• Growing plants in containers is one of the best ways to garden all year long, while also keeping your house healthier and more inviting in the process. Many types of plants can be grown in containers large or small, and here we look at five variations you might like to try.
  
  

Fruiting plants

• Blueberries and strawberries make wonderful container plants.
  
  Blueberries are particularly good for planting in containers, because they're picky about the acidity levels of the soil they grow in (they like a fairly low pH, between 4.5 and 5.5, according to Michigan State University). When planting blueberries in containers, use high-acid potting soil and fertilizers, and they'll thrive.
  
  Strawberries also produce well when grown in containers, regardless of which type you choose. June-bearing strawberries produce large amounts of fruit in the spring, and everbearing will give you smaller crops of strawberries in both the spring and late summer. A new type of strawberry called day-neutral can provide you with fresh berries throughout the growing season.
  
  Other fruits that grow well in containers include cherry tomatoes and small chili peppers in a variety of colors.
  
  

Herbs

• Most herbs are often grown in containers just outside the kitchen door or on a sunny windowsill so they're convenient to access while cooking. Most herbs are fast-growing plants that thrive the more you take cuttings from them. Try creating one container garden with several types of herbs, or use small pots to grow each individually. Popular container herbs include chives, basil, and oregano.
  
  

Cacti

• Cactus and succulents are popular container plants because they need very little care to stay looking beautiful all year round. Many cactus plants will bloom at least once each year, too, and the variations in colors and styles of their blooms are both beautiful and unique. Barrel cactus plants are great for small containers, and prickly pears work well for larger outdoor containers.
  
  

Ivy

• Ivy is a year-round container plant favorite because it grows very fast, and it can climb or trail as desired. Ivy is an invasive plant when planted in the ground, so growing it in containers is the best way to enjoy this plant without the risk of having it take over your lawn or garden.
  
  

Bamboo

• While some types of bamboo can grow more than 100 feet tall, there are plenty of smaller varieties that make excellent container plants. Bamboo is known for growing quite quickly when it has plenty of nutrient-dense, well-drained soil and sunlight. Bamboos like a lot of water, but they can't grow if they're standing in it, so the soil must drain well.
  
  Some bamboos only flower once every 100 years or so, while others will bloom annually. Even if you select one that doesn't flower regularly, you should be delighted with the variations of foliage colors available.