I like to put something down in the way of mulch for my containers, and lots of it. As with any other mulching you'd do elsewhere in the garden, leave a bit of a gap next to the stem. Shredded b&w newsprint works well, but does need to be wet down well immediately after applying, or it will blow away.
Avoid glossy paper as metals and chemicals that you might not care to have in your garden are frequently used to achieve that effect. Colored newsprint is fine if you know the dye used was soy based. Much of it is these days.
Other personal preferences include wheat straw or shredded leaves.
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