Gardening in containers has been growing in popularity in the United States. That may be, in part, due to the growing number of seniors who want to continue gardening of some kind for as long as they can. Planting flowers, ornamental plants, vegetables, herbs and even shrubs and trees in containers can be the perfect hobby for those with limited space—including retirement home community residents—and for those with physical limitations.
Container gardening can help seniors maintain fine motor skills and has mental health benefits, too. Research shows that gardening can help reduce stress, depression and anxiety, promote relaxation and improve mood. Some studies have even shown gardening to improve the mental health of persons with mental illness. According to Web magazine Weekly Gardener, gardening also can help improve attention, increase self-esteem and promote social interaction if done as a group activity.
Here are a few tips for aspiring container gardeners:
- Consider using plastic pots, which are easier to move if necessary, with drainage holes.
- Find a watering can that is easy to manage when full of water.
- Use a potting soil with peat and perlite, vermiculite or clean sand.
- Be aware that growing plants from seed costs less than buying small starter plants.
- Buy small seeds on seed tape, which can be planted easily.
- Plant native plants that need less care than exotic plants.
- Know how much water your plants need. Many container plants receive too much water.
For specific details and tips on growing vegetables in containers, check out these tips from Better Homes and Gardens. Many vegetables thrive in containers—beans, beets, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, carrots, cucumbers, green onions, lettuce, peas, peppers, spinach, squash and tomatoes. Some vegetables have miniature varieties that also do well when planted in containers.
Container gardening is a great hobby for older persons who love playing in the dirt and taking pride in growing plants and produce. It’s ideal for residents of a retirement home community, such as Country Meadows, because some supplies are already on hand, a work location is established and supportive staff are glad to assist.
At Country Meadows, we offer a wide variety of activities from which to choose for anyone who wants to remain physically, mentally and socially active. An overview of our 11 locations reveals the following activities with regular group meetings or special programs: art, baking, bicycling, current events, dancing, devotions, exercise, flowers, games (board, card, word, computer), gardening, golf, karaoke, pets, plants, poetry, puzzles, reading, singing, swimming, trivia, volunteering, walking and yoga.
At Country Meadows Retirement Communities, hobbies bring together seniors who share interests, resulting in more opportunities to socialize. See our tip sheet listing the social benefits of an active senior living community where hobbies are encouraged and available. Everyone is welcome, whether they live in a senior independent living community, or in an assisted living or personal care home.
When choosing a retirement community, be sure to visit the senior communities that interest you and ask what activities they offer. We would welcome your visit to our Pennsylvania retirement communities or our Frederick, Maryland location. Come and see our independent living apartments for seniors and other accommodations. Please contact us to request information or to schedule a visit.