Now that I’ve had hip replacement surgery, I’ve been thinking a lot about safe gardening practices for individuals with mobility issues. Even though I had the opportunity to plan how I would manage gardening chores post-operatively, I still encountered a few challenges. Fortunately, most issues were minor and easily solved. Nevertheless, safety and comfort should always be gardeners’ primary considerations. So, without further ado, here are 10 tips for safe gardening for those with limited mobility.
- If you are considering a new garden or making alterations to an existing landscape, first survey your property. Are there any slopes, hills, or gullies? These can be treacherous and difficult to cultivate and care for. What about stairs, rocks, creeks, or areas which are prone to flooding? These too can offer safety and convenience challenges. Before you embark on a garden plot, take note of these factors and other considerations such as how much sun the area with receive each day, existing trees, and bushes, and if there are any underground power lines, right of ways, etc.
- Plan, plan, plan. Even if you are young, able-bodied, and can sprint up hills today, chances are your body will feel differently in 20 years. Gardening does offer a wonderful opportunity to remain physically active. However, it should not turn into backbreaking chore which one eventually loathes. How far is your garden from your back door? Where is your garden located in relation to your garden tools and water faucet? Consider adding an irrigation system, lighting, or other garden additions early on in your garden design to save you hours of work, frustration, (and back pain) later. Costs for these are often much less than you may think. Mature gardens can remain emotional, physical, and spiritual delights if they are well planned from the start and easily modified when needed.
- Be clear on what type of gardener you are. Lush and elaborate 3- acre annual gardens may look stunning on the cover of a garden magazine, but they also take A LOT of work to maintain. Do you have the desire and the time to tend to your garden on weekends only? Do you want a manicured landscape with tight, neat borders, or do you prefer a more relaxed and natural look?
- Even if you are able bodied, try to keep garden beds and borders narrow so weeding is easier. Stepping into a deep garden bed can be hard on your back and tricky if the soil is wet or slippery.
- Try to make paths between garden beds at least 5-6 feet wide and create gentle curves in them when possible. Not only does this give an illusion of lushness between beds, but wider paths – even with curves – more easily accommodate wheelchairs, walkers, mowers, and garden equipment.
- Consider weed suppression whenever possible. Perennial plantings, shrubs, and mulch not only add visual interest to gardens, but these also help choke out annoying weeds. Fewer weeds mean less time weeding and more time sitting back and enjoying your beautiful garden.
- Elevate your garden whenever possible. Raised gardens not only make gardening easier on your back, but they also help deter pests like rabbits and moles. An elevated 30-inch-high planting bed or planter guarantees that most gardeners can easily access their garden either from a standing or sitting position. In addition to the raised ground beds, don’t forget hanging baskets – many of which can be used with an easy to install pulley-system for watering. I liberally use hanging baskets on my porches and in the garden for flowers and vegetables, such as tomatoes, peppers, strawberries, and beans.
- Make sure you are using properly cared for garden tools and ones which best serve your needs. Nothing frustrates me more in the garden than shears which are dull or a broken or bent spade which is unusable. Also, make sure to check out gardener’s supply magazines or big box stores for new and adaptive tools, seats, gloves, etc. Manufacturers are always coming out with new products which are lighter in weight and more ergonomic. Consider what your unique physical needs are and let science and technology make your gardening experience safer and more convenient.
- Plan your gardening chores ahead. I used to think I needed to do all my garden chores at once. I later learned that weeding one day, deadheading another, and filling the feeders and birdbaths on yet another day was far easier and more enjoyable than one single marathon session. Think about your chores and what system works best for you.
No matter what your physical ability, remember to take frequent rests, remain hydrated, and remain safe in the sun and outdoors. Gardening is truly one of life’s delights if safety and comfort remain primary practices.
