my first planter box, I chose a 3 foot long cedar box with drainage holes and wheels. This provides enough space for veggies and herbs without taking up my entire balcony.
Picking the Best Soil
Now that you have your planter box, it’s time to add soil. Do not use garden soil! Planter boxes need a lightweight, porous potting mix that drains well.
Here are some tips for choosing the best soil:
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Look for mixes made for containers – These are blended for drainage and moisture retention. I like using organic potting mixes.
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Incorporate compost – Compost adds nutrients and helps retain some moisture. Mix in up to 30% compost with your potting soil.
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Consider soil amendments – You can also add perlite or vermiculite to improve drainage and aeration.
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Fertilize at planting – Mix in a granular, organic vegetable fertilizer when first planting.
For my planter box, I used an organic potting mix amended with compost and an organic vegetable fertilizer. The soil fills my planter box about 1-2 inches from the top.
Deciding What to Plant
Now for the fun part – picking plants! Consider the following when making your selections:
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Sunlight needs – Pick sun-lovers like tomatoes and peppers if you get 6+ hours of sun. Choose lettuce, kale and herbs for shadier spots.
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Plant sizes – Dwarf or patio varieties are best for fitting more plants in a planter box. Check plant tags.
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Mix edibles and flowers – Add marigolds, nasturtiums or other flowers to attract pollinators.
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Choose what you like to eat – Plant fruits, veggies and herbs you enjoy eating!
Here’s what I chose for my first planter box:
- 3 patio tomato plants (1 each of 3 varieties)
- 1 jalapeno pepper
- Basil, oregano, thyme herbs
- Lettuce
- Marigolds and nasturtiums
This will give me a mix of vegetables and herbs I love with some pretty flowers mixed in.
Planting Your Planter Box
Now comes the fun part – planting! Follow these tips for planting success:
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Follow spacing guidelines on plant tags or seed packets. Plants need enough room to grow.
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Arrange taller plants on one side to avoid shading shorter plants.
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Plant quick-growing vegetables and lettuces on one end so you can harvest them sooner and replant.
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Water thoroughly after planting. The soil should be moist but not soaked.
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Consider adding supports as needed. Tomato cages for tomatoes, trellises for climbing plants, etc.
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Mulch around plants with compost or grass clippings to retain moisture. Leave space around plant stems.
I planted my tallest tomato plant on the far end, with peppers and herbs in the middle and lettuce on the front end. I surrounded plants with compost and added tomato cages.
Caring for Your Planter Box Garden
Consistent care and maintenance will keep your plants healthy and productive all season long. Here are some tips:
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Water when the top 1-2 inches of soil become dry. Water slowly and deeply.
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Fertilize every 2-4 weeks with an organic vegetable fertilizer following package directions.
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Prune and trim plants as needed to keep them tidy and productive.
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Weed weekly to avoid competition for nutrients and water.
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Check for pests and diseases. Treat organically at first sight.
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Harvest regularly as veggies and herbs mature. Frequent picking encourages more production.
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Remove spent plants and replace with new ones. You can often get multiple successions of crops like lettuce or radishes.
Caring for my planter box garden takes just 10-15 minutes a day. It’s a relaxing, rewarding way to grow food even with my limited space.
Use a soil mix designed for planters and containers.
If you want to fill your planters with garden soil, it might be tempting, but please keep your cool. The soil that fills in-ground gardens is heavy and dense. That’s a poor combination for container growing.
Instead, choose a sterile mix designed for planters and containers. Most of the time, these mixes will have things like shredded bark or coconut coir to keep the soil light and airy, perlite, pumice, or vermiculite to help the soil drain better and hold on to nutrients, and compost or other organics. They might even be soil-free.
Why grow in planter boxes?
There are many reasons why you might want to grow edible or ornamental plants in planter boxes. Here are some important benefits to consider:
- Planter boxes help you garden in small areas because they can be used on patios, porches, balconies, and other places. You can get them in many shapes and sizes, and they can turn small outdoor areas into lush little gardens.
- The legs on planter boxes raise them off the ground completely, so they won’t stain your patio or concrete. This makes them perfect for gardening on hard surfaces. When the water does drain out, it doesn’t get stuck between two surfaces, so it dries out quickly.
- Less pests: Pets that live on the ground, like rabbits, moles, gophers, and more, often can’t get to planter boxes because they are too high. Bugs may still find your crops, but it’s easier to get rid of them because they’re in a small area. Beneficial insect controls work great in planter boxes!.
- Planter boxes do best with light, rich soil, which helps fight soil-borne diseases. By using a sterile container mix, you can avoid the common diseases that come with gardening in the ground.
- Easy to get to: If you have trouble bending and stooping, elevated planter boxes can make gardening easier.
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Should you use a planter box?
The benefit of using a planter box is to restrict these plants in their own space so they won’t be able to interfere with the other plants. You can have the planter box raised above the ground, so it’s easy to work with the plants and soil. You don’t have to bend as much as you would with an in-ground garden.
How do you plant plants in a planter box?
Choose a planter box large enough to accommodate the plants you want to grow. A good rule of thumb is to have at least 6 inches of soil depth for most plants. Fill the bottom of the planter box with a layer of gravel or rocks to improve drainage. Add a layer of potting soil on top of the stone, leaving enough room for the plants.
How do you put potting soil in a planter box?
The potting soil helps air and moisture reach the plant roots. Add the potting soil in the planter box till it almost reaches the top. Keep 1 inch space empty from the top of the planter box. This prevents the soil and water from spilling over when watering the potting soil.
How much space should a planter box have?
The general rule of thumb is to leave about an inch of space around each plant to allow for growth. If you’re planting multiple plants in the same planter box, space them evenly to avoid overcrowding. Proper drainage is crucial for the health of your plants. Ensure your planter box has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.