Question
QUESTION: I have all north facing window boxes and for the past several years have been planting impatients.  By the end of July they get very leggy, and don't look as good as I would like them to.  What am I doing wrong, and is there any other plant I can put into a north window box other than impatients.  I live in Richmond, Virginia

ANSWER: Hi Mary, Inpatients are fine for a North window, for they like a shadier area , but they need to be pinched back constantly to keep them from getting leggy, which is a very common growth pattern for them, lots of water and pinching will help delay that,but it is inevitable. I would try some Petunias or Marigolds, to keep it simple, but there again, they need to be dead headed periodically to keep them blooming. Another good choice would be coleus mixed with them, to give the box a balanced look. Nick

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QUESTION: I thought that petunias and marigolds needed sun?  What about begonias.  I live in a log home and want a punch of color for my window boxes.

ANSWER: The North window doesn't preclude it getting sun, unless it is shadowed by trees or another obstruction; Begonias will do fine, but they do like to be in a shadier area. You did not allude to whether this location is obstructed or not, for even a North facing will still get light, just not constant direct light like an East or West exposure. Nick

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QUESTION: Thanks for your help so far, but I am still having a problem.  I have 8 window boxes all facing north, 3 of them are on a porch, that gets little or no indirect sun, and very little light.  My home has an overhang of about 12 inches.  I am going to take your suggestion and plant begonias with some ferns and impatients.  I guess I am just afraid to do something different.  One other quick question, how many plants should go into a flower box.  Is there a rule to follow as to how far apart they should be planted or how many different kinds of flowers to plant in a box?

Answer
....very important point, good for you!....people tend to put way too many specimens in a small container, not taking into consideration that these little plants are going to grow quickly and expand their roots; keep it simple and allow about  10 inches per plant , minimum (more if it is a larger growing plant) , for Begonias and Impatiens this rule of thumb will work fine; albeit initially they will look sparse,they will fill in quickly, and grow much better for it, you will have much stronger plants and less competition for space and nutrients. Nick