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. Learn more with our planter box ideas for backyard growing.
Planter boxes are a great way to grow flowers herbs vegetables, and other plants in a small space. With the right soil, drainage, and plant choices, anyone can create a beautiful and productive container garden. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about how to plant in a planter box.
Planter boxes come in many shapes, sizes, and materials, from small wooden window boxes to large metal troughs. They allow gardeners without much yard space to still reap the joys and benefits of gardening
Container gardening in planter boxes has many advantages:
- Works well for small patios, balconies, and urban spaces
- Elevates plants off the ground away from pests
- Provides good drainage and aeration for plant roots
- Makes watering and fertilizing easier
- Allows flexibility to move plants
With a bit of planning and preparation, planting in a planter box is simple. Follow this step-by-step guide for the best results.
Choose the Right Planter Box
The first step is selecting the right planter box for your needs. Consider the following factors:
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Size – Bigger is better when it comes to planter boxes. Choose a box that offers at least 12-inches of soil depth for vegetables and large plants. For smaller plants like herbs, 6-8 inches of soil is sufficient. Measure your space to determine the best dimensions.
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Material – Wood, metal, plastic, concrete and resin are common options. Wood looks attractive but requires yearly sealing. Metal and resin resist weathering. Concrete offers creative styling.
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Drainage – Ensure the planter box has adequate drainage holes, or add them yourself. Good drainage prevents waterlogged soil.
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Style – Select a style that matches your home’s aesthetics. Add wheels for mobility.
Prepare the Planter Box
Proper preparation sets your plants up for success. Follow these steps:
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Drill drainage holes if needed, approximately every 6-inches.
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Add a 2-3 inch layer of gravel at the bottom for drainage.
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Fill the box 2/3rds full with a high-quality potting mix made for containers. Avoid regular garden soil which is too dense.
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Mix in a 2-inch layer of compost for added nutrients.
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Top off with remaining potting mix, leaving 2 inches from the rim.
Choose the Right Plants
When selecting plants, consider the planter box location, sunlight, and size restraints.
Best Veggies for Planter Boxes
Compact, bushy vegetables suited for containers:
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Tomatoes – Tumbler, Patio, Bush Early Girl
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Peppers – Banana, Gypsy, Hungarian Wax
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Eggplant – Fairy Tale, Little Fingers, Ichiban
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Bush beans – Provider, Contender
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Leafy greens – Lettuce, spinach, kale, chard
Best Herbs for Planters
These compact herbs thrive in containers:
- Oregano, thyme, sage, mint, rosemary, basil, cilantro, dill, chives
Best Flowers for Planters
Choose miniature varieties and flowering plants suitable for pots:
- Petunias, marigolds, zinnias, cosmos, impatiens, begonias, pansies, violas, million bells, nasturtiums
Plant in the Box
Follow these steps for planting:
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Gently loosen roots of plants and remove any clinging nursery soil.
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Dig holes to the depth of each plant’s root ball. Space plants 6-12 inches apart depending on mature size.
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Place plants in holes, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the top of the potting mix.
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Fill in around plants with more potting mix, firming it gently. Leave 1-2 inches space at the top.
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Thoroughly water until the soil is moist but not soggy. Allow excess water to drain out.
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Consider adding a 2-inch layer of mulch on top to retain moisture.
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Water regularly to keep soil consistently moist, especially while plants are establishing.
Caring for Planter Box Gardens
With the right care, your container plants will thrive all season:
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Water thoroughly when soil dries out. Frequency depends on weather, plant size and box location.
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Fertilize every 4-6 weeks with a balanced liquid fertilizer mixed at half strength.
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Monitor for pests like aphids and diseases. Remove diseased leaves immediately and treat organically.
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** Prune and deadhead** to encourage more blooms and maintain tidy growth.
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Weed as needed. Container gardens require less weeding than in-ground beds.
With simple preparation, planting, and care, anyone can succeed at growing in a planter box. This versatile gardening method opens up new possibilities for those with limited yard space. Follow this guide and soon you’ll be reaping the joys and harvests of container gardening.
What are planter boxes made of?
There are as many types of materials as there are sizes of planter boxes, but there are a few that keep coming up. The wood planter is a common, low-cost choice that is easy to DIY thanks to readily available materials. Long lasting options include cypress, redwood, and cedar.
Molded concrete or aggregate, galvanized or coated metal, and wood-and-metal combinations are some other materials that are often used outside.
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.
CONTAINER GARDENING for BEGINNERS: 10 Simple Steps
FAQ
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