Grow box
Growing in a window box is like creating a world of greenery and life in a format that fits perfectly in a specific location. With a window box, you can watch seeds germinate, seedlings grow and harvest your own vegetables and herbs.
What can you plant in a grow box?
A wide range of flowers, vegetables and herbs thrive in grow boxes as long as they are properly cared for and have enough space for their roots. It's also important that the box is in a location that gets the right amount of sun for what you've planted in it. A south-facing window box is best for sun-loving plants. Growing herbs in a window box is a classic. If you choose perennials like thyme, chives or oregano, you can become self-sufficient in some of the little extras that take your cooking to the next level. In general, there are several advantages to buying or building a grow box instead of planting directly into the soil. Here are some of the most important ones:
- Your planting will have better protection against pests and diseases.
- A growing box is easy to move.
- It's easier to keep the soil moist and nutritious.
Do you want to keep plants outside during the summer but need protection when it's cold? Then a grow box is perfect. You can also use a growing box to grow seedlings that you can then plant in the garden.
Growing boxes in different materials
A growing box can be made of many different materials. Plastic is easy to handle, durable and weighs little. A corten steel planter box gets a nice patina when it rusts but is also durable and has a long lifespan. If you choose an untreated wooden box, it will develop a patina over time, unless you paint or treat it. Concrete is another interesting option for a stable grow box with a modern look.
Grow boxes with legs are practical
A grow box on legs has the advantage that you can fit storage underneath the growing space itself and that you get the height up. It is often suitable when growing ornamental plants. If you are growing vegetables, it may be more practical to harvest from a legged box as you do not have to bend over. Legged grow boxes can also provide privacy once the plants are up.
Build your own grow box
A simple grow box that you can buy in a department store will often suit most people's needs. However, for some spaces and if you have specific design requirements, you may need to build a grow box. A drawing will make the job easy, but if you're going to design it yourself, it's important to remember that:
- Provide your grow box with drainage holes.
- Treat the inside to make it more resistant if it is a wooden box.
- Choose the size according to the space where it will be placed.
- Do not paint or coat with a product that emits chemicals.
If you want to have one or more large growing boxes in the garden, pallet collars can be an alternative. They are cheap and easy to assemble. However, they cannot be moved as easily as a regular grow box.
Author: Johanna DammFact checked by Erik HoekstraLast updated 2023-12-04
