1. Planter boxes are a wonderful new way to grow a garden and a tried-and-true way to enhance your walkway, deck, or patio. Whether you are using flower boxes or garden boxes, here are some quick tips to help you use any planter boxes to create beautiful, fruitful gardens.

2. Container gardens generally have fewer problems with insects, especially cedar planter boxes because the cedar wood is naturally insect-repellant. Weeds are less of a problem as well, but even planter boxes should be inspected and weeded frequently.

3. Soil is of utmost importance and before you fill your large planter boxes, be sure you are using an appropriate potting soil for the plants you'll be growing.

4. Wooden planter boxes enhance your landscape. Be sure the wood is stained, painted, or naturally rot-resistant, such as cedar, and avoid plastic liners as these keep the soil from "breathing." Plants love wood planter boxes.

5. Planter box gardens heat up faster than gardens in the ground, so think carefully about placement. How much sun will the plants get? How much rainfall? Especially with large planter boxes, you won't be moving them around much once they're planted.

6. And as you arrange the placement of your planter boxes, consider the arrangement of plants within them. Flower boxes look best with a variety of blooms and greens in them, and your garden boxes will benefit from diversity. For example, carrots grow well next to tomatoes and a border of marigolds is a terrific insect and critter repellant.