
Home is where the heart is, the saying goes. And how true that saying rings for all of us. We all need a place to call home - somewhere to rest each night, to relax on the weekend. A place to share food, drinks and merriment with our close friends and family. Somewhere to raise children, relish their laughter, and to play with them in the backyard. Our homes need to be comfortable, welcoming, inviting and warm. And our yards are no exception.
Spending time in your backyard is always relaxing, whether gardening, playing backyard cricket or having a BBQ event. Yet what if your backyard is looking a touch neglected? Installing some planter boxes is an excellent way to bring some new life to your backyard. But what if you don't know where to start this new endeavour? Well, fear not because this helpful article will share the six most commonly answered questions about planter boxes. Read on to discover all about it.
How Big Should They Be?
This is the first most commonly asked question, and it does not have a firm answer. Planter boxes come in a variety of sizes, so the ideal size is actually the one that will best suit your outdoor space. If you have a small courtyard or alfresco area, you're best suited with one or two smaller planter boxes. However, if you're fortunate enough to own a large block of land, you could go with several large planter boxes. It's always going to come down to your available space. It may also depend on what else you have in your garden. If it's large but crowded with things like trampolines, swing sets, cubby houses, garden beds or other outdoor features, you'll have less space for your planter boxes.
What Can I Plant in Them?
This is another common question. It's also tricky to answer because it will depend on what you want to grow. Let's start with edible herbs because they are a common type of plant to cultivate in planter boxes. You can opt for plants such as parsley, mint, basil and coriander, which will all grow easily in a planter box. You can add some chives, spring onion, thyme, oregano and chamomile if you'd like.
Next are fruit and vegetables, which are excellent to grow in a planter box. You can grow a variety of berries in a planter box, such as blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, strawberries and even loganberries. Try radishes, potatoes, peas, tomatoes, peppers, green beans and even corn for other edibles.
If you'd prefer flowers in a planter box to bring a splash of colour to your garden, try geraniums, celosia, impatiens, petunias, salvia, marigolds, begonia and creeping phlox. All will brighten your yard and your mood.
How Often Should I Water My Planter Boxes?
This is a question all novice gardeners will have, and it's a good question. Too much water and your plants will drown and suffer from rotten roots, but too little and they will shrivel up and die. However, potted plants, which include plants in planter boxes, will typically dry out quicker than plants in the ground. Have a feel of the soil and dig around with your hand. If the soil is dry to the touch all the way down, it's the right time to water.
When Should I Water My Planter Boxes?
Another excellent question with a simple answer. You should water first thing in the morning or early evening in the summer months. This is because watering during the day's peak is useless as all the water will evaporate before it reaches the roots. Watering before the sun reaches its zenith or as it drops in the sky is your best bet.
Should I Oil My Timber Planter Box?
This is another common question. Some people prefer a faded, greyish timber look for their planter boxes. If so, you don't have to oil your planter box. If you'd prefer to keep the timber looking fresh and new, you should apply timber oil once every six to twelve months.
Should I Use Soil from my Garden to Fill It?
Absolutely not. While this is tempting as a quick and easy solution, the soil from the ground is too heavy and dense and unsuitable for container growing. Instead, choose a sterile potting mix from your local hardware store designed specifically for planter boxes or container growing. These mixes contain the perfect amount of ingredients that will allow for soil filtration and aeration, and retention of nutrients. This will give your plants the best chance at life.
Concluding
This helpful article has shared the six most commonly asked questions about planter boxes. By now, you're a planter box expert and should be ready to cultivate your own planter box garden outside. Good luck!