Versatility is the spice of life, and awning windows offer just that. With this type of window you can you create a cozy nook for reading or sipping tea, or even turn the space into your own indoor garden. This is a great décor option if you want to bring a little nature inside your home without dealing with the hassle of a traditionally sized garden.
Even if you lack a green thumb, these tips and tricks will help you to grow a beautiful window garden that will bring color and purpose into any room in your home.
Know What to Plant
The size of the awning window will greatly dictate what you can reasonably grow in the space. You'll also want to think about the color and shapes that will work best into the existing decor of the room.
If you're looking for a functional garden for a window in the kitchen, planting herbs is a great option. Rosemary, chives, basil, thyme, sage, oregano, and parsley are all great herbs for a window box. You can plant them separately in small planters or have one large box with an assortment.
To add pops of green to a window garden outside of the kitchen, consider mini cacti or succulents. These are perfect for not only adding color but also texture. For added color aside from green, consider planting indoor friendly flowers such as:
Begonia
Scented Geranium
Peace Lily
African Violet
Jasmine
Kalanchoe
Orchids
By putting the right plants into your window garden, you can enjoy fresh herbs, flowers, or even vines from the comfort of your own home.
Set the Space
There are an endless amount of options for creating a space for your window garden. If you have a traditional window, the ledge is a great place for setting decorative potted plants. If you have a window that offers a deeper ledge, there’s much more room to get creative with your window garden.
Another option for setting the space for your indoor garden is to install shelves. Clear shelves give you more space for placing pots without impacting the amount of sunlight that comes through the window. This ensures your herbs or plants get the light they need to thrive in your home.
You can even hang a pot in the window! Hydroponic planting is the latest and greatest trend. Make the most out of your space by choosing the right setting that fits your space and plant needs.
Use the Right Containers
You of course want the containers to be nice to look at, but the containers you choose for your plants also need to be functional. Aesthetics are important, but ensuring your plants have the proper drainage to prevent root rot is the number one priority.
When choosing planting pots, be sure to only use ones that have a hole at the bottom. This allows any excess water to drain from the pot. Pots without a drainage hole can be used but require careful watering. Otherwise you risk water pooling at the bottom of the pot which can impact the health of the roots.
You also want to choose a container that offers enough space for the plants you’re growing. Crowded pots don’t offer enough room for the plant to properly grow, which can cause the plant to die entirely. However, if you’re growing succulents, crowding is well loved!
Have a Care Schedule
Just as you have a schedule for mowing your lawn or watering outdoor flowers, it’s important to have a schedule for taking care of your window garden. Without the proper light, water, or nutrients, your plants’ health will go downhill quickly. Because of the amount of sun that your window garden gets all day long, the container will likely dry up very quickly. Of course, the amount of water your plants need is very dependent on the type of plants you’re growing.
For the most part, dry soil and too much sunlight is a recipe for disaster! Be sure to feel the soil in each container at least every other day. If the soil feels dry, it’s time for water.
It’s also important to feed your plants. Plant food gives your plants the nutrients they need to stay in tip top condition. Typically you only need to feed your plants every few weeks. Over feeding can be problematic, so stick to a schedule.
Conclusion
Having a garden inside of your home is a great way to bring in color and natural beauty. By following these tips and tricks, you can have a window garden that brings a little bit of nature right into your home!
What are your best ideas for livening up your home with a window garden? What kind of plants and herbs will you plant in yours? Leave a comment with your thoughts in the section below.
