Have creaky knees or a stiff back got you second-guessing your love of gardening? As you grow older, physical hobbies like yard work aren't as easy as they once were, but you don't have to give up on your love of gardening just because of your age. Take a look at the tips below for advice on how to ease your time in the garden.
Some of the tips and tricks you see here are used by independent living retirement communities like All Seniors Care centres. These retirement homes help their seniors garden safely by using modifying tools and gardening techniques - and so can you!
1. Raised Gardening Beds
If you're having trouble getting down to the ground, bring the ground to you! Tall raised beds help you avoid having to bend at the waist while caring for your flowers. You can weed while standing, sit on the edges while cleaning up, or tend to these beds while sitting on a nearby stool. Any way you slice it, these beds make gardening a breeze. Here are some of the best plants that thrive in these layouts.
2. Garden Vertically
Garden walls and trellises change the orientation of your flowers or veggies, moving them from flat on the ground to upright against a lattice, supported structure, or hanging pot. These vertical gardens are a charming change from the status quo, and they all but eliminate the need to crouch or bend down. Check out these designs for inspiration.
3. Irrigation Systems
Lugging around a heavy garden hose isn't easy at any age, and it can create a tripping hazard when left out in the yard. If you have the budget for them, consider replacing this hose with an underground irrigation system. Once installed, they make watering the garden as simple as flicking a switch or programming a dial!
A sprinkler system is also a sound investment. It helps to conserve water, and it could add value to your home once you're ready to sell.
4. Ergonomic Tools
Investing in gardening equipment made for seniors makes your job easier. Padded kneeling stools, ergonomic pruning sheers, and stand-up weeders allow you to tend to your garden without adding any unnecessary pressure on your joints.
5. Protective Equipment
Save yourself from a nasty sunburn or worrying cut by wearing the right clothes when you head outdoors. Leave a wide-brimmed hat next to your gardening tools, so you can always protect your face from the sun. Wear reinforced gloves to stop thorns and other sharp materials from hurting you and risking infection. These small choices can make your day out in the yard that much more enjoyable.
Above All Else, Be Kind
Your garden abilities change as you age, so it's okay to adjust how often you prune, mulch, and weed to fit your abilities now. Your garden doesn't have to be perfect; the important thing is you keep it up in anyway you can!
And if anyone tells you you're too old to garden, prove them wrong with a freshly cut bouquet of wildflowers or a bushel of vine-ripened tomatoes.
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