Gardening with reduced mobility is challenging and can strike at any age or time, so what can we do to keep gardening independently? Here are some ideas…
RAISE UP YOUR BEDS
If kneeling or back pain are issues, then resist planting at ground level. Instead, install raised beds at a comfortable height which will allow you to sow and grow while standing or sitting; even weeding can feel liberating if you can do it yourself. It’s your garden so make sure it’s accessible to you.
USE LONG-HANDLED, LIGHT TOOLS
Work the soil without working your back by using long-handled tools. Seek out lightweight, durable tools with ergonomic grips for comfort. Ditch cumbersome heavy metals in favour of aluminium, ash wood, plastic or fibreglass. Ergonomic grips and rotating handles take the strain away from wrists and reduce exertion, making it possible to garden for longer. Add easy-grip arm cuff supports for extra comfort and to prevent dropping tools. Peta specialises in a brilliant range of products, such as this Long Reach Easi-Grip® Fork, that’s perfect for people who struggle to bend down. See peta-uk. com. If you can’t bend down to pick up garden waste then use a lightweight long-armed litter picker or grab stick.
ELEVATE POTS IN THE GARDEN
Although pots are portable and great for small spaces, they can be difficult to maintain when seated. Elevate containers off the ground to eye level by raising them up on a shelf or garden terrace to make watering, feeding and weeding accessible. Get creative; use a table, stepladder or search charity shops for recycled furniture. Small pots are needy for food and water, so consolidate multiple small pots into a few larger containers; it will take longer for the compost to dry out so you don’t have to water them as often.
WEAR A TOOL BELT
Have tools close to hand by wearing a tool belt on the waist or hips. This simple, practical piece of kit keeps secateurs, snips, twine and small hand tools such as trowels and weeders in easy reach and reduces the need to bend down to pick things up. Choose from multi-pocket configurations or buy work-wear trousers with holster pockets to carry tools.
BE WATER WISE
Lugging heavy watering cans around the garden may seem an impossible task when mobility is a challenge. Hoses are expensive and wasteful if on a meter, so install a drip system for pots and borders or save the strain of carrying heavy loads by only filling small containers with water.
DIRECT SOW SEEDS
Nurturing seedlings through each stage of development until finally transplanted in a border takes time; instead, sow seeds directly where you want them to grow. Prepare the ground with a long-handled rake, water the soil and scatter seed, then cover with a l
