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Intro:
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| Don't use chemical sealants on the inside of the box. The toxins can pollute the soil and harm the plants. If you don't have a 1/2-inch (1.25-centimeter) drill bit to make the drainage holes, use your largest bit and drill multiple holes close together to form one larger hole. |
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How you line and seal your window box depends on whether you want to keep it indoors or out. Indoors: First, sand the outside of the box, smoothing down any rough edges. If you want to fill the box with soil (or use pots without trays), it's a good idea to waterproof the wood. To do this, you can either cover the inside with a natural sealant, like linseed oil or beeswax, or line it with tar paper or heavy-duty plastic (use your wood glue to attach it to the sides). Seal the inside edges with a bead of exterior caulk. Let the caulk dry, then add a 1-inch (2.5-centimeter) layer of gravel to the bottom. If you're using straight soil, cover the gravel with a piece of landscape cloth or plastic window screening. If you're using pots, you can just sit the pots on the gravel. For a final touch, you can paint or stain the outside of the box. Fill it with soil and your favorite plants, set it in a sunny area, and watch your window box bloom. If you want to fill the box with potted plants, skip the sealants, put plant trays on the box's bottom, put in the plants, and you're all set. Outdoors: Sand the box's outside if you want (you can also paint or stain it). Next, drill four or five holes about 1/2 inch (1.25 centimeters) in diameter into the bottom of the box. Lay a piece of landscape cloth or plastic window screening across the bottom of the box, so it fits snugly. This will prevent soil from running out. Finally, get ready to hang the box. |
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Line and seal the window box
