Get the most out of your container garden

Gardening is beneficial in various ways. Some health perks associated with gardening include improved mood, increased vitamin D levels (which benefits bones and the immune system) and reduced risk of dementia. In addition, if gardening efforts include growing herbs, fruits and vegetables, it can be a cost-effective way to eat healthy.

Container gardening can be an ideal way for gardeners without sufficient space or for those with mobility issues to grow everything from flowers to vegetables. Better Homes & Gardens says most plants are not fussy about the containers in which they grow so long as some of their basic needs are met. This means watering correctly for the type of plant and ensuring sufficient drainage.

The following are some other ways container gardening efforts can prove successful.

Watch water. Planet Natural Research Center says plants with thin leaves typically need ample water, and plants with thick leaves need less. Use this as a guideline to gauge water needs.Size correctly. Plants should be sized to the container. Consider dwarf varieties of certain plants if your containers are small.Choose the right soil. Fill containers with commercial potting soil rather than soil from the garden. Garden soil can dry into a solid mass, while commercial mixtures have amendments like peat moss, vermiculite, compost, and other ingredients to help with soil texture and moisture retention.Mix it up. When planting containers of flowers and other greenery, Good Housekeeping recommends including “a thriller, a spiller and a filler” as a good rule of thumb. The thriller is the focal point, the spiller is a trailing plant, and a filler has smaller leaves or flowers to add bulk and color.Poke holes. Drainage holes are essential so that the soil will not become waterlogged. The holes don’t need to be large, but there should be enough so that excess water can drain out readily.Select the right container material. Container materials may be affected by gardeners’ budgets, personal taste and other factors. For those who live in hot climates, selecting a light-colored container can help prevent further soil heat absorption.