When space is limited, such as on a balcony or a terrace, planting in planters is an interesting solution to grow some plants. Planters can be placed on the ground or suspended to create beautiful cascades of flowers.
Specificity of the culture in window boxes
A window box is by definition a container that is longer than it is wide, so it is possible to install several plants side by side. This specificity implies a choice of plants that require similar growing conditions, especially in terms of watering and exposure. It is out of the question, for example, to install cactus and impatiens together because these plants require opposite care. The result would be very quickly catastrophic!
Another parameter to take into account is the small volume of substrate for a number of plants that is often too large. Always keep in mind to install your plants at a reasonable distance so that they can grow and develop properly without competing too much.
For the same reason, the base substrate must be very rich and the fertilizers regular and sustained because the nutrients are quickly exhausted in such conditions. Let's add that watering constraints are also present, especially in the middle of summer, in hot, dry and windy weather. Depending on the plants, daily and abundant watering may be necessary!
Choose deep planters where the roots can properly develop.
Security
Often hung on the street side of a balcony, the planter must be firmly fixed to avoid accidents in case of a gust of wind. In this case, a light material should be chosen, again for safety reasons. Keep concrete or terracotta planters on the ground so that they do not hurt anyone if they fall.
How to plant in a planter?
Whatever the material chosen for your planter (iron, terracotta, plastic, stone, concrete...), drainage holes must be present at the bottom of the container. If they are not present, you will have to drill some.
Place flat pebbles on these holes to prevent the substrate from escaping and then pour a layer of clay balls or pebbles to ensure good drainage so that water does not stagnate at the roots;
Choose a very good commercial potting soil and add some compost and a bit of ground horn.
Pour a layer of this mixture on the draining bed and install your plants by respecting a good planting distance;
The neck of the plants should be about 1 cm from the top of the pot;
Fill in the remaining gaps with the mixture and pack the entire surface well;
Water thoroughly and add more mix if necessary.
Place your planter in its final location according to the requirements of the chosen plants.
Remember to water often and add liquid fertilizer regularly.
