These Amazon Self-Watering Window Box Planters Keep Plants Happy With Little Effort

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Installing a window box is one of the easiest ways to bring colorful curb appeal to your home, and according to Amazon customers, there's one self-watering planter that can keep your plants happy with very little effort. The Mayne Fairfield Weather-Resistant Window Boxes come in several different colors and sizes, ranging in price from $62 to $175. Thousands of reviewers say they're impressed with the overall quality and durability of these planters made in the U.S. with a thick plastic material. The boxes are backed by a 15-year warranty, which is two to three times longer than you can expect wooden alternatives to last since they're prone to rotting. But it's the self-watering design that many users say makes these window box planters worth the investment.

Each planter is double-walled, which creates a trough-like water reservoir at the bottom. Providing your plants with enough hydration is one of the gardening basics for beginners, but if you have a busy lifestyle, travel frequently, or live in a particularly hot climate, a self-watering window box can be a lifesaver. The manufacturer recommends using a few inches of lightweight material in the bottom of the planter to decrease the overall weight before filling it with potting mix. Crushed water bottles are one money-saving gardening hack that it suggests, but you could also use mulch or wood chips. Although most of the feedback was positive about this Amazon find, a few users experienced weight-related issues that made installation using the included wall mounts a serious challenge.

Plenty of window flower box ideas will have you smelling the roses, but there are several factors to consider. First and foremost, pick a good location. Along with ensuring your window box will get enough sunlight, you should only install window boxes you can easily access. Despite the self-watering mechanism, these Amazon window box planters do require occasional watering. Plus, you'll need to reach them for planting, fertilizing, and deadheading.

After choosing your location, measure your windows carefully before ordering your self-watering planters. While the look ultimately comes down to personal preference, in general the most attractive boxes will span the entire width of your windows plus a few inches on either side. This is also an excellent time to consider how you'll install them. The manufacturer recommends attaching the included wall mount brackets to plywood strapping if you have siding, but for other exterior surfaces you may need to use concrete or brick masonry screws (sold separately).

Finally, you can get to the fun part: picking your plants! Let your area's hardiness zone, local climate, and typical sun exposure guide these choices. Stick to a consistent color palette especially if your windows are symmetrical or you prefer an elegant look. Consider growing edible plants and herbs if your window box planter is near the kitchen. You can also create visual interest with a popular design that combines tall "thriller" plants that add drama, reliable "filler" plants that make the planter appear full, and softening "spiller" plants and flowers that hang over the edge. Be mindful to avoid anything that will want more room to spread out than your planter provides. Begonias, petunias, and coleus are classic choices that can add lots of long-lasting and low-maintenance beauty.