Gardening Made Easy: Grow Your Own Food in a Window Box
Not ready to commit to a huge garden?
Are you looking to grow your own vegetables in a small way?
Recently, I came across the idea of growing your vegetables in a window box. I thought it was a brilliant way to grow your own food without undertaking all the work that come with planting a traditional backyard garden.
Benefits of Growing Your Own Food in a Window Box
- Growing vegetables in a window box keeps it small and manageable.
- You can do this if you live an apartment or your neighborhood that doesn’t allow you to plant gardens.
- It’s easy.
Vegetables For Your Windowsill
Here are a list of vegetables from Gardening Know How that are perfectly suitable for growing in a window box.
- Lettuce
- Radish
- Carrots
- Cherry Tomato
- Hot Pepper
- Bell Pepper
- Onion
- Spinach
- Green Onions
In an article by Craftsy.com, the author even recommends growing aloe in a window box.
Here is a list of herbs to grow in your own window box:
- Rosemary
- Chives
- Cilantro
- Tarragon
- Basil
- Parsley
- Oregano
How to Grow Vegetables in a Window Box
Materials will need to grow your own vegetables in a window box include:
- A Window Box
- Potting Soil
- Seeds
- Water
- Liquid Organic Fertilizer or Compost
- Large Bucket
The Soil
Both HGTV and Craftsy.com recommend watering the soil before using it. Check to see if your soil says moisture lock or long lasting moisture. If not, make sure to put the potting soil in a bucket and slowly pour water into it. Mix the soil with the water until it’s saturated and spongy.
Then spread the soil into the widow box. Here you can add a couple of cups of compost to it. Keep filling the window box until only about a 1/4 inch is left.
Planting
The seed packets will tell you what you need to know about how far to space the seeds. Keep the seeds about in inch from the edges. Dig trenches that are about a 1/4 inch deep for each row.
Caring
Make sure to water and fertilize as needed. Then sit back and watch your garden grow. Remember that most vegetables require about 6-8 hours light sunlight.
Summary
A window box is a perfect solution for growing you own vegetables and herbs if you are not able to have a traditional backyard garden. From lettuce and green onions to rosemary and oregano, you will be enjoying fresh produce right from within your window.
Bonus
Not able to break ground for a garden? No worries, grow your garden in a window box. If you are new to gardening make sure to check out – 8 Tips Every New Gardener Should Know.
