Ideas and inspiration for your planter box

Are you wanting to add some colour to a small space or grow your own produce? Planter boxes are a fabulous solution to both. Not quite the dainty presentation of a window box, or hefty as a raised bed, planter boxes are a great in-between. Whether you are a newbie or experienced in the garden, this guide provides tips, ideas and pointers. Get your boxes and gardening gloves out, it’s time to dig into your next planter project.

Before your start

As mentioned, planning and preparation are key. Are you deciding to create flower boxes, or contained vegetable boxes? While you may be eager to try both, start with a simple idea and work your way up.  We suggest starting with basic perennial herbs like thyme or mint, which are simple and easy to maintain. If you want to go ahead with planting veggies or flowers, ensure you understand their needs and compatibility with their surroundings.

For flowers, consider using thriller, spiller, and filler plants. This term translates to focal point plants, those that spill over the edge of the box, and then adding those that fill the spaces with colour. Create an impressive presentation by planning what will be best showcased in your planter box. Think tall flowers and grasses for height and added privacy, while shorter, frillier leaves provide shape and texture to a display.

For veggies, do your research on what can and cannot live together. For example, beans and tomatoes are terrible soil mates, while the onion and tomato family flourish in each other’s presence. Another great pairing includes beans, broccoli and cabbage (anything in the brassica family).

Soil, sun, spot

After you consider what to plant, research soil, sun exposure and location.  All gardeners know the importance of quality soil — and this is why so many are fond of planter boxes! You can control the soil you use, whereas those who grow in an urban space do not always know what is in their backyards.

If you are unsure of how much sun exposure your plants will receive during the day, some plants are helpful in this circumstance. For very sunny spots, thick, leafy greens can tolerate intense sunshine, whereas the thinner, skinnier-leafed plants will not. Look into xerophytic plants, which can withstand hot and dry climate conditions.

Before you pick up your plants and start planting, make sure to also get a bigger planter box rather than a smaller one. This allows for growth without suppressing or stifling plants rooting.

Caring for your boxed plants 

Another interesting point to consider when planning your planter box is that you will need to water it more than your ground-based plants. With healthy watering, ensure proper drainage. Also, stay vigilant on weeds during the early days. To prevent weeds from thriving,  as well as aid in water retention, spread a liberal layer of fine mulch around your plants.

After-care and growth check 

After your planter box has reached its peak and before you start planning for your next season, create a tracking guide. Take notes on what you’ve planted, and how it performed and draw a diagram to document that season’s growth. This will help you consider which changes to make in future and also improve soil quality when you rotate your planting schedule. 

Get growing

We hope you enjoyed planning your planter box.  If you are seeking more advice from our garden experts, please feel free to contact us.