Here is another great article from Harry Cline of New Care Giver.
Gardening for Seniors: Low-Maintenance and Budget Friendly Options
For many, gardening is a relaxing pastime. It’s one of those hobbies that you can invest a considerable amount of time and money into — or very little. Whether you’re new to landscaping and gardening as a whole or want to find ways to enjoy planting with minimal effort and fewer expenses, here are some practical options that require less work and are more cost-effective.
Prep
Clear the space you’d like to use for your garden. That may mean having some trees or other existing greenery removed. If you do need to have a tree removed you should definitely hire a professional. You can find one by searching “local tree removal company” online. You’ll also need to choose which plants or flowers you’d like to grow in your garden. Perennials are a good choice because they’re known for returning on their own every year, which means no extra work or money on seeds. Irises, tulips, begonias, and marigolds are all excellent options.
Obtain Pots and Planters
There’s no rule saying that everything in your garden has to come from the ground. Pots and planters are great because they eliminate extra work. As for costs, there are some pricey containers out there; however, it’s possible to avoid purchasing them all together. You or someone else may already have items that can be repurposed, such as buckets or basins. If this isn’t the case, these items are usually cheap finds at garage sales and thrift stores. Remember, several vegetables like Brussels sprouts, beans, lettuce, carrots, and cucumbers can be grown in pots. If you’re looking to cut back on expenses in general, growing your own food may be part of the solution.
Use Soaker Hoses
Lugging a regular hose around to water your green spaces can become too much work. Sprinklers, on the other hand, may seem like a no-hassle solution to watering plants; however, they’re not what’s best for your wallet. Not only are they expensive, but they’re also not as efficient when it comes to water utilization. With a soaker hose, you only have to set it up once, and it improves the saturation of the soil and conserves more water. In other words, it lowers your water bill.
On the flip side, it’s also a good idea to use drought-resistant and drought-tolerant plants. These kinds of plants are ideal for areas that have water restrictions or are prone to having droughts.
Keep in mind, however, that if you aren’t able to work in the yard as often as you’d like anymore, you may want to consider hiring a professional to help with maintenance. This will allow you to comfortably work in the garden when you’re able and receive assistance during the times you’re unable. For the times you can work in the garden, though, remember to take care of yourself. It may seem insignificant, but it’s important to do little things like protecting your hands by wearing the proper garden gloves. Accessibility and the kind of outdoor spaces you’re working in are critical as well; having clear paths and raised beds can both prevent falls and limit back pain and aching joints.
It’s also worthwhile to add plants to your garden that are honey bee friendly. According to an expert, about one-third of crops are pollinated by bees, and more than 75 percent of our food requires pollination. Try planting the following to help encourage pollination in your garden: asters, lemon balm, purple coneflower, snapdragons, sunflowers, yarrow, and zinnias.
To Plant or Not?
If you’re still on the fence about whether to landscape or garden, consider this: It’s fantastic for your physical and mental health. According to a research organization, gardening as a senior reduces the effects of depression and feelings of loneliness, improves your balance and the potential to avoid falls, and lowers your risk of dementia. Either way, you can’t go wrong with fun and better health.
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