Take A Look At Gardening For Seniors

March 30, 2011 by: Kay Magnolia

As folks age, they tend to give up things that they were previously able to do. Gardening could be one of those things. It may not be necessary to do that, even though falling is still an issue to some. There are several different ways of getting into the garden these days.

If a few friends and family are willing to put in the initial work of building raised gardens for their favorite senior, these spots of eighteen or so inches from the ground can be built. They are only four by eight feet in dimensions, but they can make it possible for senior gardeners to be active again. Most people can work in these spots from any side, all the way into the middle.

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.

If another method is desired, other than the raised bed system, they might consider growing stuff in containers. These could be placed on concrete such as a patio or sunny porch, thus avoiding the uneven and soft ground. Five gallon buckets and even plastic bins from the super store can be used for planting in. Just be sure someone pokes drainage holes in the bottom. Many types of fruit and veggie can be grown in these things.

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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