How to make hot boxes / window boxes ...

I meant to write this post earlier in the year, but being the flake I am I never got round to it.

So here it is, a short how to make hot boxes or window boxes if you prefer type post.

My wife recently wrote a post about the 'Hot Boxes' as we've come to call them, you can read the post here (opens in new window)

These are easy to make, and are a good use of a sunny wall in your garden, or indeed on a window sill, especially good if you don't have much space.

You will need a few tools, tape measure, square, drill & screws or a hammer & nails, a saw & a pencil.

Basically you need to make a box with the wood you choose, I've used pallets (I seem to have loads lying about) having strips of wood like you get from pallets makes life a lot easier.


This is what ours turned out like -

Complete with radishes.

Okay so grab some wood - 

I'm going for the rustic look.

It's up to you how big you make yours, the one I'm making is 18inches long, so what you need is 5 pieces of wood, 2 cut to the same length, these 2 bits will make up the back and the bottom of the box, 2 side pieces and a front piece.

Fix them together like so - 

If you have an 'L' shape you're on the right track.

Next the sides, these fit onto each end of the 'L' shape - 

Almost done, that didn't take long.

You could fit the sides into the box, which may make things neater looking, but for ease of fitting this to a wall I've made it so the front can be removed easily by just undoing a few screws, obviously if you use nails then you won't be able to get the front off.

Then you just need to add the front section and add some holes for drainage, and it's done, the choice of finish is a preference thing, you can leave them rough as I have or sand them smooth before you paint them, the world is your lobster.

Front on and done - 

One 'Hot Box'

Simple really, and an easy way to use a wall or window sill, obviously growing large things isn't really an option, but we managed radishes and some small carrots, but herbs would do just as well or some spring onions, and if you manage to find some pallets they cost nothing, just a little time.

Thanks for reading.