How to Shop for Flower Boxes for Decks

Flower boxes come in all shapes and designs.

Choosing flower boxes for your deck requires a bit more than walking in a store and grabbing the first thing that draws your eye. The best way to shop for flower boxes involves knowing a great deal about your deck, flower boxes, and what you are going to plant.

Things You'll Need

• Notepad and pen
• Measuring tape

Instructions

1. Measure your deck. Use your tape measure to measure the length and width of the deck area, the height of the railings, and the width of the railing posts and tops.

2. Jot down your measurements and draw a simple diagram on a notepad to take to the store with you.

3. Decide what types of flowers you want in your flower boxes because this will make a difference in the type of box you get and how it will be positioned on your deck. There are many different sizes and styles of flower boxes to choose from, nearly as many as there are types of flowers to grow on your deck.

4. Visit your local gardening center to look at the different types of flower boxes. Be sure to note their mounting hardware and compare it with your measurements to make sure it will fit on your deck.

   For boxes that will sit on the deck, look for watering pans to go underneath them. Drainage is important for nearly all flowers and you don't want water draining onto your deck underneath the box. This will create mold and mildew and could cause serious damage to your deck.

5. Purchase the flower boxes you have chosen for each part of your deck whether hanging on the rails, sitting along the sides or mounted on top of the rails. Make sure that each one comes with the hardware needed or a water tray, and then make sure that you have the tools needed to mount your new flower boxes on your deck.