How To Make A Gorgeous Window Box – Without Going To The Garden Centre
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We’re all craving a slice of nature during the UK lockdown, but getting it is that much harder if you have limited outside space, or no garden at all.
You can bring a little bit of the outdoors closer to home, though, by creating a stunning window box – guaranteed to lift the spirits when you’re sitting next to an open window and soaking up some vitamin D.
Garden centres and nurseries have sadly had to close during their busiest time of year, but many are making home deliveries to ensure millions of pounds worth of plants don’t go to waste. Have a quick google to find any local businesses willing to drop off plants, seeds, compost and other materials in your area.
If you’re struggling to get your hands on the ideal components though, don’t panic. Guy Barter, chief horticultural advisor at The Royal Horticultural Society, talked us through how to make a window box, whether you’re fully stocked up or need to substitute elements with spare containers and food scraps found in the home.
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Step 1: Choose your container
Although wooden or plastic troughs are traditional, any sturdy container will do the job, says Barter. You’re looking for something that’s at least 15cm deep and if you intend to keep it on an external window ledge (rather than your internal window sill) you must be able to fix it securely to avoid harming by-passers if it falls.
“The polystyrene boxes that vegetables are delivered in are popular alternatives,” Barter adds. “Tubs of all sorts can be used; old catering size cooking oil cans, drums from derelict washing machines, old water tanks can all be pressed into service now that purpose-made tubs and containers are not easily...
