The most defining trait of raised planter boxes is the set of legs elevating them above ground level . While traditional garden beds are dug directly into the ground , raised boxes are totally contained to themselves . Raised planter boxes are commonly situated in places where gardening would otherwise be impossible — such as balconies and driveways . Whether you build your own raised planter box or purchase one from the local garden centre , they make great places to grow plants . Raised boxes are made
Building your own raised planter box is easy and rewarding . from a variety of materials , including metal , wood , steel , plastic , and concrete .
Why Do People Like Raised Planter Boxes ?
From more efficient integrated pest management ( IPM ) strategy to ease-of-use , there many reasons people enjoy raised boxes . Because they are 100 percent mobile , you can move them wherever you want . Unlike regular gardens , you can put raised planter boxes in places like patios where you
Raised planter boxes also provide unmatched accessibility .
traditionally can ’ t grow crops . Since raised boxes keep plants off the ground , they make it easy to protect your plants from bugs and pathogens . This is especially true when your boxes are on a balcony or patio that is well-insulated from local plants and animals . Because they are off the ground , raised planter boxes make it easy to conduct garden chores without straining your back .
“ Whether you build your own raised planter box or purchase one from the local garden centre , they make great places to grow plants .”
Where Should I Place My Planter Box ?
The main things to consider when figuring out where to place your planter box are water and sunlight . If you opt to place your planter box on a patio or balcony , be sure there is a hose near your setup . In the end , irrigating a sizable planter with a watering can could
A key aspect of accessibility and ease of use is ensuring proper placement of the planter box . become a very cumbersome chore over several months in the summer and fall . While convenient water access is a nice perk to ease your summer workload , ample sunlight is a necessity for any crop . Many popular vegetables like tomatoes and peppers do best with eight hours of strong sunlight every day . If you have a full garden canopy , or you don ’ t have the option of direct sunlight for long periods of the day , certain crops like kale and lettuce do well in shade or partial sun .
Growing Mediums & Container Drainage
To ensure the best possible results for your container garden , you must also carefully design your setup with appropriate drainage . Many people who grow in raised boxes choose light soil mixes with a good amount of perlite for ample aeration . Another great option is to use a
A carefully curated soil blend focusing on high drainage will ensure the best possible results . soilless substrate like coco coir . In either case , a light substrate allows air to penetrate the root zone from the bottom . Whether you opt to purchase a raised planter box or make one yourself , be sure the container allows water to freely drain from the bottom . If you position your planter in a livable area like a balcony , you should catch excess water with a tray or something similar .
What to Grow in Your Raised Planter Box
Between ornamentals and food crops , there are a ton of options for different plants to grow in raised bed boxes . Besides obvious influences like the types of foods you like to eat , another thing to consider when choosing a plant species is overall growth structure . In the end ,
Kale and spinach are popular choices to eat and easy options to grow in planter boxes . you want to choose plants that complement one another , as well as the allocated cultivation space .
Common food crops grown in planters include :
• Tomatoes • Peppers • Leafy Greens
• Beans • Herbs • Cucumbers
Popular ornamental plants grown in raised planters include :
• Petunias • Potato Vines • Gladiolas
• Begonias • Geraniums • Pansies
If you aren ’ t sure where to begin with choosing plants for your planter box , it ’ s always a safe bet to choose species that do well in your specific climate .
The Best Way to Arrange Plants in Your Planter Box
A great starting point for arranging plants in your box is figuring out which direction is south , as this is where the strongest sunlight comes from . If you are growing food crops , you want to arrange your plants in a fashion that caters to the sunlight demands of each species . To illustrate ,
An arrangement that caters to sunlight demands can ensure maximum yields for food crops . if you are growing taller plants like tomatoes , arrange them on the north side of the planter so they don ’ t block shorter plants like peppers and cucumbers . Or , you can intentionally shade low-light species like lettuce with taller plants positioned on the southern side of the garden .
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