Whether you want to grow flowers, plants, herbs, or vegetables, David Angelov, CEO of PlantParenthood says there’s one feature that should be top of mind when you’re shopping for the best window boxes: proper drainage. “No plant likes to sit in a pool of water,” he says. Angelov notes that while many window boxes come with drainage holes, if you find one you love that doesn’t have them, you’ll likely be able to drill your own, particularly if it’s made of plastic. Our pick of planters is the Winston Porter Anastasiya Self Watering Plastic Window Box Planter. Fill the reservoir at the bottom with water and your garden is good to go for days. (If only it could weed itself, too!) Here are the best window boxes we’ve found to liven up your window ledge or deck rail. Keep in Mind: It comes with mounting brackets, so you’ll have to read the instructions for a secure installation. Healthy, lush gardens are time-consuming endeavors, unless you have a set-it-and-forget-it planter like our overall pick for the best window box from Winston Porter. It’s made from sturdy black plastic that makes for attractive window decor on its own, but it’s even better when you fill it with the garden goodies of your choice. Fill the subirrigation system with water so your plants are hydrated regularly and grow strong, healthy roots. The wide top allows plenty of breathing room for your plants to grow. This heavy-duty plastic planter is impact-resistant, making it a great choice for regions that have windy, cold weather outside of the growing season. Price at time of publish: $143 Product Details: Size: Three options—36 x 11 x 10.8 inches, 48 x 11 x 10.8 inches, and 60 x 11 x 10.8 inches | Material: Plastic | Mounting materials: Included Keep in Mind: It’s freestanding, so it needs a wide enough ledge or deck rail for stability. You’ll have more money for seeds and plants when you opt for a budget-friendly window box like this one from Bloem. It has drainage holes and a saucer tray that makes it easy to catch any run-off after watering, so you don’t have to worry about cleaning up a muddy mess after a rainfall. Plus, it comes in sizes ranging from 18 to 36 inches, so you have plenty of options no matter what size window you have. Choose from six colors (including terracotta) to create your ideal window box garden. This lightweight planter is sturdy enough to stand on its own on a wide window ledge. You can even use it indoors, though this crack-resistant planter is also perfect for outdoors because it won’t fade in the strong sun. Price at time of publish: $24 Product Details: Size: Four options—18 x 5.75 x 7.5 inches, 24 x 5.75 x 7.5 inches, 30 x 5.75 x 7.5 inches, and 36 x 5.75 x 7.5 inches | Material: Plastic | Mounting materials: None needed; it is freestanding Keep in Mind: It’s heavy, so make sure it’s secured well. If your garden boxes are the star of your outdoor space, you deserve to level up your planter game. Look no further than this copper stunner from Brayden Studio. In fact, it’ll be hard not to look past this elegant window box that could serve as an accent piece all by itself. The wrought iron frame is powder coated so the rich black look stands up to the elements. Fill this planter with whatever flowers, herbs, and small plants you want during the growing season, but know that it will still shine on during fall and in the dormant winter months. Price at time of publish: $450 Product Details: Size: 35 x 11.25 x 9.25 inches | Material: Copper | Mounting materials: Included Keep in Mind: The liner and fasteners are sold separately, which is an extra cost on an already expensive planter. Your window gets a European accent with this gorgeous wrought iron-style window box from Flower Window Boxes. Whether you have an older home or just want to add some Old World flair to a more modern home, these steel planters are the perfect base for your window garden. In fact, with the help of standard lag screws (which you have to purchase separately), you can install them securely to virtually any surface. The black powder-coated frames are crack- and warp-resistant, and they come with a lifetime guarantee to stand up to moisture without rotting. They are available in prefabricated sizes for easy ordering, but you can also order them custom made to exactly fit the spot you’d like to install them. You can purchase a PVC liner that comes in a copper patina finish, or you can paint them yourself for further customization. Product Details: Size: 24–108 x 9 x 9 inches, depending on your selection | Material: Steel with white PVC liner; aluminum liners are an option; also available in copper | Mounting materials: Sold separately Keep in Mind: It needs to fit your railing (up to 3.6 inches deep) for stability, so measure before ordering. Not all window boxes have to sit on or attach outside a window ledge. Some are perfect for adding natural pizzazz to a porch or deck railing, like this one from Hanover. There’s no need to worry about this planter rotting in the wet weather either, thanks to it being constructed from white resin with a faux beadboard finish that’s made to last. Let the sun shine down on this rail planter all season—it has a coating that protects the vibrant white color from fading in those harsh UV rays. You can even keep it indoors if you prefer, but you’ll likely want to show off this window box outside your home. Price at time of publish: $27 Product Details: Size: 28 x 12 x 12 inches | Material: Resin | Mounting materials: None needed; it is freestanding Keep in Mind: You’ll need to purchase a bracket if you’d prefer to turn it into a traditional window box. Double your window box space instantly when you purchase this two-piece planter set from Latitude Run. The minimalist, trapezoid-shaped planter comes in two subtle shades—rock gray and white—to let your blooms take center stage on your patio, window ledge, or any other outdoor surface. These lightweight planters can be used indoors, too, though they are made of durable recyclable plastic that won’t fade in the sun and can more than handle frosty weather. Raised drain holes in this window box give your plants the drainage they need to grow and thrive. Price at time of publish: $57 Product Details: Size: 21.69 x 6 x 5.79 inches | Material: Plastic | Mounting materials: None needed; it is freestanding Keep in Mind: These planters do look more plasticky than other picks on the list, so they might not not match stone or brick homes as well. Gardens require regular watering, which is why we love it when planters can take that task off our to-do lists. This Lark Manor self-watering planter is as useful as it is beautiful, thanks to a water reservoir at the bottom. It’s also got drainage holes so that your roots will get just the amount of hydration they need. We love the tulip shape of this planter that is rather perfect for holding your precious tulip bulbs, as well as any flower or plant that sparks your fancy. It comes in black, espresso, and white, but we love the boldness of the black planter, especially for planting bright spring blooms. Price at time of publish: $160 Product Details: Size: 36 x 9.8 x 10.1 inches | Material: Plastic | Mounting materials: Included Keep in Mind: Water plants sparingly or carefully over a sink; the drainage holes could cause puddling on a table or indoor ledge. This modern, sleek planter from West Elm is perfect for a garden atop a window ledge or table. It looks heavy, but it’s actually made from lightweight fiberstone, so you can move it about your space easily and as often as you please. It’s ideal for starting an indoor herb garden or filling with small plants—even faux foliage would look spectacular. Yes, you can also use this planter for the great outdoors, but we just love the idea of placing one filled with fragrant herbs or sturdy succulents on a dining room table for an eye-catching centerpiece. Price at time of publish: $49 Product Details: Size: 5 in. W x 24 in. D x 4.75 in. H | Material: Fiberstone | Mounting materials: None needed; it is freestanding Keep in Mind: Although it is sturdy, you’ll want to take care not to overload it with too much soil. If you’re looking for an elegant aesthetic, this sleek, unassuming plastic window box won’t steal the spotlight or the sunlight from your little garden. Its tapered rectangular form is made from recycled materials and comes in a 25-inch and 36-inch version, so you have options depending on the size of your window ledge. The plastic composite is flexible and durable so it can withstand the seasons, including frost and the summer sun’s strong UV rays. The marble finish comes in black, charcoal, and espresso. Price at time of publish: $45 Product Details: Size: Two options—25 x 9 x 9 inches and 36 x 9 x inches | Material: Recycled plastic | Mounting materials: None needed; it is freestanding Keep in Mind: Its rustic, natural look might not complement every aesthetic. If you’d like your window boxes to have a natural look, a coco liner is the perfect way to go. In the case of this bronze beauty from our Better Homes & Gardens line, there is a plastic liner inside of the coco base that holds about an inch of water to provide extra moisture to plants. The drainage holes are on the side of the planter to keep too much water from being retained, which can put your plants at risk for root rot. Price at time of publish: $20 Product Details: Size: 30 x 16 x 7 inches | Material: Metal | Mounting materials: Not listed Keep in Mind: Your window box may vary in color or grain because of the natural wood. Want to go classic with your window garden? A durable wooden planter is your best bet. “The best window boxes are made from a material that is durable and crack resistant,” says Shoshanna Shapiro, owner and principal designer at Sho and Co.
She notes that these cedar window boxes from Wayfair are durable and perfect for DIYers. “The wood itself is rot resistant,” she explains. “I also recommend treating your window box with a finish that can withstand outdoor elements.” Angelov also likes wood for window boxes. “If you would like to have a custom look, and are willing to pay a little more, I would have a wooden box with a thin plastic liner on the inside,” he advises. Price at time of publish: $168 Product Details: Size: Three options—31 x 11 x 8 inches, 37 x 11 x 8 inches, and 49 x 11 x 8 inches | Material: Cedar wood | Mounting materials: Included Keep in Mind: You’ll need to buy brackets to install it as a window box. Bring an industrial chic look to your garden with this galvanized steel window planter from Breakwater Bay. Its two color options, Nantucket Blue and Cape Cod White, might elicit seashore memories, but this planter will be right at home wherever you live. Install this with wide brackets for a window ledge or narrow ones for a deck or porch railing. This planter has an aged appearance, thanks to the patina finish, though it won’t fade or look streaky. The zinc coating makes the steel rust resistant, so you can count on your mini garden holding up throughout the seasons. Price at time of publish: $95 Product Details: Size: 35.5 x 11 x 9.5 inches | Material: Galvanized steel | Mounting materials: Freestanding; must purchase brackets to install on ledge or rail Keep in Mind: The plastic liner is very visible, unless you use the planter for very full blooms. Ready to get your small garden ready in a snap? This wicker rail planter is ready to hang your flowers, plants, or herbs from a rail or fence. The wicker construction gives it a light and airy look, but don’t worry—the removable plastic liner makes it sturdy enough for soil. The planter is made from polypropylene that’s made to last, while the rattan weave allows plenty of style. It hangs easily and securely by steel hooks coated in resin wicker, and you can use it indoors if you prefer. Sunnydaze Decor backs this planter with a one-year manufacturer’s warranty. Price at time of publish: $66 Product Details: Size: 23.5 x 7.5 x 6.5 inches | Material: Polypropylene planter with plastic liner; steel hooks | Mounting materials: Included, they’re built into the planter Keep in Mind: It needs to be placed on a wide ledge; it doesn’t come with mounting hardware like many other options. Your flowers don’t always have to be the star of the show when you have a colorful planter like this one from Ravenna Pottery. Choose herbs and other small plants for this eye-catching Talavera planter, a centuries-old type of earthenware that is traditionally crafted by artisans in Mexico. This ceramic planter is decorated in bright colors and a contemporary design using lead-free paint and glaze. It’s a perfect base for delicate plantings, like herbs and smaller flowers, or succulents in drier climates. It has a drainage hole and can be used indoors or outside, but lay a mat or cloth down first to protect the surface indoors so the ceramic doesn’t scratch it. Price at time of publish: $48 Product Details: Size: 12 x 5 x 5 inches | Material: Ceramic | Mounting materials: None needed; it is freestanding Keep in Mind: Though it’s self-watering, it’s up to you to make sure the reservoir is filled. When you want your flowers to soak up all the attention—along with the sun and rainfall, of course—a white window box is the way to go. There are plenty on the market, but we like this one from Gardener’s Supply Company because it’s a self-watering model. In fact, it’s got a water reservoir that holds up to 5 quarts of water, so your garden can stay well hydrated for days. It’s made of heavy duty plastic that can stand up to the frost, so there’s no need to store this window box in the off season. Installation is easy, thanks to steel brackets that allow you to mount it on a wall or rail. Price at time of publish: $30 Product Details: Size: 23 x 9 x 7.5 inches | Material: Plastic | Mounting materials: Included

What to Know About Window Boxes Before Shopping

Proper Drainage

No matter what type of window box you’re on the hunt for, there’s one feature that’s a must-have: drainage holes. “Be sure to avoid improper drainage from your boxes,” Shapiro says. Depending on the material, this can cause the window box to rot faster. “The best window boxes have at least one drainage hole,” she advises. Many of the window boxes on our list come with predrilled drainage holes. If you fall in love with a window box that doesn’t have them, all is not lost—Angelov says you can usually drill them yourself, particularly if you have a wooden or plastic planter.

Material

Since most window boxes are exposed to the elements, you’ll want to make sure that they are durable enough to withstand rain, wind, and UV light. When considering outdoor planter materials, look for plastics that can withstand freezing temperatures, rot-resistant hardwoods, and rust-resistant metals.

Style

Obviously, liking the look of your planter is the most important thing—but you want to make sure it looks great when it’s in place, too. The color of your trim, material of your home, and other landscaping should all be taken into account when choosing a window box. Angelov says the material of your window box also depends on the aesthetic you’re going for. If you want a higher-end custom look, he suggests a wooden box with a thin plastic liner inside. But if you’re more budget conscious, there’s plenty of prefabricated plastic boxes molded into any shape and color you could want. He says they’re usually easy to install, and some come with built-in fasteners.

Your Questions, Answered

How do you install a window box?

Follow all manufacturer’s guidelines for the proper and safe installation of window boxes. Some are flat and stable enough to remain in place on a table or a wide window ledge. If you go this route, make sure the drainage holes have room to drain or water your plants in a separate place where they can drain for a short time before putting the boxes back in their spot. Other window boxes need to be secured by brackets or other heavy-duty fasteners so they don’t tip or fall—which is especially important if you’re planning to install a window box in an apartment window or from an upper story window of a house. Some window boxes come with this hardware, but it’s not always included, so make sure you have everything you need before you check out.

What should you plant in a window box?

Angelov says you can plant flowers, vegetables, herbs and small plants in a window box, provided nothing grows too large and the roots don’t get too crowded, as they have much less room to travel in a window box than in the ground. Shapiro says flowers are the way to go for a beautiful window. “You can pair with vibrant perennials in dark-colored window boxes,” she says. “The distinct contrast will create a showstopping view.” She believes petunias, geraniums, and begonias are among the best suited for window boxes. “What’s important is to carefully select blooms that can withstand the growing conditions around your window,” she says, noting that sunlight and weather conditions will vary by region. When placing your window box, find a spot that’s got the right amount of sunlight or shade appropriate for whatever it is you’re planting. As for the size of the window box, Shapiro says to look for ones that are roomy enough for your plants as they grow.

Who We Are

Barbara Bellesi Zito writes about home and garden topics for various lifestyle publications. She lives in Staten Island, NY, where the spring weather is fickle, but she is confident her tulips will be triumphant. To compile this list, she researched a wide range of window box planters from top brands based on their design, utility and maintenance, and ease of installation. She also consulted David Angelov, the CEO of PlantParenthood, and Shoshanna Shapiro, owner and principal designer at Sho and Co.