The weather is getting warmer, and spending time outdoors is easier every day. Not only does the sunshine feel great, but it may also help to boost immunity- so this is a great time to try something new! Container gardening is a wonderful activity for those who live in assisted living because it is safe and easy and requires little space. Gardening is a fun and easy way for senior adults to be creative, get involved in an interesting pastime and see new life grow.

Would-be gardeners of any age can enjoy significant health benefits when planting and cultivating a garden. Health and wellness professionals have correlated gardening to reduced blood pressure, better core strength, and lower stress levels. Don’t forget how amazing it will be to have fresh flowers, herbs, or vegetables right in their own backyard (or patio!), and anyone can see why gardening is a great hobby.

For those seniors living at home, a traditional garden may be possible. However, for those living in assisted living facilities, container gardening is a wonderful way to experience all the benefits without having a piece of land.

Container Gardening Tips for Senior Adults

Containers or window boxes may be the ideal option for senior-friendly gardening. Container gardening offers a broad spectrum of available options, from decorative tins to buckets and mason jars. Here are some of our favorite ideas for container gardening – we hope you will be inspired to see how much of the green thumb this season.

Favorite flowers: There are many ways to select which flower variety you want to plant. You may have a love for zinnias, a passion for daffodils, or a weakness for peonies. Your choice of blooms may also rely on the amount of available sunlight – if you have a patio or balcony available to you, does it experience full or partial sun? Each variety of flower will have its own set of requirements for best growth.
Container selection: Keep the kind of container in mind when you select your flowers, herbs, or vegetables. A metal pot or bucket in full sun will retain a lot of heat, for instance. If your choice of flower or vegetable will grow deep roots, you’ll require a tall container. If you want to cultivate something in a hanging basket, select a plant with shallow roots.
Type of soil: Healthy soil is the most significant element of any container garden. When growing in containers, organic soil with adequate water absorption is the best choice. Your neighborhood garden and landscaping supply store will provide expert advice specific to what you are growing. There is soil and fertilizer specifically developed for use in container gardens.
Adequate drainage: The right amount of drainage will prevent rotting roots. If your container doesn’t come with drainage openings, you can generally add them. One last idea to consider is that container gardens need to be watered more frequently than traditional gardens. If you choose to grow a container garden in your room or patio, check out these further tips.

Container gardening can be successful both outdoors or indoors – if your room has adequate sun. If you wish to garden outside, be sure to protect yourself from sun and heat exposure, as well as to avoid dehydration. Choose an effective sunscreen and a hat, and garden in the mornings before it gets too hot.

Container gardening is just one way to make your days in assisted living more fulfilling. Would you like to learn more about assisted living? Call today.

If you or a loved one are making a choice for assisted living or memory care, we invite you to consider A Banyan Residence in The Villages.