The folks in their senior years may have been avid gardeners for decades. As the years passed, they may have experienced surgeries, falls or diseases that has made it difficult to continue on in the same way of gardening. There are options, however. They may not be able to wrestle with the garden tiller or spend hours bent over a hoe, weeding. Some may not even be able to stand anymore.
For all of these seniors, one option is raised bed gardens. These do take some building and preparation, but with the help of friends or family, it can be done. The raised bed stands up to eighteen or so inches tall, making it easier to work in. The size is approximately four by eight feet, which allows a person to reach all the way into the middle from any long side.
Using long handled tools will make that middle reach more attainable. The smaller hand tools will be of great help along all four sides. In addition to ease of reaching, not walking on the bed will help to keep it aerated properly for adequate root growth. If one desires, planting in perhaps two square foot blocks will give a greater yield, in many cases. Refer to any number of "square foot gardening" books on the subject for details.
In using containers, seniors may need to check on the moistness of the soil more often. Containers have the nasty habit of drying out faster than the ground soil does. If one uses clay pots of any size, these will especially take more watering. Clay absorbs water just like dirt does, so it is used up faster. Plastic containers may be the best choice, bag or bucket.
When purchasing bags of soil for your garden needs, think about using them as is, with drainage holes poked in the bottom and slits in the top in which to insert plants such as tomatoes. Place them at eye level if you are seated or waist level if standing. This will keep the senior from doing a lot of bending and lifting.
If the folks in their golden years happen to be in wheel chairs or must use crutches or walkers, it may be of great importance to build walkways to and around the raised gardening spots. There would be no bogging down or tipping over of chairs. Safety while walking with a walker and other aids is extremely crucial.
For all of these seniors, one option is raised bed gardens. These do take some building and preparation, but with the help of friends or family, it can be done. The raised bed stands up to eighteen or so inches tall, making it easier to work in. The size is approximately four by eight feet, which allows a person to reach all the way into the middle from any long side.
Using long handled tools will make that middle reach more attainable. The smaller hand tools will be of great help along all four sides. In addition to ease of reaching, not walking on the bed will help to keep it aerated properly for adequate root growth. If one desires, planting in perhaps two square foot blocks will give a greater yield, in many cases. Refer to any number of "square foot gardening" books on the subject for details.
In using containers, seniors may need to check on the moistness of the soil more often. Containers have the nasty habit of drying out faster than the ground soil does. If one uses clay pots of any size, these will especially take more watering. Clay absorbs water just like dirt does, so it is used up faster. Plastic containers may be the best choice, bag or bucket.
When purchasing bags of soil for your garden needs, think about using them as is, with drainage holes poked in the bottom and slits in the top in which to insert plants such as tomatoes. Place them at eye level if you are seated or waist level if standing. This will keep the senior from doing a lot of bending and lifting.
If the folks in their golden years happen to be in wheel chairs or must use crutches or walkers, it may be of great importance to build walkways to and around the raised gardening spots. There would be no bogging down or tipping over of chairs. Safety while walking with a walker and other aids is extremely crucial.
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