Containers For A Windowsill Herb Garden

Growing and maintaining a windowsill herb garden is a wonderful way to add vibrancy to the appearance of a home. When planning the garden, there are some questions one must ask beyond which type of herbs to plant. One such question will be "How can I make my windowsill big enough to accommodate a garden?" Even if the home has no windowsills to speak of, that doesn't mean it's impossible to have an herb garden gracing the windowsills. Another question would be "Which type of container should I use?" A traditional and beautiful option would be to use a window box but it might be surprising to learn that there are actually endless possibilities and many of them are right in front of you. As long as you know how to make your container herb friendly, almost any type of container will do!

When it comes to choosing containers for a window garden, one of the biggest determining factors will be the size of the windowsill itself. If you find that yours is too small to accommodate a garden, there are a few things than can be done to remedy the situation. Firstly, an extender can be purchased online or at a store. This should be big enough to hold several pots or planters. Another option would be to screw a finished wood board that's about 1" X 6" to the existing board of the windowsill. If these options are not viable because of an altogether lack of windowsills, some freestanding shelves can be placed in front of your window of choice.

An herb garden planted inside a window box brings unmatched charm to a home's appearance and can make a garden the talk of the neighborhood. One may think that all window boxes are made from wood or metal but these days you can find window boxes made from lightweight materials such as PVC, plastic and resin. The benefit of owning a window box manufactured from one of these "modern-day" materials is that the garden will have a stronger, more durable home that won't need as much maintenance. A quick search online using the term "window box" is helpful way to begin the research process.

A window box is a beautiful option but might not match a home's appearance or design. That doesn't mean that typical, run of the mill pots or containers are the final answer for a windowsill herb garden. There really is an abundance of interesting house-hold items just waiting for new life as a creative garden container. It's time to turn your home upside down from your kitchen cupboards to your attic and basement... and every place in between. Have you thought of using miniature wooden crates? How about simple ceramic buckets? Or, if you're into a rustic appeal, little galvanized buckets will do the trick. Old milk cans or small wooden toolboxes also offer unique alternatives. My personal favorite for my window gardens are antique breadboxes. If you don't find anything at home, plan a fun field trip to a local antique store. You're bound to find something perfect.

Almost any type of container will do the trick but make sure that its herb friendly. First of all, try not to use anything that's rusty. Second, all plants need a container with suitable drainage. Once you drill holes into the bottom of the container, add a layer of small pebbles or bark chips. Aside from drainage, this will also provide your plants with aeration. With a little imagination, you'll have the perfect containers for your windowsill herb garden in no time!