August Gardening Tips For Seniors
August is the peak season for gardening in many areas of the country, and it’s the best time to prepare for harvesting deliciously healthy fruits and vegetables. Gardening is a common hobby among seniors, too, although it can be difficult for some with mobility issues to continue enjoying this physically active pastime. However, there are always ways to make gardening easier on your body during this month.
Tip 1: Put Your Safety First
If you have an outdoor garden of any kind, make sure you can access it safely and that there are no hazards in your way. If there are too many obstructions in your path to the garden, like landscaping rocks or tree stumps, consider seeking help to have them removed. If you typically use a walker, cane or walking stick, don’t forget to bring it with you to your garden for support, even if you feel like you don’t need it.
Another way to make sure you are safe outdoors is to always carry a phone or emergency call button with you. That way, you may call for help in case of falls or other medical emergencies when you are not inside your home.
Tip 2: Time Makes All the Difference
August is typically a hot month, and outdoor temperatures may rise to dangerous levels quickly. Being in the heat or direct sunlight for too long increases your risk of developing heat stroke, so it’s best to wear a hat and garden during the cooler times of the day. This may include early morning hours, before 10:00 am, or during evening hours, after 5:00 pm. And don’t forget to stay hydrated — drinking plenty of water while gardening will help you stay cool in the heat.
Tip 3: Practice Good Posture
Many injuries can arise if you do not work in your garden with good posture. While squatting, avoid lifting your heels off of the ground to prevent strain on your feet and legs. It’s also good to avoid bending over whenever possible to avoid straining your back. If you kneel frequently, consider using a kneeling stool to protect your knees and back.
Tip 4: Invest in Handy Tools
There are a lot of great gardening tools available that you can get to make gardening easier on yourself. These may even include tools designed for seniors to use, such as gardening gloves created to help provide arthritis relief.
Some more general tools you can use include mobile carts, gardening chairs, long-handled spades and pruning shears, planters with adjustable heights, automatic watering systems and sun sails for shade.
Tip 5: Prepare for Next Year
If maintaining an outdoor garden feels too difficult, consider planning an indoor garden that you can use year-round. You may be able to plant certain vegetables and herbs indoors, or you can use a hydroponic planter system to grow your garden inside with the use of LED lights.
You can also begin planning for next year’s gardening season today by finding raised garden beds that eliminate the need for kneeling and squatting. Many people also like portable raised garden beds because they can be moved easily around the yard or placed close to the house.
Gardening is a great hobby for seniors, not only because it provides a healthy food source, but because it also gives seniors a way to exercise both their body and mind. Some senior living communities, such as Crane’s Mill, even offer seniors a way to keep up with gardening in an independent or assisted living environment.
