Woman with gray hair and wearing a blue, long-sleeved shirt and jeans, uses a weeding tool in a raised-bed garden. — Raised beds and ergonomic tools are two things that help make gardening easier for senior gardening enthusiasts and those with physical limitations. (Photo by Mia Reinert, OSU Agriculture)

OSU Extension offers tips to make gardening easier for those with mobility challenges

Wednesday, April 30, 2025

Media Contact: Trisha Gedon | Sr. Communications Specialist | 405-744-3625 | trisha.gedon@okstate.edu

Gardening has long been a popular hobby, but with all the bending, reaching and stretching, it can sometimes feel more like an aerobic workout. Some older gardeners or those with mobility issues may feel they should limit their gardening activities or even give up the hobby.

Fortunately, there are gardening methods designed to help, including planting in raised beds or containers and using ergonomic tools. Plant selection also plays an important role.

“Gardening offers many benefits for everyone, including older adults and those with mobility issues,” said David Hillock, Oklahoma State University Extension consumer horticulturist. “It’s good physical exercise and has a positive impact mental health by reducing stress and boosting mood.”

Choosing low-maintenance plants is key for gardeners with mobility issues. Although annuals are pretty, they can be high maintenance. Perennials like blanket flower, daylilies, lavender and echinacea are easy to grow with little upkeep, and they come back every year. Native plants are also good choices because they require less upkeep.

“Once the decision of what to grow has been made, it’s time to think about where to grow,” Hillock said. “Some options to consider include raised beds, vertical gardening and container gardening.”

Raised beds are good for people with mobility issues to continue their love of gardening. Because raised beds are taller than traditional in-ground beds, there’s less bending, kneeling and stretching required to accomplish everyday gardening tasks such as weeding, harvesting and watering.

Container gardening can be enjoyable, too, and this method isn’t limited to flowers. There are a variety of edibles that grow well in containers, including tomatoes, peppers, peas and squash. Vertical gardening is another option, and beans and cucumbers do well in this style of gardening.

Joyce Taylor is a garden ambassador at The Botanic Garden at OSU and volunteers her time planting and maintaining garden beds.

“The raised beds and container gardens we have here at the garden certainly make those areas easier to maintain,” Taylor said. “I like using the tools with larger and softer handles because they’re easier to use.”

Using the right tool will help with gardening activities. Tools should be lightweight with handles with good grips to keep gardeners’ hands from tiring out too quickly. Tools with long handles are good choices to keep bending to a minimum.

Wide, level pathways throughout the garden help create stability for gardeners who use walkers, canes or wheelchairs.

Hillock said gardening enthusiasts with mobility challenges can also consider indoor gardening. Herbs are easy to grow in a windowsill garden. Other plants that do well indoors include succulents and African violets.

“Gardening is a great activity for everyone. Our methods may need to be adjusted, along with our expectations, but remaining positive helps gardeners with mobility issues continue to enjoy the fruits of their labor.”