Arpan Kundu Chowdhury
It does not matter whether you are new to gardening or have already dipped your toes into growing herbs and flowers, a window box garden is the perfect place to start. Here I share with you a DIY geranium and herb window box that is beginner-friendly and gives you fragrant blooms and edible leaves all summer and into autumn. Let’s get started:
- Gather Your Gardening Essentials
Here’s what you’ll need to get started:
- A window box (approx. 18 x 8 x 8in / 45 x 20 x 20cm)
- Polystyrene pieces (for drainage)
- Potting mix
- 2 scented geraniums (‘Orange Fizz’ & ‘Attar of Roses’)
- 1 red-veined sorrel
- 1 creeping thyme
- 1 variegated oregano (‘Country Cream’)
- 1 Thai basil
- Watering can
- All-purpose liquid fertilizer
- Prep the Window box for Perfect Drainage
Your window box may not have drainage holes; you need to drill a few in the bottom. Then you have to add a layer of polystyrene pieces at the base to stop the holes from clogging, and then top with quality potting mix.
- Plant the Star of the Show: ‘Orange Fizz’ Geranium
Place your largest geranium in the soil first—‘Orange Fizz’ works beautifully. Ensure the top of the root ball sits at least 1 inch (2.5 cm) below the rim. If the roots are tightly wound, gently loosen them to help them grow freely.
- Add the Herbs and Companion Plants
Position the red-veined sorrel and Thai basil toward the back, where they’ll get plenty of sunlight. Tuck a second geranium to one side and the variegated oregano near the middle. Keep all plants about 1 inch below the rim.
- Finish with Fragrant Thyme Up Front
You have to be careful while placing the creeping thyme at the front of the box because taller plants may overshadow it.
- Secure and Water Your Window Garden
Place the windowbox on an outdoor windowsill or sunny indoor ledge. Water well and check that the box is secure—use metal brackets if needed to keep it safe and steady.
- Easy Aftercare for Thriving Plants
- If your potting mix has fertilizer, no need to feed it for the first few weeks.
- Once growth slows, use an all-purpose liquid fertilizer.
- Pinch off dead geranium flowers to keep blooms coming.
- Regularly harvest herb leaves to encourage new growth.
In the end, you will get the price of your labor. When you open your window, the geraniums infuse your home with delightful, uplifting scents. It’s beauty and aromatherapy in one box!
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Hi, I’m Arpan Kundu Chowdhury, the creator of Pinecrest Heights! Gardening has always been my passion — there’s something deeply satisfying about watching plants grow, nurturing them, and finding natural solutions to everyday gardening problems. I created this website to share my knowledge and personal experiences with gardening and outdoor maintenance.
My goal is to make gardening accessible to everyone, whether starting your first container garden or managing a full backyard oasis. Through Pinecrest Heights, I bring you practical advice on plant care, pest control, garden tools, and much more. I’m constantly exploring new methods, trying out tools, and learning about plants so I can share the best tips and tricks with you.
When I’m not writing or working in the garden, you’ll find me researching the latest in sustainable gardening and eco-friendly living. I hope my articles help you create a garden you love!
Let’s dig in and grow together!
