Deck Flower Planters

Old-Fashioned Window Boxes

• Old-fashioned window boxes come in a variety of materials including wood, plastic and clay. Window boxes are typically shaped like a rectangle, which is an ideal shape for hanging off the edge of a deck. Brackets or hangers are used to secure these structures to the deck. Most window boxes are relatively shallow, so if you intend to plant something with a deep root system, such as miniature trees, this may not be the best option. Most annual plants will do fine in the boxes, as will some types of herbs and shallow-rooted vegetables such as lettuce or radishes.

Self-Watering Window Boxes

• Self-watering window boxes are similar to the old-fashioned boxes with one exception -- they don't dry out as fast. This type of window box is ideal for people who work a lot or simply don't have the time to water their plants daily. Self-watering window boxes typically are a little taller than your normal window box, because the bottom of the box stores water. The soil and plant roots can easily absorb the water in the reservoir as they need it, ensuring your plants don't dry out – as long as you keep the reservoir filled with water.

Over The Rail Planters

• Over the rail deck planter boxes are similar to window boxes, although they're often longer than your standard window box since they're designed to fit between two deck posts. Over the rail planter boxes are typically attached to the deck using a bracket that hooks over the top of the deck railing. Some of these brackets are completely supported by the top of the deck railing and some have screw holes that allow them to attach to the side of the railing as well. The design of your deck and the estimated weight of the planter box when it's filled with wet soil and mature plants will determine the best type of rail brackets for your situation.

Rail Top Planters

• Rail top planters, as the name suggests, sit on top of the deck railing. The bottom of these planters are designed so they clip onto the top of 2-by-4s or 2-by-6s, which is the industry standard for the top of deck rails. Once in place, it's necessary to attach the planter to the deck railing with screws to keep high winds, pets or people from knocking the planters off. Rail top planters are ideal for adding height to a deck or bringing plants closer to eye level. They're also easy to see from inside of a house, a feat that's rather difficult to accomplish with standard side mounted deck planter boxes.