farm plants in containers can be a convenient way to enjoy harvest home when you do n’t have time or vigor to build full - blown garden bed or manage crop direct set in the ground . However , there may be times when you simply need larger containers .
There ’s where garden boxes come in . While they may sometimes be conflated withraised garden bottom , garden boxes are often smaller and much more transportable than beds — many also come with commodious features like wheels and legs , too ! If you feel curious about garden boxes , we ’ve got you covered with a comprehensive guide on what they are and what you’re able to plant in them .
Why would you choose to use a garden box?
Instead of pot up your plants in a little container or imbed them directly in the ground , you ’ve convey a third selection : a garden box or plant box . The chief reward of an enclosed box is that it create a fortress of sorts for your plants while still being more portable than a raised bed .
you could control exactly what go into your garden box . Roots ca n’t spread all throughout your landscape — this makesmanaging robustious weedsand thinning out crops easier . With established edge , you could also keep works from ill-tempered - pollinating or distribute disease . Plus , a garden boxful is practical for keeping foot traffic away from compact soil and crushing delicate flowers , fruit , and veg .
Features of garden boxes
Many the great unwashed consider raised bed to be garden corner , but you definitely have more choice than a wooden box seat when shopping around for a garden boxful — also , planter boxes incline to have bottoms ; while raised beds do not need bottoms .
When you look up garden box or plant box online ( think retail merchant , such as Lowe ’s , Amazon , and Home Depot ) , you may find many elevated pick , not just beds that sit on the priming coat . Many option make out withfeatures like wheels and legsfor mobility . You might also find drainage holes , trellises , shelving , and sack , too .
As far as textile , you’re able to typically choose between galvanized alloy , plastic , or wood . If you ’re pass with charge plate , ensure it ’s heat - resistant charge plate to avoid undesirable warping . For a wooden choice , verify if your plantation owner features any water- and atmospheric condition - repellent finishes — you may have to apply a sealer yourself .
Preparing a garden box for planting
you could treat a garden box like a very big planter . Make trusted that you have , first and foremost , drainage maw to keep your soil from rot your plant roots . If your garden box does n’t already have drainage holes , drill some in . You may also want to line the bottom and sides of your box with composition board , perforated charge plate , or landscaping textile , specially if your box is n’t weatherproof or rainproof .
While pests and weeds may not be issues with boxful that seat high above the earth , you still want to protect your garden boxful . Another tip when working with a raised garden box is togive your soil plenty of drain — rectify your stain with perlite , bark , or compost .
Plants that do well in garden boxes
All kinds of plants can do well in garden box seat , as long as your works do n’t want too much blank to develop . Here are a few theme to get you bulge out .
Herbs
Herbs , such as Basil of Caesarea , chives , and dill , have shallow roots , so they can do well in a raised loge as long as they have full drain — you do n’t really need your box to be any more than 1 foot deep . you could keep shorter herb on the side and taller ones in the center to make harvesting easier and shade distribution more even .
Fruits and vegetables
You cangrow all form of fruitsand veggies in a raise garden box seat , which is the utter environment for keeping soil warm and wanton . flora like tomato plant , bush attic , leafy Green , and onion can do really well in garden box . If you need extra musical accompaniment , consider await for boxes with trellises , or make your own support system . For long - root veggie , such as carrots , consider varieties with brusk source .
Flowers
you could summate dad of color with blooms spilling over a raised garden box . Flowers that do particularly well in a warm plantation owner box include geraniums and petunias .
Trailing plants
If you like a cascading look , basic tracking plantscan also look slap-up in elevated garden boxes . With picks such as English ivy , just ensure that you cut from time to meter .
Garden box maintenance tips
Where to situate your garden box
Where you should place your garden box seat really depends on what kind of plant life you ’re raise and what fourth dimension of twelvemonth it is . Ideally , you want your plants to receive full sun 6 hours a 24-hour interval , but you might opt for a shady location if you have plants that ask partial shade or if you ’re growing crops in the middle of a swelter summer . The vantage of an enclosed garden box is that it ’s comfortable to move , specially if you have one on wheel .
How often to fertilize your garden box plants
Garden boxes lean to be larger than containers , so it takes longer for nutrient to be used up by your industrial plant or leached out with tearing . you’re able to remediate your soil with compost or aslow - liberation fertilizerwhen you first implant your jet and after bloom and harvesting periods . Alternatively , you’re able to apply a quick - release fertilizer every month during the grow time of year . You should also keep in mind what your plants need .
How often to clean your garden box
Garden box criminal maintenance unremarkably includes removing weed and debris every so often . When you ’re ready to plant a new crop , you also desire to remove damaged or diseased plants and spruce up any unseemly garden edging . If you point out any infestations , it may be dear to get rid of all of your current dirt and disinfect the box with soapy urine , whitener , or alcohol — just make certain that your germicide is safe to use on your garden loge material .
With these bakshish in judgement , you may select and set up your garden boxful with authority . Before you know it , you may enjoy a tasty crop or vivacious blooms with a contained and easy - to - exert planting system . Over clip , all you need to do is to keep up with a little criminal maintenance to raise healthy , productive plants .
