Container gardening has become the primary go-to method of gardening for many people, especially for people who have different physical capabilities than most. Gardening in containers is extremely adaptable and can be executed in a way that makes the entire larger experience of a garden ready and waiting for everyone - whether they're in a wheel chair, aren't as strong as they used to be, or have other physical limitations making traditional gardening tasks impossible. Container gardening makes most physical limitations a non-issue, and opens up this ageless hobby to green thumbs and brown thumbs alike.

Container garden planting should include functionality, so that it works for everyone involved. Adhering to basic garden design and creating raised and accessible beds is a good technique- and is easy to do.

An accessible garden can still be much like a regular garden. Design an accessible garden with curving pathways, borders that have taller plants in back and shorter ones in front.

Pathways need to be wide and flat, without cracks and little in the way of ledges and obtrusive edging. Gate stairs, and try to avoid steep slopes if at all possible. Pathways need to have edges into soil that aren't sudden drop offs, and edges that aren't too soft is also recommended so that chair and walker wheels don't get stuck, and so that feet don't roll on the edge and send someone falling into the garden.

Place raised beds and containers in areas that receive full sun exposure, as most vegetable crops and common bedding plant selections require full sun. When in doubt, default to the easiest method of growing by the most common requirement by placing containers in full sun.

Think about how people will be able to navigate around the gardens and work with plants if they're in wheelchairs or using walkers. Containers should be placed in an area that can allow full access to the entire container from at least the front and sides. Beds need not be too large or residents will get exhausted and overwhelmed.

It's good practice to use an already formulated and ready to use soil mix. These mixes come usually free of harmful organisms that can make residents sick and are easier to handle.

Fertilizer is a matter of preference but always best to follow the instructions used on product labels. Plants grown in containers need a lot of food.

On Pest Control:
* Do not use pesticides where people have weak immune systems and sensitivities
* Use hands to remove bugs, affected leaves and stems
* Make a gentle insecticidal soap for killing indoor bugs
* Sometimes a plant simply needs to be tossed

During the warm season, plan activities, gatherings, and meetings outside among the plants and outdoors. Watch wildlife visit more and more. Encourage families to use the garden spaces with their loved ones when they visit.