Green Thumb Tuesday: Growth opportunities in a limited space

Limited space does not have to limit your personal experience with the beauty of nature.

Create a windowsill garden to brighten bleak winter days by inviting your garden indoors or a window box in the spring, summer and fall to create an attractive natural accent to your home or office.

By following this general guideline you can ensure the success of your windowsill or window box garden.

• Determine the function of your window garden
  Enhancement – Flowering & Foliage plants, Butterfly Garden, etc.
  Fragrance – Scented plants
  Food – Vegetables or Herbs
  
• Determine the windows light source for proper plant selection Window Faces
  North – shade loving plants
  South – full sun most of the day
  East – sun & shade loving plants
  West – partial sun
  
• Select the right planter(s)
  Size – windowsill gardens can be multiple pots & a window box should not exceed window width
  Materials – terra-cotta pots are recommended for windowsill gardens & a window box could be plastic, wood, or iron frame
  Drainage – drainage holes are a must for all planters & don't forget drip pans for your pots on your windowsill
  
• Install and fill your planter – secure your window box to the exterior of your building, if you have any doubts contact a professional. Use a soil less mix as a planting medium and fill your planter(s) with healthy and vigorous plants.
  
• Provide regular maintenance to your garden

Water your garden regularly, fertilize, deadhead, pinch & prune new growth, and cultivate your soil. Enjoy!!

Today's photo shows a window box at WPC's Fourth Avenue office in Pittsburgh.

If you would like more information about becoming a garden steward, or volunteering for one-day plantings, contact Marianne Cola at (412) 586-2324 or mcola@paconserve.org.

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