Frequently Asked Questions

Plantabox | F.A.Q's, Feedback etc |  Frequently Asked Questions

Why have Deposit 5/- on the side? Our understanding is that in the 60's & 70's the boxes were returnable (much like milk bottles used to be). Therefore, on their return, a deposit of 5 shillings was returned. We feel this adds to the authenticity of the boxes, together with the "aging process" we use. If you choose this text it will be added on BOTH SIDES.

When I input my personalisation, there is only one box - how do I separate the lines? Due to the way in which the website in set up, it is not possible for you to physically separate the two "lines" of text as it will appear on the box. In order for us to be clear on what it is you would like on the box, and how you would like it to appear, please separate the two lines of text with a double "//" in the same input box. For example, if you want the box the appear with the stencil "The Cottage" on the box, (with the word "THE" on the first line, and the word "COTTAGE" on the second line)... ...please input the words in the form "THE//COTTAGE".

How should I prepare an empty box for planting? When we plant up our boxes, we use a horticultural liner but a good quality bin liner would suffice. Make sure you perforate the liner intermittently to allow for drainage. You could also add a layer of stones, bark or other material that would help aid drainage before filling with compost. Check what sort of soil your chosen plants prefer but a loam based compost is preferable to a peat based one. We finish our planted boxes with a layer of bark chippings to prevent the soil drying out too fast, especially in the summer months.

How long will it be before it is delivered? After you have placed your order, we aim to make and despatch it within 7 working days. They will arrive within 1 day of dispatch, and you will receive confrmation via email of the Plantabox being sent. If you require the item to be sent for a particular day, we will always try to accomodate this. Please note that we do not deliver on a Saturday or a Monday. The latter because the order would end up sitting in a warehouse all weekend as we'd need to dispatch on a Friday.

How should I care for my Plantabox? Your Plantabox is best positioned outside in a sheltered but sunny position. We do not recommend too much water as it makes the plants lazy, however they do need a drop to survive. The ideal way to water your plants is with a spray or watering can.

My herbs are growing frantically, what shall I do? The herbs we use in the boxes are all culinary, so use them in your cooking! Be ruthless in trimming the herbs, in particular the Mint as it will keep growing and eventually take over the entire box if not! Have a look at Auntie Beryl's Tips . . . . . this includes suggestions for using herbs in cooking.

My box has arrived and a couple of the plants are uprooted.. what shall I do? We try very hard to ensure that the boxes reach you in perfect condition, however, occassionally some of the plants will be uprooted in transit. This is because they are freshly planted to order, and the roots have not yet had a chance to bed themselves in. If this is case then simply re-seat the plants and give them a good water, before positioning it in a suitable place.

Where can you deliver the boxes? Our Courier service is arranged to deliver next day to anywhere in the UK Mainland with the exceptions of the Scottish Highlands. Customers from the Scottish Highlands, Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland, Jersey or Guernsey should contact us for a delivery quote before placing an order. Delivery is guaranteed before 17h00 on day of delivery, and notes should be attached to the order if you require the box to be left in a specific place.

Can I choose which plants I put in the box? Unfortunately, due to the supply of the plants and herbs we cannot offer a bespoke planting service. The pictures depict the type of plants used but we cannot specify colours or exact variety due to ever changing supply. If a particular plant is not available we will replace it with one of exacting quality. Rest assured, however, that no Plantabox will ever leave here without our full approval and pride. It is possible to source most plants on request, please call us to discuss prices and availablity.

What sizes are the boxes? The sizes of the boxes are listed on the main site, however they are as follows: Plantabox (Rectangle) : 53cm (L) x 36cm (W) x 27cm (H) Square Planter: 36cm (L) x 36cm (W) x 27cm (H) Small Plantabox: 31 (L) x 20 (W) x 15 (H)

Do the plants require "hardening"? Most of the plants we use have been grown under glass or in tunnels, and therefore will require protecting from frost until the end of April to early May. This is very simply done using a cheap frost fleece at nights when there is risk of frost, or by moving the box indoors when you think there may be a frost overnight. Frost fleeces are available cheaply from all good garden centres or even at the market. Alternatively, bubble wrap provides quite adequate protection. Ensure that the box is covered as well as the plants, as it is what is under the soil that often gets affected by frost.

How best shall I display my box? It is a good idea to situate the box raised slightly from the ground using bricks or wood. This reduces the contact to the surface of the ground in the wet seasons and allows the wood and the box's contents to "breath".

Plantabox | F.A.Q's, Feedback etc |  Frequently Asked Questions