Gardening can provide many physical, mental, and emotional benefits for seniors, as well as help them stay busy and connect with nature. It’s also the perfect hobby for those interested in changing their diets. With the help of in-home care and loved ones, seniors gain the support they need to create a successful garden, whether a full-blown backyard garden or a container garden on their balcony.
Continue reading to learn some focused tips for adults that will make gardening more fun for them.
Tips For Gardening Success
- Accessible design: The best design for seniors is to have raised beds or planters so they don’t have to bend or sit as much. This design makes it easy for them to garden independently without hurting their backs or knees. Also, raised beds come in various sizes to adapt to senior spaces.
- Ergonomic Tools: Light, ergonomic tools with soft handles, long handles for a longer reach, and tools that are made to put less stress on the joints are readily available at big box stores or online. Loved ones and the in-home care team can monitor seniors to ensure they use these tools correctly.
- Create a Watering System: Setting up a drip irrigation system ensures seniors don’t have to water as often. This makes it easy for them to take care of their garden without watering it by hand or waiting for their loved ones or in-home care team to assist.
- Vertical Gardening: If raised beds aren’t an option, consider vertical gardening. This type of gardening saves room and avoids the need to bend or kneel. Many possibilities exist, from trellises to hanging baskets or pots attached to the wall.
- Easy-to-Read Labels: The in-home care team can help seniors create clear, easy-to-read labels to help them tell their plants apart. This takes away any frustration with their care.
What Things Should Seniors Grow?
As for the easiest things to grow, here are some choices for plants that require little care and can be grown by both new and experienced gardeners.
- Herbs: Basil, mint, rosemary, and chives are all herbs that are easy to grow in pots and add flavor to food.
- Lettuce and Leafy Greens: Lettuce, spinach, and kale are easy to grow in pots and provide fresh, healthy greens.
- Tomatoes: Cherry tomatoes are easy to grow and can be grown in pots or baskets that hang from the ceiling.
- Zucchini: Zucchini plants grow a lot of fruit and do well in bigger pots or raised beds.
- Radishes: These root veggies grow quickly and are great for first-time gardeners. They can also be harvested in just a few weeks.
- Marigolds: These brightly colored flowers make the garden look better and keep pests away.
- Snap Peas: These are easy-to-grow climbing plants that can be used in salads, entrees, or eaten raw.
- Succulents: While not grown as a food source, these low-maintenance plants come in many shapes and colors, making them an excellent choice for indoor and outdoor gardening.
While some seniors might be gardening veterans, others might just be starting out. In any case, it’s a good idea to start with just a few plants and add more as they feel more comfortable and learn more.
Seniors who garden can get a lot of satisfaction from seeing their plants grow and being close to nature. Gardening is easy for seniors to feel independent, especially when supported by loved ones and their in-home care team.
If you or an aging loved one are considering In-Home Care in Brentwood, MO, please contact the caring staff at Pear Tree Home Care today! (314) 942-9411
Pear Tree Home Care Provides Senior Home Care Services in St. Louis, Ladue, Chesterfield, Town and Country, Clayton, Des Peres, St. Charles, Wildwood, Brentwood, Maryland Heights, Lake St. Louis, O’Fallon, Kirkwood, Webster Groves, Arnold, Oakville, Mehlville, Creve Coeur, St. Louis City, St. Louis County, St. Charles County, Franklin County, Warren County, Jefferson County, and surrounding areas.
At Pear Tree we’re innovators. Our goal, to create a family of caregivers looking to provide a one of a kind experience to our clientele.
In 2016, our founders noticed a key problem in home care industry that everyone seemed to be ignoring.
It’s too systematic. Home care isn’t one size fits all. Just like people aren’t one size fits all.
That’s where Pear Tree comes in.
We yearn for you to have the best possible care for your loved ones and the peace of mind that comes with knowing they aren’t only in good hands. They’re in great hands. Because, in the end, that’s what we’d want for our family.
It’s proven. When the home care experience is immersive and personalized, you’re going to produce better success rates with healthier family members.
Please, join us in our journey of revolutionizing the home care industry and creating lasting relationships along the way.
This is not the first Home Care agency for Pat, she was the Director of nursing for Kimberly Nurses in 1980 and after the tragic passing of the companies president she opened and co-founded American Nursing Resources Home Health Agency. Pat opened and passed Medicare certification for ANRHHA Clayton and Washington, MO offices.
For Zachary, the name “Pear Tree” is a tribute to his beloved late friend; Wade Abbadessa. Wade worked at his family’s famous restaurant “The Pear Tree” in Macon, until his tragic death in September 2014. Wade lost his battle with a rare form of bone cancer at the young age of 26. His legacy will live on through our company.
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