Planting a Window Box Herb Garden: Depth, Soil, Sun, and Selection

Box Specifications and Placement

• Depth: 8–12 inches minimum.
• Light: Morning sun (east), afternoon shade.
• Airflow: Critical—space plants 12 inches apart.

Transplanting Steps

1. Prune 1/3 off bottom of root ball; gently loosen sides.
2. Plant at same depth as nursery pot.
3. Use sterile potting soil (not fertilized mixes).
4. Water in well; then weekly (adjust for rain).

Recommended Herbs for Window Boxes

Excellent choices: Thyme, oregano, parsley, cilantro, lemon verbena, marjoram, sweet basil, rosemary.

Avoid: Mint (invasive—give its own pot).

Ongoing Care

• Feed organic fertilizer (fish emulsion) every 3 weeks.
• Prune 1/3 of new growth every 3 weeks.
• Rosemary: mist weekly, don't soak.
• Reference: Growing Herbs from Seed, Cutting & Root by Thomas DeBaggio.

With sun, space, and steady organic feeding, a window box yields fresh herbs all season.