Window wells are often overlooked and considered as just a functional part of a house’s foundation, but they can actually be transformed into gardens. By transforming your window wells into gardens, you can bring some greenery and life into your home, even if you have limited outdoor space.
In this blog, we’ll share some tips and ideas on creating a thriving garden in window wells, whether you have a green thumb or are a beginner gardener. Get ready to transfigure your window wells into gardens and create an oasis of plants and flowers!
How Do I Create Garden Window Wells?
Creating a garden in your window wells can be a fun and rewarding project to add much-needed greenery and life to your home. Here are some steps to help you get started:
- Assess Your Window Wells: Before you start, take a look at your window wells and evaluate how much sunlight they receive, how much space you have, and whether there are any drainage or accessibility issues. This will help you determine what types of plants and containers will work best.
- Choose Your Plants: Once you know what you’re working with, select plants that are suitable for the amount of sunlight and space you have. Consider plants with shallow roots, such as herbs, succulents, or annuals, that can be replanted each year.
- Select Containers: Choose containers that will fit into your window wells and provide adequate drainage for your plants. You can use traditional pots or get creative with repurposed items like old boots or buckets.
- Add Soil and Nutrients: Fill your containers with potting soil and add some nutrients like compost or fertilizer to help your plants thrive.
- Plant and Water: Plant your chosen plants in their containers and water them regularly, especially in hot weather. Consider using a drip irrigation system or self-watering containers to make watering easier.
- Maintain Your Garden: Keep an eye on your plants and prune or replant them as necessary. Make sure to clean out any debris or dead plants regularly to prevent pests or diseases.
With a bit of planning and creativity, you can transform your window wells into a thriving garden that adds beauty and life to your home.
Benefits of Garden Window Wells
Adding greenery and life to your home through a window well garden has many benefits beyond just aesthetic appeal. Here are a few reasons why you might consider creating a window well garden:
- Improves Indoor Air Quality: Plants are natural air purifiers and can help improve the air quality in your home. By creating a window well garden, you can bring in some of that fresh, oxygen-rich air into your home.
- Increases Home Value: A well-maintained garden can add value to your home, and a window well garden is no exception. If you’re considering selling your home, a beautiful garden can be a major selling point.
- Provides Access to Fresh Herbs and Produce: If you’re short on outdoor space or live in an apartment, a window well garden can provide fresh herbs and produce right outside your window. Imagine picking fresh basil or cherry tomatoes for your next meal!
- Boosts Mood and Reduces Stress: Studies have shown that being around plants and nature can reduce stress and improve mood. A window well garden can provide you with a peaceful and calming oasis right in your home.
- Helps the Environment: By creating a garden, you’re contributing to a greener environment. Plants help reduce carbon dioxide in the air and can provide habitats for beneficial insects and birds.
Overall, creating a garden in your window wells is a simple and rewarding project that can provide numerous benefits. From improving air quality to boosting mood, a window well garden is a great way to bring some life and greenery into your home.
How Does Sunlight Affect Garden Window Wells?
Sunlight is one of the most important factors to consider when creating a garden in your window wells. The amount of sunlight your window well receives will determine what types of plants you can grow and how well they will thrive.
Consider the ways sunlight affects your window well garden:
- Sunlight Intensity: The intensity of sunlight varies depending on the time of day and the angle of the sun. East-facing windows will receive bright morning sun while west-facing windows will receive intense afternoon sun. South-facing windows will receive the most sunlight throughout the day, while north-facing windows will receive the least.
- Sunlight Duration: The duration of sunlight is also important for plant growth. Plants that require full sun need at least six hours of direct sunlight per day, while plants that prefer partial shade can thrive with as little as two hours of direct sunlight.
- Sunlight Heat: The heat generated by direct sunlight can also impact your window well garden. Some plants, such as succulents, can handle intense heat and direct sunlight, while others, such as ferns, prefer cooler and shadier conditions.
- Sunlight Exposure: The exposure of your window well to sunlight can also vary depending on factors such as nearby buildings or trees. If your window well is shaded by nearby buildings or trees, you may need to choose plants that can tolerate low-light conditions.
When creating your window well garden, it’s important to evaluate the sunlight conditions in your specific window wells. This will help you choose the right plants for your garden and ensure that they thrive. Consider using plants suitable for the amount of sunlight you have, and use shade cloth or other methods to protect plants that may be sensitive to direct sunlight.
Depending on the location of your wells, they may get some sun throughout the day and shade the rest of the day. If this sounds like your wells, here are some partial-shade plants that could work in your windows:
- Herbs, like basil, thyme, dill, cilantro, mint, chives, and parsley, prefer a couple of hours of morning light and shade the rest of the day.
- Leopard Plant — A striking shade perennial that, depending on the species, has spiky or daisy-like flowers.
- Green and Gold — True to its name, this ground cover boasts delicate canary yellow flowers during the early spring with quilted green leaves.
If your window wells are in the shade all day long, you’re still in luck! Your shady wells can still be colorful spaces, just as long as you plant shade-loving plants that thrive without direct sunlight. Here’s a list of full-shade plants to consider:
- Yellow Bleeding Heart — Enjoy months of yellow flowers and bluish-green foliage.
- Indian Pinks — Attract hummingbirds with these red flowers with yellow centers.
- Dwarf Chinese Astilbe — These purple and pink spiky flowers will keep you smiling all spring and summer long.
- Hardy Begonias — Enjoy the delicate flowers of begonias but in a strong, hardy version.
Keep Safety in Mind
When creating a garden in your window well, it’s important to keep safety in mind, especially since egress windows are designed to provide a safe exit in the event of an emergency. One way to ensure safety is by keeping the window clear, meaning that your garden should not block the window or the pathway leading to it. This allows for easy access and window opening in case of an emergency.
Another safety tip is to use lightweight containers. Heavy containers can be difficult to move or displace in an emergency. Choosing lightweight containers that can be easily lifted or removed can help ensure a quick and safe exit.
In addition, keeping a clear path is crucial. You need to make sure that there’s a clear path from the window well to a safe area outside. This means removing any clutter or obstacles that could impede your exit.
Installing an emergency ladder is also essential. An emergency ladder provides a quick and safe exit in case the main exit is blocked or not accessible. Make sure that you have a ladder that’s long enough to reach the ground and that it’s easily accessible from the window well.
Lastly, checking local building codes and regulations is important to ensure your window well garden complies with safety requirements. Some codes may have specific requirements for egress windows, and it’s important to be aware of these before starting your garden. By following these safety tips, you can create a beautiful and safe window well garden that enhances the overall look of your home.
Windowell Expressions Can Beautify Any Window Well
If you want to beautify your window wells, contact the experts at Windowell Expressions. We supply homeowners in the Salt Lake City area with beautiful solutions to ugly window wells like well liners, covers, and foundation liners. Contact us today and give your window wells the makeover they deserve with Windowell Expressions.
