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Gardening can be a relaxing hobby. In fact, studies have shown that
gardening reduces stress and even increases longevity. Unfortunately,
traditional gardening consumes so much time that the people who
need relaxation most rarely have time to garden.
Luckily, there is an alternative for busy people, a window garden.
Gardening in a window can be as simple as buying several potted
plants and putting them on a windowsill. For people with just a
bit more time on their hands, a window box offers more room for
creativity.
Start a Window Box...
To start a window box garden, you will need a nice deep window
box that runs the width of your windowsill. You can find a box that
blends with any decor, ranging from fancy wrought iron boxes with
glass inserts to simple solid cedar boxes. Of course, the inexpensive
shallower plastic window boxes will also work, but these boxes require
more maintenance, since they will dry out much more quickly.
While you are picking out your window box, don't forget to look
for brackets so that you can hang the box to your window sill. You
will also need a bag of potting soil, some type of mulch, such as
small pebbles or dried moss, and water retaining crystals.
Before you begin planting your window box, you will need to install
it securely. Remember, your window box may be fairly light right
now, but once it is filled with moist soil, it will be much heavier
and will need to be well supported. Follow the manufacturer's instructions
to be sure the brackets are correctly installed and then lower your
window box into place.
Once your window box is installed, you are ready to begin preparing
the box for planting. If your potting mix is not pre-moistened,
dampen it so it will not be so dusty to work with.
Mix your potting soil with the water retaining crystals and fill
the bottom of the window box with the mixture. Leave the top four
inches of the window box unfilled so that you can place your plants
in the box without making too much of a mess.
Now, it is time for the fun part, designing your window box garden.
You will need to decide on a theme for your window box. Then you
will need to select several plants that are not too big or invasive
to plant in your box. If you are unsure about whether you can design
your window box garden, try one of these simple planting themes.
If you love to cook, a culinary window box may be the ideal choice
for you. For a standard sized window box, you will need to buy one
parsley plant, one oregano or basil plant, and three chive plants.
Position the plants so that you have one chive plant on each end
and one chive plant directly in the middle.
If you enjoy flowers, you may want to change your window box several
times a year. In late winter, plant a row of six to nine daffodil
or tulip bulbs. Then, as soon as the bulbs are done blooming and
the weather grows a bit warmer, remove the bulbs and plant three
geraniums and two Dusty Miller or two vinca vines in the box.
Once you select your plants and place them in the box, carefully
use the rest of your potting soil mixture to fill in the empty spaces
around your plants. Be sure you do not cover the plantís
stems and leaves with the potting soil. They should be planted so
that the new potting soil is even with the soil already on their
roots. Gently press down the potting soil around each plant and
then thoroughly water your window box. However, be careful not to
add too much water. The soil should feel as wet as a sponge after
excess water is squeezed out.
Finally, apply an even layer of your mulching material over the
surface of the potting soil in your window box. The mulch should
be approximately an inch thick. However, be sure you do not place
the mulch directly against the plantsí stems. They need a
bit of air around their stems to stay healthy.
Caring for your window box is simple. Just check the box two to
three times a week to be sure you do not need to water it. The water
retaining crystals should keep the potting soil from drying out
too quickly.
Now, when you are feeling tired or stressed, you can pause for
a few seconds to enjoy the natural beauty of your window box.
Sponsored by - Indoor
House Plant Secrets
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