Homegrown Hopes

My Secret Hack for Watering Window Box Planters

Watering window box planters can become a daily chore in the dry summer months. I’m sharing my secret hack for skipping a couple of days of watering without killing your plants and losing all of their charm and curb appeal. This hack helped save my window planter boxes that were drying out quickly and killing the plants inside. Have a thriving and beautiful window box planter all spring and summer long!

window box planter with creeping Jenny and asparagus fern

Window Box Planters Add So Much Charm

For years I’ve dreamed of having beautiful, luscious window box planters brimming with color and dripping with creeping Jenny and sweet potato vines. I think they bring so much cottage charm and add instant curb appeal. Last year I finally convinced Dustin to let me hang planters because I found these nifty clips for vinyl siding.

I was so excited to fill my planters! They looked amazing…for about a week. Then they shriveled up and died. I really did water them, but I noticed that every bit of it was running right out of the bottom and into the dirt. I killed two more rounds of plants last year before I wised up this spring and added one super simple and cheap item under the soil that was a total game changer.

For years I’ve dreamed of having beautiful, luscious window box planters brimming with color and dripping with creeping Jenny and sweet potato vine. I think they bring so much cottage charm and add instant curb appeal. Last year I finally convinced Dustin to let me hang planters because I found these nifty clips for vinyl siding. They allow you to hang items on your house without creating holes!

I was so excited to fill my planters! I filled them up with colorful flowers and they looked amazing…for about a week. Then they shriveled up and died. I really did water them, but I noticed that every bit of it was running right out of the bottom and into the dirt. So I thought I would try it again, and this time I was sure to water them daily. But then, this round died too. I thought maybe it was happening because this part of my house gets direct sun and is right in the summer heat, so I thought it would be a good idea to try just one more time. I killed a total of three rounds of plants last year before I decided enough was enough. I knew there had to be something easy I could do to prevent this from happening. I wanted my dream of the window box planter charm to come true! So for this next year, I was determined. I set out to figure out how I could get these beautiful planter boxes to retain more water and prevent the plants from dying. 

Water retention in flower boxes

Typically with container pots, you need to take care that there are drainage holes for adequate draining to prevent excess water. Figuring out how to keep the water in was a whole different issue! Sure, you can find fancy systems like self-watering planters at Home Depot, but I was out to find an easy solution that wouldn’t cost an arm and a leg! I’ve done my research and I’ve seen many people suggest water beads, which is something that we’ve had around our home at one point or another, but at this point, they are long gone and I don’t want to have to go out and hunt for more. 

Another suggestion I have seen is to line the bottom of the window box with a plastic bag or garbage bag, but I thought having something that was more absorbent might be even better. The window box liners are made from coconut husks and they just really don’t hold much water in them and the water just runs right out. 

MY SECRET FOR RETAINING MOISTURE IN WINDOW BOX PLANTERS

Okay, are you ready for this? 

My secret for retaining moisture in my window box plants is…. Diapers.

You read that right. Plain old baby diapers! They prevent all of the water from running straight out the bottom of your window planters and allow the plants to absorb the water more slowly over time.

It was so simple to add them to my planters, and I’ve been really pleased with the results. I had excess diapers that were lying around and this was a great way to use them up!

The diapers are super absorbent so they will help retain some of the moisture in the planter itself, and then as the soil drys out, the soil will pull the moisture out of the diapers, helping the soil stay moist for a much longer period of time! And then every time you water the planters, it will just refill again! 

I could tell from the moment that I started to water the new gorgeous window boxes that this method was going to work out so much better! Last summer when I watered, it seemed like the water went from the window sill to the ground in no time at all. Now, it may have had a slight drip, but it definitely retained the water so much better. I could tell that I would finally have flowers that would last until the end of the season! Who knew diapers would be such a great idea! 

Check out my first-ever video tutorial on how I added the diapers to my window boxes (and give me some grace). This was definitely a learning experience, so surely to goodness, the videos will improve over time!

Watch The Video Tutorial

How to use diapers in planter boxes

The first step to using diapers in your window sill planters is to remove the old soil. You don’t have to remove all of it, just enough that you can put the diapers close to the bottom of the box and they won’t pop out of the top.

Next, line the bottom with diapers. I open them up and lay them in a single layer. I used three diapers, but you can use as many as you need to cover the bottom. You don’t want to leave any hole so that you do not have spots where water just seeps right through! 

The next step is to cover the diapers with potting mix , or even just add the old potting soil back, and plant your flowers as normal. 

That’s it! It really is that simple. It is a really easy and free way to remedy the problem. Now I can fill my beautiful window boxes with seasonal flowers and different plants such as asparagus fern without worrying about them drying out in the heat of summer! 

More water retention ideas

Another idea to help with water retention would be to use water globes. I love how pretty the water globes are and that you can get different colors and different designs. They work by slowly releasing water into the soil which helps keep the soil moist. For a window box planter, you could stick one on either side, or even an extra one in the middle. It could look really pretty to get a water globe that matches the color of the flowers that you have planted! 

Another idea if you are struggling to keep your planter boxes moist enough is to use plants that thrive on a drier climate. Lavender is a plant that enjoys full sun and is also drought tolerant. It may be a good plant that wouldn’t mind the soil drying out quickly. Plus, it has a lovely smell and is loved by bees and other pollinators! Another plant that is drought-tolerant is the Sweet Potato Vine, a member of the trailing plants family. It looks beautiful in your window planter boxes because it will fall over the side and comes in a variety of colors such as lime green and dark purple. Or, if you really want a plant that thrives with less water, you could build a planter box full of succulents! They store moisture in their leaves so that they can survive periods of drought. They do great in dry and warm climates and thrive in direct sunlight. 

More garden resources

How to Create a Raised Garden Bed From Square One – Learn my planting process for choosing the right location and materials for your raised beds to avoid common mistakes. 

Transplanting Perennials to Expand Your Garden for Free – Learn how to easily expand your flower beds without having to purchase more flowers by transplanting perennials from your own garden.

10 Tips for Gardening in Dry Weather – Learn how to keep healthy plants even in dry weather! 

An Early Morning Stroll in The Late Spring Cottage Garden- Take a tour of my garden with me! 

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Jessica Howells

    Beautiful, and a good idea! I’ve used plastic trash bags to line my hayrack window boxes, and they last a long time and help with water retention also. I may use this idea on my mom’s window boxes, as she can’t water them very frequently, and lives in Charlotte, where it gets very hot.

    Reply

  3. Marie

    This is genius. I know this is an older video, but can you recommend anything to do to prevent water waste AFTER one plants their window boxes. I was taught to use towels to help with retention, but its not working well. Unfortunately, I saw this video AFTER I put together my window boxes two weeks ago.

    Reply

    • Caitlin

      Oh bummer! I have seen some suggest using watering globes as a sort of drip watering system. You could also mix in some water beads to help retain moisture.

      Reply

  4. BTM Layout Call Girl Service

    4 stars
    I have to thank you for the efforts you’ve put in penning this
    website. I really hope to check out the same high-grade content
    from you in the future as well. In fact, your creative writing abilities has encouraged me to get my very own blog now
    😉

    Reply

  5. Hebbal Call Girls

    3 stars
    I really love your blog.. Very nice colors & theme. Did you build this
    web site yourself? Please reply back as I’m wanting to create my own blog and would
    love to learn where you got this from or what
    the theme is named. Many thanks!

    Reply

  6. Call Girls Service Vijayanagar

    5 stars
    Oh my goodness! Impressive article dude! Thanks, However I am experiencing issues
    with your RSS. I don’t know the reason why I can’t join it.

    Is there anybody else getting the same RSS problems? Anyone who knows the answer can you kindly
    respond? Thanx!!

    Reply

  7. Call Girl in Koramangala

    4 stars
    Hey there would you mind letting me know which webhost you’re working with?
    I’ve loaded your blog in 3 different web browsers and I must
    say this blog loads a lot quicker then most. Can you recommend a good hosting provider at a honest price?

    Many thanks, I appreciate it!

    Reply

  8. Iesha

    3 stars
    I simply couldn’t leave your site before suggesting that I actually enjoyed the standard info an individual supply for ylur visitors?
    Is going to bee back frequently to check out new posts

    My blog; Iesha

    Reply

  9. ufabet Agent

    5 stars
    First of all I want to say awesome blog! I had a quick question that I’d like
    to ask if yoou don’t mind. I was curious to find out how you center yourself andd clear your thoughtss before
    writing. I’ve had difficulty clearing my thoughts in getting my thoughts out there.

    I truly do take pleasure in writing but it just seems like the first 10 to 15 minutes are wasted simply juyst trying to figure out how to begin. Any
    recommendations or tips? Many thanks!

    mysite ufabet Agent

    Reply

  14. sex việt nam gái xinh múp nõn

    1 star
    It’s a shame you don’t have a donate button! I’d
    most certainly donate to this excellent blog!
    I suppose for now i’ll settle for bookmarking and adding your RSS feed to my Google account.
    I look forward to brand new updates and will talk about this blog with my
    Facebook group. Talk soon!

    Reply

  15. sex chịch nhau không che

    1 star
    I’m really enjoying the theme/design of your website.
    Do you ever run into any web browser compatibility issues?
    A few of my blog audience have complained about my
    website not working correctly in Explorer but looks great in Chrome.
    Do you have any tips to help fix this issue?

    Reply

  17. https://69vncom.com/

    5 stars
    Please let me know if you’re looking for a writer for your site.
    You have some really good posts and I feel I would be a good asset.
    If you ever want to take some of the load off, I’d absolutely love to write some articles for your blog in exchange for
    a link back to mine. Please shoot me an email if interested.
    Thanks!

    Reply

  20. sex trẻ em

    5 stars
    Simply wish to say your article is as surprising. The clarity
    on your publish is just excellent and i could assume you are knowledgeable on this subject.
    Fine along with your permission let me to take hold of your RSS feed to
    keep up to date with drawing close post. Thank you
    one million and please keep up the rewarding work.

    Reply

  21. Nohu

    2 stars
    Hey! Would you mind if I share your blog with my facebook group?
    There’s a lot of folks that I think would really enjoy your content.
    Please let me know. Cheers

    Reply

  24. https://23win23.net/

    5 stars
    Have you ever thought about writing an e-book
    or guest authoring on other blogs? I have a blog based upon on the same subjects you discuss and
    would really like to have you share some stories/information. I know my audience would value your work.
    If you’re even remotely interested, feel free to send me an e mail.

    Reply

  28. legal practice

    4 stars
    Wow, awesome weblog format! How lebgthy have youu ever been blogging for?
    you made running a blog glance easy. Thhe total glance of your website
    is magnificent, as well as the content material!

    Reply

  29. solicitor uk

    1 star
    Greetings from Carolina! I’m bored to tears at work so I decided to check out
    your website on mmy iphone during lunch break. I love the knowledge you provide here and can’t
    wait to take a look when I get home. I’m amazed at
    how quick your blog loaded on my mobile ..

    I’m not even using WIFI, just 3G .. Anyhow, superb site!

    Reply

  32. lawyer

    1 star
    What’s up to evvery one, tthe contents present
    at this website are truly amazing for people experience,
    well, keep up the nice work fellows.

    Reply

  33. Ollie

    2 stars
    Heya i’m for the first time here. I came across this board and I find It really useful & it helped me out a lot.
    I ope to give something back and help others loke youu aided me.

    My blog post … Ollie

    Reply

  36. law firm

    4 stars
    I have learn a few just right stuff here. Certasinly value bookmarking
    for revisiting. I surprise how a lot attempt yoou set to create one of these wonderful informative
    website.

    Reply

  38. gogogocheck

    1 star
    An interesting discussion is worth comment. I do believe that you ought to
    write more on this topic, it might not be a taboo
    matter but typically people don’t speak about these issues.

    To the next! Kind regards!!

    Reply

  54. dewi 288

    4 stars
    Thanks , I have just been looking for info about this topic for a while and yours
    is the best I’ve discovered so far. However,
    what about the conclusion? Are you certain in regards to the supply?

    Reply

  61. lawyers in my area

    5 stars
    Hmm iis anyone else havjng problems with the images on this blog loading?

    I’m trying to determine iif its a problem
    oon my end or if it’s the blog. Any feedback
    would be greatly appreciated.

    Reply

  90. say79

    4 stars
    I’m not sure where you’re getting your info, but great
    topic. I needs to spend some time learning much more or understanding more.
    Thanks for excellent information I was looking for this information for my mission.

    Reply

  127. tools

    1 star
    This is a good tip especially tto those fresh to the blogosphere.
    Short but very precise information… Thanks for sharing this one.
    A must read post!

    My webpage :: tools

    Reply

  144. solicitors

    2 stars
    Hi there! I know this is somewhat ooff topic but I was wondering which bloog platform
    are you using for this site? I’m getting sick and tired of WordPress because I’ve haad issues with hackers and I’m looking at
    alternatives for another platform. I would bbe awesome if you could point me
    iin the direction off a good platform.

    Reply

  148. Azərbaycan borcları

    5 stars
    Hello are using WordPress for your blog platform? I’m new to the blog world but I’m
    trying to get started and create my own. Do you require any coding
    expertise to make your own blog? Any help would
    be greatly appreciated!

    Reply

  150. Face Treatments

    2 stars
    Attractive part of content. I simply stumbled upon your weblog and in accession capital to assert that I get actually enjoyed account your weblog posts.
    Anyway I’ll be subscribing on your feeds and even I achievement you access constantly rapidly.

    Reply

  402. Houston Concrete Contractor

    2 stars
    Hmm it looks like your website ate my first comment (it was super long) so
    I guess I’ll just sum it up what I submitted and say, I’m
    thoroughly enjoying your blog. I as well am an aspiring blog blogger but I’m still new to the whole thing.

    Do you have any points for first-time blog writers?
    I’d certainly appreciate it.

    Reply

  406. Residential Concrete Contractors Houston

    2 stars
    Howdy! This is kind of off topic but I need some guidance from an established blog.
    Is it very difficult to set up your own blog? I’m not very
    techincal but I can figure things out pretty fast.
    I’m thinking about creating my own but I’m not sure where to start.
    Do you have any ideas or suggestions? With thanks

    Reply

  415. gutter roof repair san ramón

    2 stars
    Hi there this is somewhat of off topic but I was wanting to know if blogs use WYSIWYG editors
    or if you have to manually code with HTML. I’m starting a blog soon but have no coding skills so I wanted to get guidance
    from someone with experience. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

    Reply

  416. slot gampang menang

    3 stars
    Fantastic blog! Do you have any tips for aspiring
    writers? I’m hoping to start my own site soon but I’m a little lost on everything.
    Would you advise starting with a free platform like WordPress or go for a paid option? There are
    so many options out there that I’m totallly cofused ..
    Any tips?Thank you!

    Look at my blog: slot gampang menang

    Reply

  418. Face Treatments los angeles county

    3 stars
    Its such as you learn my mind! You appear to grasp a lot about this, like
    you wrote the e-book in it or something. I believe that you can do with a few percent to pressure the message home a little bit, but other than that, this is magnificent blog.
    An excellent read. I’ll certainly be back.

    Reply

  432. collagen face serum

    5 stars
    Hello there, I do think your site may be having internet browser compatibility issues.

    Whenever I look at your website in Safari, it looks fine however, if opening in I.E., it
    has some overlapping issues. I merely wanted to give you a quick heads up!
    Aside from that, wonderful website!

    Reply

  446. gay massage porn

    4 stars
    Halo 3: ODST 2009 first-person shooter sport developed by Bungie. Published by Microsoft Game Studios. The fifth installment in the Halo franchise as a side game,[1] it was released on the Xbox 360 in September 2009. Players assume the roles of United Nations Space Command Marines, referred to as “Orbital Drop Shock Troopers” or ODSTs, during and after the events of Halo 2. In the game’s campaign mode, players explore the ruined metropolis of latest Mombasa to discover what happened to their lacking teammates in the midst of an alien invasion. Within the “Firefight” multiplayer possibility, players battle more and more troublesome waves of enemies to score factors and survive as long as attainable; Halo 3’s multiplayer is contained on a separate disc packaged with ODST.

    Reply

  449. Foundation crack repair Houston

    3 stars
    You really make it seem so easy with your presentation but I find this topic to be really something which I think I
    would never understand. It seems too complicated and very broad for me.
    I am looking forward for your next post, I’ll try to get the hang
    of it!

    Reply

  465. parking lot repairs

    2 stars
    Aw, this was an extremely nice post. Finding the time and actual
    effort to make a very good article… but what can I say… I put things
    off a lot and don’t manage to get nearly anything done.

    Reply

  509. dewa petir 88

    1 star
    Simplyy wish to say your article is as amazing.

    The clarity in your post is simply great and i could assume you aare
    an expert on this subject. Fine with your permission let me to grab your RSS
    feed to keep updated with forthcoming post. Thanks a million and please carry on the rewarding work.

    Feell free to surf to my web page dewa petir 88

    Reply

  523. رحلة بياضة جدة

    2 stars
    I love your blog.. very nice colors & theme. Did you create this website yourself
    or did you hire someone to do it for you? Plz reply as
    I’m looking to design my own blog and would like to find out where u got this from.

    thanks a lot

    Reply

  537. slot lala33

    1 star
    Simply desire tto say your article is as amazing. The clearness in your plst is smply nice and i
    cann assume you are an expert on this subject. Well with your permission allow me to grab your feed tto keep updated with
    forthcoming post. Thanks a million and please keep up the
    enjoyable work.

    my page slot lala33

    Reply

  542. interior remodels

    3 stars
    The other day, while I was at work, my sister stole my
    apple ipad and tested to see if it can survive a twenty five foot drop, just so she can be a youtube
    sensation. My iPad is now destroyed and she has
    83 views. I know this is entirely off topic but I had to share it with
    someone!

    Reply

  547. growth matrix program

    4 stars
    I do not know whether it’s just me or if
    everybody else encountering issues with your site.

    It looks like some of the written text within your posts are running off the screen. Can someone else
    please provide feedback and let me know if
    this is happening to them as well? This might be a issue with
    my web browser because I’ve had this happen previously.
    Appreciate it

    my blog post; growth matrix program

    Reply

  564. taxes in dallas county

    4 stars
    Hi there, just became aware of your blog through Google, and found that it’s
    really informative. I am going to watch out for brussels.
    I’ll be grateful if you continue this in future.
    Lots of people will be benefited from your writing. Cheers!

    Reply

  578. discuss

    4 stars
    Does your website have a contact page? I’m having trouble
    locating it but, I’d like to shoot you an email.
    I’ve got some suggestions for your blog you might be interested in hearing.
    Either way, great site and I look forward to
    seeing it expand over time.

    Reply

  589. danau hoki 88

    3 stars
    obviously like your web-site but you haave to check the spelling on several of youur posts.
    Many of them are rife with spellng problems and I find it very bothersome to inform the truth nevertheless I will certainly come back again.

    Here iis my web page danau hoki 88

    Reply

  602. removal of existing concrete foundations

    1 star
    I absolutely love your blog and find nearly all of your post’s to be just what I’m looking for.

    Would you offer guest writers to write content for you?

    I wouldn’t mind publishing a post or elaborating on many of the subjects you write in relation to here.
    Again, awesome weblog!

    Reply

  611. lala 33

    2 stars
    Just want to say your article is as surprising.

    The clearness in yourr posst is simply excellent and i can assume you’re an expert onn this subject.
    Fine with your permission let me tto grab your feed to keep updated with
    forthcoming post. Thanks a million and please carry on the rewarding work.

    Take a look at my homepage lala 33

    Reply

  613. Ij-start-canon

    Discover how ij-start-canon provides a simple and efficient way to set up your Canon printer. With ij-start-canon, you can easily download drivers, install software, and connect your printer to WiFi for seamless printing and scanning from any device.

    Reply

  614. kaca mobil Peugeot

    5 stars
    Hey I know this is off topic but I was wondering if youu knew of any widgets I could
    add to my blog that automatically tweet my newest twitter updates.
    I’ve been looking for a plug-in likje this for quite some time and was hoping maybe you would have some experience with something liike this.
    Please let me know if you run into anything. I truly enjoy reading your blog
    andd I look forward to yoour new updates.

    Check out my web-site – kaca mobil Peugeot

    Reply

  652. concrete floor demo

    4 stars
    We’re a group of volunteers and opening a new scheme in our community.
    Your web site offered us with valuable info
    to work on. You’ve done a formidable job and our entire community will
    be grateful to you.

    Reply

  655. Connor

    5 stars
    Hey I know thijs is off topic but I wwas wondering if you knew of any widgets I could add to my blog that automaatically tweet my newest twitter updates.
    I’ve been looking for a plug-in like this for quite some time and was hoping
    maybe you would ave some experience with something like this.
    Please let me kjow if you ruun into anything.
    I truly enjoy reading your bloog and I look forward to your new updates.

    my website Connor

    Reply

  656. situs togel resmi

    4 stars
    It is appropriate time to make a few plans for the future and it’s time to be happy.

    I’ve learn this submit and if I may I want to counsel you few
    interesting things or tips. Perhaps you can write subsequent articles relating to this article.
    I want to learn even more things approximately it!

    Reply

  657. concrete cutting services

    4 stars
    Woah! I’m really enjoying the template/theme of this
    blog. It’s simple, yet effective. A lot of times it’s challenging to
    get that “perfect balance” between user friendliness and appearance.
    I must say that you’ve done a very good job with this.
    Additionally, the blog loads super quick for me on Firefox.
    Superb Blog!

    Reply

  658. duct cleaning near me frisco

    5 stars
    Hello there, I discovered your blog by the use of Google whilst
    searching for a related subject, your website came up, it seems to be great.
    I’ve bookmarked it in my google bookmarks.
    Hello there, just changed into alert to your weblog
    via Google, and located that it is truly informative. I am gonna be careful
    for brussels. I will appreciate if you continue this in future.
    Numerous folks will probably be benefited from your writing.
    Cheers!

    Reply

  661. Thao

    5 stars
    Unquestionably believe that which yyou said.
    Your favorite reason seemed to be on the internet the easiest thing
    to be aware of. I say to you, I certainly get annoyed
    while people consider worries that they plainlyy do not know about.
    Yoou managed to hit thhe nail upon the top andd
    also defined out the whole thing without having side effect , people can take a signal.
    Will likely be back to get more. Thanks

    My page: Thao

    Reply

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *