CEDAR PLANTER INSTRUCTIONS:
STAINING INSTRUCTIONS:
PAINTING INSTRUCTIONS:
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Use ANY oil based primer and oil based paint. Oil base paint is superior to latex in its ability to trap insect resistant oils and tannins in the cedar from bleeding through the paint job.
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Paint brush or paint roller
It
is easiest to paint your planter while empty. First, prime your planter with a KILZ based oil primer. Next, paint directly on planter with a brush or roller using any exterior grade oil based paint. DO NOT PAINT INSIDE OF BOX, YOU WILL
PLANT DIRECTLY INSIDE. If you prefer, you can paint an inch down to
where the dirt line is. Latex paints and spray paints will not hold as well and may bleed through. It’s
ok to use a professional spray system and spray the oil based paint on other wise you can use a brush or roller. Let paint
completely dry before filling with potting mix. Store boxes in covered garage
24-48 hours till dry.
Tips for
Prep-work
1. Avoid painting in
direct sunlight or on a surface that is too warm, or heat blistering can occur.
Do not paint in freezing weather or temperatures below 55 degrees. Paint on
days with 55 degrees and rising temperatures.
2. Remove any water and
dirt on the PVC first. Moisture trapped under the paint can push its way out
and cause moisture blistering/bubbling.
3. DO NOT USE latex-based paint or
spray paints in a can. Make sure that your paint is a oil based paint.
4. Oil based paint can take 24-48 hours to dry. For this reason, avoid exposing to dew, high humidity, moisture,
freezing or rain shortly after you have painted the box. Painting in a damp
basement or similar area can lead to blistering or bubbling of the paint due to
water being trapped inside or under the paint prior to it drying.
5. Paint directly on PVC
with a brush or roller using an exterior oil based paint.
6. Do not store outside
to dry!!! Leave in dry garage to dry until ready to install.
PLANTING INSTRUCTIONS:
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Optional - Self-Watering Reservoir
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Optional - Rocks, Pebbles or Styrofoam peanuts (lighter material)
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Optional - Black Landscape Fabric (tightly woven). Available at most nurseries
or box stores.
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Use quality Potting Mix. Potting mix is preferred over potting soil.
Step 1: Install the window box
or place planter in desired location.
Black Landscape Method
Step 2a: Cut a strip of
tightly woven black landscape fabric slightly larger than the inside bottom of
box. Place a layer of landscape fabric first, on the bottom of box, underneath
the reservoir and covering all the drain holes. This will act as a filter to
capture potting mix prior to clean water exiting from drain holes so that
potting mix does not spill through drain holes.
Pea Gravel Method
Step 2b: Place a layer of small
rocks or pebbles. This will act as a filter to capture potting mix prior to
clean water exiting from drain holes so that potting mix does not spill through
drain holes.
Step 3: Place your Flower
Window Box Self-Watering Reservoir inside of box on top of filtration layer
(fabric or gravel). Wicks only need to stick out of the reservoir system about
1.5”. A good potting mix will draw water 6-8” from each wick. NOTE: For boxes
over 12” tall, overtime roots grow deeper towards wicks and encourages deep
root growth.
Step 4: Add potting mix to
your box for best results. Fill up to 1-2 inches of the top of your box.
Step 5: Proceed by adding
your choice of flowers, plants, herbs or seeds.
Step
6: Each time you water your box: First water and saturate your potting mix.
Then pour water down your downspout if you have a reservoir system filling it.
This will allow you to put 3x as much water in your box so that you water 1/3
as often. As potting mix dries out it will pull water from wicks out of the
reservoir.
Step
7:
Monitor first couple of weeks to see how often you should re-water your box as
well as fill your reservoir system.
