Sometimes the body doesn't work exactly as we want, but it doesn't have to be impossible to grow your own food or enjoy life in the garden. Working with nature instead of against it is a good approach for all gardening, and with the right tools and some planning, challenging and heavy garden tasks can be reduced to a minimum.
Lifted bed
If you have trouble working at ground level or are in a wheelchair, you can easily achieve a better working position using raised beds, both outdoors and in the greenhouse. Deep planters on legs usually work well. Remember that the planters should have drainage holes and sufficient soil depth for what you want to grow. If you choose a narrow planting box, it will be easier to reach all parts.
Good pathways
Paved, smooth pathways between plants and berry bushes make it easier to move around. Additionally, they make it more difficult for snails to attack the plants. If you use a wheelchair, the width of the pathways should be adjusted, and there should also be turning areas, such as in the greenhouse. If needed, there are also special handles that can be mounted on the walls.
Avoid heavy lifting
Heavy watering cans require a lot from the body. To reduce the strain, it may be wise to invest in an automatic drip and nutrient irrigation system. This way, you avoid having to haul both watering cans and bags of fertilizer.
Use custom gardening tools
For those with reduced mobility in their arms and hands, specially designed ergonomic tools can be a good idea. For example, a pruning shears or a shovel that provides support to the forearm from the elbow. Also look for lightweight gardening tools that fit well in the hand.
Organize the tools
Having a well-organized workspace near the garden is a simple method to simplify the workload. There, the garden tools can be gathered and easily accessible. A table at the right height with a tool wall next to it is often sufficient.
Remember to Enjoy
No matter how little or how much time and effort you put into your garden, remember to enjoy it. Constantly hunting for weeds and raking leaves does not make anyone happy, and it is also not good for beneficial insects and the ecosystem. If you don't get everything done that you had planned, take a cup of coffee and a bun and instead enjoy the greenery and nature. Listen to the gentle buzzing of bumblebees and the chirping of birds - none of these amazing creatures care at all if the flower beds are well-composed or if the pathways are freshly swept; on the contrary, sometimes it is the wild that is better.