Indoor Gardening Ideas for Seniors

Gardening is an extremely popular hobby, especially for seniors. Many agree that tending to plants is good for the soul — and studies show this may be true. Research reveals a strong link between gardening and improved physical, mental and emotional well-being. When the weather’s nice, outdoor gardening is a common option. But what about when it’s cold outside or you have limited outdoor space? This is when indoor gardening can be a great benefit.

Keep reading to learn more about indoor gardening and the benefits it provides seniors.

Why Indoor Gardening Is Great for Seniors

Indoor gardening offers seniors numerous health benefits.

Promotes Relaxation 

If you’re an avid gardener, you likely already know how relaxing it is to dig in the soil and be surrounded by plants and flowers. If you’re new to the hobby, realizing the benefits won’t take long. Many find that connecting with nature improves their mood and focus. It also provides a tranquil setting to practice meditation or mindfulness.

Reduces Stress

Can gardening help reduce stress? Science says it can. Digging, planting, weeding and watering all promote physical activity. This, in turn, can boost your mood and reduce stress. That’s not all. Working with nature can lower your cortisol levels, which provides a calming sensation.

Provides a Sense of Accomplishment and Purpose

Everyone needs to feel a sense of accomplishment and purpose, and gardening can help. Tending to your garden and watching your plants grow can add meaning and purpose to your day. Best of all, you can feel pride by showing your garden to your loved ones and other residents.

Gentle Physical Activity Maintains Mobility

Indoor gardening promotes physical activity without the risk of injury or being too rough on your joints, which can improve overall well-being. For instance, light stretching to tend to your plants can prompt activity and increase mobility, watering your plants can boost muscle strength and digging in the dirt can improve your motor skills and hand-eye coordination.

Easy Indoor Plants for Seniors

When creating an indoor garden, selecting the right plants is important. Look for easy-to-care-for plants that can flourish in an indoor setting. Here’s a look at some of the most popular indoor plants for seniors.

Low-Maintenance Plants

Low-maintenance plants are a common option for seniors. This allows you to have the indoor garden you want with plenty of time to participate in other activities. Some popular options include:

• Snake plants
• ZZ plants
• Spider plants
• Jade plants

Flowering Plants

If you’re looking for indoor plants that can add a touch of color to your space, flowering plants are a good option. Common options include:

• Peace lilies
• African violets
• Begonias
• Geraniums

Air-Purifying Plants

Another great option is air-purifying plants. These plants can improve the air quality in your apartment and may eliminate the need for an electronic air purifier. Some types of plants to consider include:

• Aloe vera
• Bamboo
• Dragon trees
• English Ivy

Gardening Ideas and Activities for Seniors

Does indoor gardening sound like the ideal activity for you? Here are some gardening ideas to try.

Container Gardening

Container gardening is extremely popular, especially for those with limited space. It allows you to plant flowers, herbs, succulents and other appropriate plants in indoor containers, such as flowerpots, baskets, window boxes, buckets and barrels. Geraniums, aloe vera, and jade are ideal plants for this type of indoor gardening.

Vertical Gardens

Vertical gardens are also popular because they effectively use empty wall space. Seniors often use wall-mounted planters, allowing them to grow several plants in a small space. Common options for vertical gardens include ferns, succulents, herbs and bromeliads.

Terrariums

Terrariums are fun to create and easy to maintain, making them a good option for seniors. Start by finding a glass container, such as a jar or vase. Place gravel on the bottom, add a layer of activated charcoal and put potting soil on top. Then add plants, such as succulents, air plants and moss. To complete the look, you can insert various decorations to give your terrarium color. In many cases, you can use a spray bottle to mist inside the terrarium, and it will take care of itself.

Miniature Indoor Gardens

Looking for something a little smaller? A miniature indoor garden may be the answer. You can create these small indoor gardens in shallow trays, bowls or pots. Add a gravel layer to the container's bottom and top with potting soil. Add small plants, such as ferns, succulents, cacti or miniature tropical plants, to complete the look.

Gardening Tools and Tips for Seniors

Before you start building your indoor garden, you should have some tools.

Ergonomic Tools

If it’s been a while since you shopped for gardening tools, you may be pleasantly surprised to see the ergonomic tools available. Their lightweight structure often makes them easier to hold and manage. These tools also come with cushioned or curved handles, longer handles and rotating grips to make them easier to maneuver as you garden.

Raised Garden Beds

Raised garden beds are ideal for seniors because they reduce the need to constantly bend down to care for your plants. This can prevent backaches and reduce the risk of falling or losing your balance. Elevate potted plants off the floor in your home. Placing pots on a tabletop or bench makes it easier to care for your plants from an upright position.

Easy-to-Use Watering Systems

Another great benefit of indoor gardening is that you don’t have to lug around a heavy watering can. There are plenty of other easy-to-use watering systems available, such as spray bottles, misters and watering globes and spikes.

Good Lighting

One obstacle to indoor gardening is the lack of natural sunlight. If possible, place your plants as close to a window as possible, especially an east-facing window. You can also purchase artificial lighting that's good for plants, such as LED grow lights.

Seasonal Indoor Gardening

You can start a seasonal indoor garden any time of the year. Winter is a wonderful time to cultivate your indoor garden as it gives you a great way to focus your energy without going out into the cold. It's also a great time to plant your favorite vegetable seeds in preparation for spring. By tending seedlings indoors, you'll have a head start on your outdoor garden once spring arrives.

Contact Aberdeen Heights at 314-909-6000 to learn more about our range of activities for every interest, including gardening.