The season has changed and the temperature is rising. We may not approve of the wet start but the garden is loving it!
Now is the perfect time to start thinking about those vibrant summer blooms.
A great non-intimidating place to start is a simple yet impressive looking window box.
Firstly decide what size of box you want and where you will be placing it. Bear in mind that once your plants and your soil go in it will be quite a weight so it is a good idea to prepare it in situ so you won't be putting your back under strain trying to move it.
Be mindful to choose a box with drainage holes in the bottom, too much moisture will lead to your blooms rotting from the bottom.
Preparation here is key, it's best to put about an inch to 2 inches of gravel (old wine corks can also be used) at the bottom of your box, cover this with some landscape fabric (you can also use burlap or even cardboard). This is done to further aid drainage.
Now for the soil, I find potting soil is the best, using just general garden soil can be a headache as quite often it is depleted of nutrients, full of weed seeds and hungry garden pests.
Fill the box ¾ full with soil.
Finally to the creative bit.
I will often do a window box purely to have an excuse to wander around the garden centre! This time of year is fabulous for soft bedding.
I'm sure you will spot your own plants on your travels but these are just a few favourites of mine;
Geraniums are a great choice for a little bit of height and flower long and late into the summer.
Petunias have fantastic colour and are fast and full growing.
Nasturtiums are not only vibrant in colour but their leaves make a peppery addition to any salad.
For more shaded areas you may want to consider any of the smaller ferns such as lambs tongue.
Vinca is a lovely purple flowered ground plant but beware that it stays in the box as it can be a nuisance if allowed to roam free in a border bed.
Once you have chosen your plants place them in the soil around 2 to 3 inches apart. 2 if you wish to have a more immediate effect bearing in mind you may have to pinch some out as they grow and need more space. 
Fill in the gaps with your potting soil and pat down firmly with the palm of your hand.
Be sure to give a good water once this is done (if the weather hasn't done this for you already!)
To keep your blooms happy and healthy a few drops of tomato feed in the watering can once a month works wonders.
Finally sit down with a cuppa and admire your work!
Sophie x
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