Planter & Window Box Sizing Guide

The right planter size keeps roots cooler, watering more forgiving, and displays more balanced. This guide walks through Brookside Farm’s wooden planters and window boxes so you can match box to plant—whether you are filling a porch rail in Framingham or a patio corner in Southborough.

Think in inside dimensions

Catalog photos show outside looks; plants live in the inside volume. Depth matters for tomatoes and deep-rooted herbs; width matters for mixed flower plantings. When we list a tapered planter at 16 inches inside tapering to 12 inches, with 20 inches of height, that tells you how much soil and root room you actually get.

Window boxes: length, depth, and mounting

Window boxes should roughly match the visual width of the window or rail they sit under—often a little narrower than the full trim for a tailored look. Our rustic barnboard window boxes offer 24-inch and 30- or 36-inch widths, with inside dimensions suited to flowers, herbs, or vegetables. Confirm bracket capacity and that water can drain without damaging siding.

Tiered planters for vertical interest

A tiered planter multiplies planting space without widening the footprint. Our rustic barnboard tiered planter is about 34 inches wide and 45 inches high—enough for cascading flowers above herbs or salad greens. Place it where all tiers receive adequate sun.

Plant stands and pot pairing

If you already love a clay pot, a plant stand elevates it for display and airflow. Ours is shown for a 10-inch clay pot and can be customized. Measure the pot’s base, not only the rim, before ordering a stand.

Soil, weight, and watering

Larger boxes dry out slower but get heavy when wet—plan for floor load on decks. Use a quality potting mix, not native garden soil alone, and leave a little headspace below the rim for watering. Untreated pine barnboard pieces appreciate a sealer if you want to slow weathering.

Custom sizes from the homestead

Need a sill-specific width or a taller tapered box? Request a quote with dimensions. Most planters are made to order in 3–5 days, with pickup in Southboro or free local delivery across our MetroWest service area. Explore the full planter collection to compare options.