Haskins’ top tips on how to grow edible plants from a window box.

With reduced leisure time and limited outdoor areas, garden spaces in modern homes are often minimal, however Haskins Garden Centres’ has released some top tips on how to make the most of your space by using window boxes.

Alasdair Urquhart, plant advisor at Haskins Garden Centres, explains: “Many of us love exercising our creative juices when it comes to gardening, but we are often limited on space, so we’ve released some handy hints on how to incorporate greenery in the home by using window boxes.”

 

Step 1 – Choose your planter

Planters come in a variety of colours shapes and sizes, some even have adjustable fixings that will fit over a fence or balcony. Choose one that suits your outdoors area.

 

Step 2 – Fill a third with potting compost

Add enough compost to allow your plants to stand at the right height above the top of the planter.

 

Step 3 – Select plants you like to eat and are suitable for the aspect where the planter will be placed

Stick to an odd number of species as this creates a balanced look. Plants can be grouped together to be visually appealing as well as a tasty selection. Good plants for container growing include red veined sorrel, pak choi and rocket.

 

Step 4 – Create interest by adding some trailing plants

Tumbling tomatoes will soften the edges of the planter by trailing and allow more space for the upright plants to spread.

 

Step 5 – Co-ordinate colours to create a visual appeal

Keep watered in dry spells and harvest salad regularly to keep leaves small and sweet.