Gardening offers many benefits. It’s an enjoyable form of exercise and provides physical activity that helps increase strength, balance, flexibility and endurance. Just being outdoors surrounded by greenery can reduce stress levels and promote relaxation. Plus, for vegetable growers, there are the added benefits of having easy access to fresh, home-grown produce and the satisfaction of having grown it yourself.
However, as I have gotten older, I find that some gardening activities have become a bit more challenging for me. Here are some ideas that can make gardening a little easier because growing older doesn’t have to mean giving up the garden.
To be kinder to your back, consider using raised beds. They can be constructed at a height comfortable for people who have trouble bending or wish to sit while gardening. Make your raised beds no more than four feet across to allow for ease of access from all sides.
Another convenient way to garden is to plant in containers. I grow about half of my vegetables in containers along with a selection of lovely flowers and culinary herbs. I set containers on tables, chairs, bricks, benches, and even unused pots to give my garden more height. You can also attach containers to a deck railing or fence to escape the need for stooping.
Keep in mind that raised beds and container gardens typically require more frequent watering than in-ground gardens. Be sure to have a water source nearby for convenience.
Another way to create upright access to plants, particularly for harvesting. is to grow them vertically. Cucumbers, squash, melons, beans and many other vegetables can be trellised.
When it comes to hand tools, they can be made more comfortable and easier to hold by taping foam around the grips. For hauling items, I find my 4-wheel garden cart to be invaluable. It’s stable and easy to pull. I also make good use of a kneeler that converts to a bench. The sturdy handles also help me get back on my feet. To make watering much easier, my mom, who gardened well into her late 80s, switched to a lightweight, easy to coil garden hose.
Make yourself take regular breaks while gardening. Set a chair nearby, preferably in the shade. Have water on hand to stay hydrated. It’s best to avoid the heat at midday, so if you can, work in the garden early in the morning or late in the day. Remember, too, to change your gardening activity to avoid over-stressing one set of muscles. So, take some time to weed, then maybe switch to watering.
Protect yourself from the sun. When I’m in the garden, I wear a long-sleeved shirt, long pants and a big floppy hat – something I never thought I’d be caught wearing in public. If that isn’t your style, then remember to apply sunscreen on all exposed skin and reapply it every couple of hours.
Very importantly, mind your balance. Use long handled tools to help stabilize your walking or bending or bring a walking stick if you have a favorite one.
And let’s not forget the most valuable tip of all: if some tasks have become too challenging, ask for help. While I often enjoy the solitude of working in the garden by myself, I’ve found that gardening with friends and family can be just as rewarding.