Outdoor & Patio

Planter Box

A planter box is a container designed for growing plants, herbs, flowers, or small shrubs in a controlled environment, typically rectangular in shape and elevated above the ground surface. Planter boxes have been used in gardens since ancient civilizations, with the Hanging Gardens of Babylon representing perhaps the most ambitious early example of container planting. In the window boxes of European cities and the raised beds of kitchen gardens, the planter box has served as a practical solution for growing plants where in-ground planting is not possible or desirable. In contemporary outdoor design, planter boxes have evolved from simple wooden boxes to sophisticated design elements that contribute to the architecture and style of an outdoor space. They are used to add greenery to decks, patios, balconies, and rooftops where ground planting is impossible. They define edges, create barriers, add height and visual interest, and bring seasonal color to hardscape-dominated environments. Modern planter boxes are available in an extraordinary range of materials, sizes, and styles, from rustic reclaimed wood troughs to sleek fiberglass containers to weathering Corten steel planters that develop a rich patina over time.

Key Characteristics

  • Elevated container for growing plants above ground level
  • Available in a wide range of sizes and proportions
  • Requires drainage holes to prevent root rot
  • Portable or permanently installed options
  • Creates gardening opportunities on hard surfaces
  • Adds structure and height to landscape compositions

Types & Variations

Window box mounted below exterior windows
Raised garden bed for vegetables and herbs
Railing-mounted planter for deck and balcony use
Self-watering planter with reservoir system
Trough-style planter for linear screening

Common Materials

CedarCorten steelFiberglassConcreteGalvanized steelRecycled composite

Placement & Usage Tips

Use planter boxes to define the edges of outdoor living areas, flank entry points, or create a visual screen along a deck railing. Group planters in odd numbers and vary the heights for visual interest. Ensure adequate drainage in every planter, and elevate pots slightly off the surface with feet or risers to prevent staining and allow water to escape freely.

💡 Pro Tip

Line wooden planter boxes with a heavy-duty pond liner before filling with soil to dramatically extend the life of the wood by preventing constant moisture contact. Leave drain holes open through the liner. For large planters, fill the bottom third with lightweight filler like packing peanuts or empty plastic bottles before adding soil to reduce weight and improve drainage.