Lifestyle
Gardening with ease: adaptive tools and techniques for older gardeners
These adaptive gardening techniques make it easier to keep doing what you love – even if you have mobility challenges.
By Sarah Coleman
Whether you're a seasoned gardener continuing your passion or a beginner finally finding the time to start, mobility issues don't have to mean missing out on the physical and mental benefits of gardening.
Gardening is a fantastic way to stay physically active while connecting with nature. Getting moderate-intensity exercise through gardening can improve your heart health, build strength and flexibility, and even increase vitamin D levels. Growing your own fruits and vegetables also supports weight management and helps prevent chronic diseases.
Beyond the physical benefits, gardening reduces stress, eases anxiety, and fosters a sense of purpose.
Understanding adaptive gardening
As we get older, we may need to adjust our approach to gardening to accommodate physical changes. Adaptive gardening is all about tailoring gardening tasks and tools to fit your abilities.
Mobility challenges from conditions like arthritis, osteoporosis, or vision impairments may arise. However, with creative thinking and the right tools, you can continue enjoying the benefits of gardening.
Simple modifications to tools, techniques, and garden design can keep you gardening for years to come.
Choose the right tools
Adaptive gardening requires selecting the right tools and modifying the ones you already have.
- Use foam or heavy-duty tape to adjust tool handles for easier gripping.
- Opt for easy-grip, lightweight tools with long handles, allowing you to work while standing.
- Choose new tools with pistol grips and wrist cuffs designed to reduce stress on the body.
- Choose lightweight watering cans with long spouts for better reach and a size that is not too heavy for you when filled.
- Padded kneeling benches provide comfort and support. If kneeling is still difficult, use one with handles.
Tailor your garden design
Making gradual adjustments to your garden as your mobility changes can have long-term benefits.
Raise up
- Elevate garden beds and choose tall pots.
- Garden vertically. Arbours, trellises, fences, and walls will support plants as they grow up, so you don’t have to bend down!
- In cooler climates, consider moving your veggie patch inside a glasshouse with raised beds and vertical supports.
- Planting boxes and pots can be installed on windows and window sills.
- Install planting boxes or pots on windowsills or fences.
- Garden tables are great for those using wheelchairs or walkers.
Scale down
- Minimise high-maintenance areas.
- Condense and intensify planting in raised beds.
Choose the right path
- Replace gravel and uneven surfaces with non-slip materials to reduce tripping hazards.
- Ensure paths are wide and accessible for walkers or wheelchairs, and consider installing handrails for added support.
Pick the right plants
If your garden requires a lot of upkeep, it’s time to assess which plants are creating the most work. Swap them out for low-maintenance options based on advice from your local nursery.
Low-maintenance plant options include:
- Succulents
- Bulbs
- Slow-growing evergreen shrubs
- Container-friendly vegetables like tomatoes and leafy greens
If you’re having trouble handling tiny seeds when planting, opt for seed tape or pelletised seeds.
Use your body differently
- Rely on your stronger joints to do the grunt work. Lift with your legs, not your back and use your palm, not your fingers to pull and push objects and tools.
- Avoid repetitive activities by mixing up your gardening activities.
- Carry objects close to your body and use gloves with a sticky surface for better grip.
- When moving objects around the garden, pushing rather than pulling is preferred.
- Transport multiple light loads rather than one heavy one
- Wear the right gear. As we age, our skin thins and becomes more susceptible to damage and sunburn. Choose a light, long-sleeved shirt and wear gloves.
- Take frequent breaks and stay hydrated.
Cut down on work
- Mulching can help reduce the need for weeding, watering and fertilising.
- Install irrigation systems or use self-watering pots.
If you have significant mobility issues, it is worth consulting an occupational therapist or physiotherapist to create a plan to keep you in the gardening game.
Finally, enjoy adapting your garden to reflect your evolving needs and abilities as you get older. With thoughtful planning and modifications, you can cultivate a garden that nurtures your health and well-being for years to come.
Feature image: iStock/RyanJLane
More ideas to get into the garden: