Extension

Carla Smith, Pottawatomie County Horticulture Educator

Keep it simple!

Tips to Simplify Maintenance and Pacing

• Clear Safe Pathways: Ensure garden paths are wide, flat, and paved with gravel, brick, or pavers to prevent tripping or wobbling if using a cane or walker.
• Choose Low-Maintenance Plants: Opt for hardy perennials, native plants, or pre-grown vegetable transplants instead of delicate seeds or high-maintenance annuals. Scale back on options and go with the easy successes.

• Use Heavy Mulch: Add a thick layer of mulch around plants to block weeds and cut down on frequent weeding and watering.
• Pace the Work: Work in short 20- to 30-minute sessions followed by a 10-minute rest, and stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.

Raise the Planting Surfaces

• Raised Garden Beds: Build or buy raised beds that stand 24 to 30 inches high so gardeners can work while standing or sitting in a chair without bending over. Make beds no more than 3 feet wide so you can reach the center from both sides.
• Containers and Table Planters: Use large pots, window boxes, or elevated table-height planters on patios, porches, or balconies. They require less heavy digging and almost no weeding. Plan a “Grams” garden day and let the kids or grandkids help with the lifting! Once filled and ready, then the planting and care are easier tasks.
• Vertical Gardening: Grow vining plants like sugar snap peas, cucumbers, green beans, or tomatoes on trellises, stakes, or tomato cages to keep the harvest at eye level.

Upgrade Tools and Equipment

• Ergonomic and Long-Handled Tools: Switch to lightweight aluminum or wood tools with long handles (like long-handled weeders and cultivators) so you can work from a position that fits you.
• Comfortable Grips: Look for tools with comfort grips.  Tools with thicker handles and that are easier to grip help hands with arthritis or less strength.
• Bright Paint or Tape: Paint tool handles in bright neon colors or wrap them in colored tape so they are easy to spot if dropped in the grass or left in the garden.
• Seating and Kneeling Aids: Use a sturdy garden stool, a rolling garden scoot cart, or a padded kneeler with side handles for stability when getting up and down. Shop around, several styles and price ranges are available.
• Automated or Light Watering: Install a drip-irrigation system or attach a lightweight long-reach watering wand with a thumb-lever flow control to your hose to avoid lifting heavy watering cans.