Learn how to make your own planters with this easy step-by-step tutorial to make window boxes that will add color and charm to your home.
This project was truly a family affair, from shopping, to painting and planting. When we purchased our house, we knew the existing window boxes {actually shelves for planters} were victims of wood rot. I was anxious to replace them this Spring to add charm and color to the front of our home.
Supplies needed to make window flower boxes:
Wood
Nail/Staple Gun
Clamps
Screws
Trim {3/4×1-3/4″ accent colonial shown}
Waterproof wood glue
Sand paper
Primer
Paint
Drill
Weed barrier
How to make window boxes:
Use screws to ensure they are secure.
Add trim to accent at the top, bottom or both.
Clamp it to the window box and use a nail gun to adhere it.
Use waterproof wood glue to give it a perfect finish along the seams before sanding {for an even edge}.
Prime your wood boxes inside and out to reduce wood rot before painting.
Drill drainage holes throughout the box.
Staple weed barrier over holes to keep soil from draining through.
Hang!
Tips to fill planter boxes:
- Use aluminum soda cans or to pine cones to fill the bottom of planter boxes without adding a lot of weight.
- Use potting soil, which is much lighter and includes fertilizer for plants versus top soil.
Finally, we added and edible garden! Begonias, carnations, chrysanthemums, clover, day lilies, lavender, lilacs, pansies, peonies, impatiens, and tulip {petals} are some of my favorites. For early Spring, I knew I could rely on pansies and lavender, not to mention that the colors will compliment our home and landscaping plans well. As you may already know, I love lavender for it’s beautiful aesthetic, fragrance and versatility. Click here for some of my favorite lavender uses. Pansies are great for garnishes and salads. The height of the lavender balances the pansies.
These are perfect! How deep and wide are the boxes?
Unfortunately I can’t recall, Kim and we no longer live there. We made them to custom fit the window, but I think about 1′ deep and maybe 10″ wide. I hope that helps!
a lovely project! and you did it the right way – I plan to make a ‘cover’ for our plastic window boxes with wood trim/molding… but watch me mess it up… keep up the good work Julie!
You’ve got this, Linda! I’m sure they’ll be beautiful!
I love your window box! I am hoping to add one to my home this summer. Thanks for sharing this idea!
Karli, we used tapcon screws and a masonry drill bit.
How did you adhere them to the brick?
I am totally agree with your oppinion.this blog post is very encouraging to people who want to know these topics.
Thanks Angela! Nice to “meet” you!
Oh these are SO perfect. They look great on the house – what a charming idea. I’ve always wondered how to add the accent details- using trim pieces is so smart! I’m also one of the Lowe’s Creative garden gals which is how I found your blog. So great to meet you!
Thanks Sandy! I love the character it added!
ohh wow! i love this DIY~!!
xo,
Sandy
Sandy a la Mode