- Author: Sara Milnes
I enjoy the beauty, creativity, accomplishment, exercise, and sense of community that come with gardening. While I'm not as young as I used to be, I managed pretty well until recently, when I fractured my back. As I recuperated, I started researching how I could garden successfully with new limitations. Here are some tips for making gardening more accessible, and easier for everyone!
Gardening requires many physical tasks that can be challenging for those with physical limitations. As we age, we may have problems such as impaired balance, slower reaction time, limited mobility, decreased muscle strength, reduced vision and depth perception, chronic pain, and reduced endurance. Even young people can have disabilities or diseases that restrict gardening activities. But with planning and modification, less spry bodies can still enjoy gardening.
With physical limitations, it's important to design and/or modify gardens so that we do less hauling, walking, and climbing. We want the garden beds to be near the house and water source to increase accessibility. Garden beds near driveways decrease the distance to bring supplies such as plants and soils to the garden beds. Reducing the number of levels and/or steps also makes access easier.
Our tools need to be organized and nearby. A garden shed with pegboards, shelves and wide doors makes tools accessible. A tool caddy or tool vest avoids running back and forth to get tools. A garden cart moves tools, buckets, stools, mulch and much more to where you need them, without the heavy lifting or multiple trips.
Raised beds, especially if high or on legs, can help avoid some of the stooping that comes with weeding, planting, and tending in-ground plants. They can also be easily reached from two or more sides. Containers at various levels, vertical gardens and low raised beds can allow for tending plants from a seated position. Some gardeners may find hanging baskets easier.
For both raised beds and containers, it's important to use potting soil, not garden soil, and have good drainage. Plan to water and fertilize more frequently than with in-ground plants. Plastic containers may be more manageable than heavy clay or ceramic ones.
If the container is large, it is easier to place it where it will go before filling it with potting soil. If it is tall, it should be sturdy enough so that it will not tip if leaned on. If the container will need to move, wheeled container caddies can be placed under containers to make movement easier.
Tripping and balance can be more of a problem with age or disability. It's important to keep garden paths free of clutter and not narrowed by containers or plants. Soft materials or grass for pathways are more difficult to maneuver with mobility devices, while hard surfaces are easier for those with canes or walkers, or for carts and wheelbarrows.
Work Smarter, Work Safer
When there are physical limitations, abilities and stamina may be lessened, so it's important to work smart, and work safely.
Condition the body with a few stretches before you begin to help prevent injuries. Avoid repetitive motion and change out tasks periodically, perhaps alternating an active task with a resting one. Pace yourself by not working too long and avoid doing several heavy tasks in one day.
To avoid overexposure in hot weather, garden early in the day, take frequent rests in the shade, drink water as you work, wear a sun hat, sunscreen, and long sleeves to protect the skin. Use the right garden gloves for the job. And always carry a phone with you, just in case.
Eliminate slip and trip hazards by decluttering and be safe by discarding rusty tools. Always wear comfortable protective shoes in the garden—garden clogs with no back are unstable and dangerous. Minimize or eliminate the use of ladders, and if there is any instability, have a buddy with you.
Proper lifting is important to avoid injury. Avoid lifting items that are awkward or too heavy. Get help if an item is outside your capabilities: a two-person lift is safer than going it alone.
For lifting objects within one's abilities, bend both knees, keep the back straight, and bend at the hips. Lift close to the body, lifting smoothly with the leg muscles, not the back, and avoid twisting at the waist. Reduce the amount of weight by taking multiple, lighter loads, and use carts and wheelbarrows when possible. Buying smaller bags of potting soil and supplies may make lifting within your abilities.
Equipment
The right equipment can make gardening with limitations so much easier!
Everyone can benefit from hand tools with ergonomic handles, which reduce effort and fatigue. If hand strength is a problem, smaller pruners or rotating blade pruners may be sufficient. Ratchet-type pruners are also available that require little hand strength, as well as pruners that hold a cut bloom. If wrists are a problem, easi-grip trowels can keep the hand and wrist in a neutral, stress-free position. Lightweight shovels that are the right length for your height and have a circular or D-shaped handle make digging easier. Hoes, rakes, and trowels are available with lightweight telescoping handles to avoid excessive reaching.
A lightweight 50' hose is much easier to move around and store. Some gardeners find an extension wand is useful for watering. Lightweight, balanced watering cans make hand watering easier. And vests, totes and carts all reduce the effort to bring supplies from area to area.
A cushion or knee pads can protect knees. A reversible kneeler has arms that can be used for support in kneeling down or pushing up. A sturdy stool or seat makes it possible to do some tasks while seated, and some come with wheels.
With improved garden design, safe garden areas and practices, and appropriate tools, gardening can be a continued joy for people with limitations. Enjoy!
Resources for a more in-depth discussion are:
Cassidy, Patty. The Illustrated Practical Guide to Gardening for Seniors, How to Maintain Your Outside Space with Ease into Retirement and Beyond, October 2011.
University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources, Adaptive Gardening, https://ucanr.edu/sites/cetrinityucdavisedu/files/280231.pdf
Washington State University Master Gardeners. Gardening for Life: a Guide to Gardening Adaptations for Gardener, by the WSU Master Gardeners,
https://pubs.extension.wsu.edu/gardening-for-life-a-guide-to-garden-adaptations-for-gardeners-of-all-ages-and-abilities#:~:text=Ages%20and%20Abilities-,Gardening%20for%20Life%20%2D%20A%20Guide%20to%20Garden%20Adaptations%20for%20Gardeners,gardeners%20and%20gardeners%20with%20disabilities.
