CobraCo English Horse Trough Planter, 36-Inch

Window boxes can be a simple addition to your home that will help add color and character to the property by framing flowers and other plants directly in front of your windows for everyone to see as they pass by and for you to see as you look out from the inside.

Often being constructed in varying materials, window boxes will be exposed to outdoor weather events and high levels of sunlight, depending on the direction they face, so choosing the right material is something you want to think about.

“Shop for a window box that is weather-resistant and UV-resistant,” says Vicki Lison, producer and narrator of “On The Fly…DIY,” an award-winning home improvement and DIY show of unique project tutorials for the casual DIY’er. “Fiberglass, vinyl and plastic all have models that boast these features.  Fiberglass is the most expensive of the three but it is also the longest lasting and rot-proof.”

Metal is a very durable material and often considered for the construction of window boxes. The things to think about when going with a metal model are that they can dent if made from thin sheet metal and they can rust in certain conditions over time, eventually rotting out. But metal can be a stunning and durable material when constructed properly.

“Metal box style versions should be used only on windows that do not receive full sun all day as they can get extremely hot in temperature,” says Liston.

Wood can be a popular choice for a window box due to its natural look. Wood boxes should be inspected regularly to see if any water damage or bug damage has been done. The pretty aesthetic of the wooden window box comes at a cost of higher weight when compared to plastic or fiberglass models, and that can impact how much soil you can put in it before reaching the maximum of how much weight can be supported by the window or hardware that attaches it to the building.

“If your outer window sill is not wide enough to safely support a window box, ensure it comes with mounting hardware. You may need to consult a professional during the installation process as brick, siding, stucco and natural stone all have different drilling requirements,” says Liston. “You’ll also want to ensure the holes drilled are properly sealed from weather and pest infestation. Window boxes with a railing mount feature are easier to install as they take advantage of existing railings, decks, balconies and banisters to support the window box’s weight.”

• If you choose wooden window boxes, coat them each year with a sealant that will help protect them from water and bug damage.
• If you like the convenience of not having to constantly water your plants, or even if you are the forgetful gardener who can’t quite remember the last time they did water their plants, seek out a window box with a self-watering reservoir that rarely needs to be filled up as it slowly feeds the appropriate amount of water to the plants in the box.