Easy Types of Gardening
Start by choosing a style of gardening that will accommodate your particular limitations. Containers offer maximum flexibility because you can put them anywhere it’s convenient for you to garden...on table tops, on patios or decks, on a front or back porch. Look for lightweight pots, such as plastic terra cotta and faux stone, and put them on plant stands with rollers so you can move them easily. Plants grown in containers will require less maintenance than an in-ground garden and containers allow you to more easily provide rich, well-amended soil which will, in turn, produce healthier plants needing less care.
Vertical gardening is another style that is more convenient for people who have trouble bending. You can train plants on trellises that have been anchored in the ground or against a fence, or you can put a trellis or obelisk in a container.
Raised beds also minimize the need to bend down to tend plants. They create an interesting look by adding various levels to draw the eye through the garden. Another benefit is that you can better control the quality of your soil in a raised bed. Raised beds aren’t quite as easy as going out and buying a container, as they do need some construction initially. Many garden books and magazines, however, have easy-to-follow instructions or check out this University of Missouri site for detailed information on installing raised beds.
Hanging baskets are a good solution to avoid bending. They can either be hung at a convenient level or put on pulleys for easy access. In addition to the many flowers that will thrive in a hanging basket, try growing lettuce and cherry tomatoes...you can have a hanging garden right outside your kitchen!
Easy Plants
By following some simple guidelines on choosing plants, you can pretty much guarantee a successful garden. The cardinal rule is to choose plants that are suited to your climate. That means not only your macroclimate...what USDA zone you are gardening in...but also your microclimate...what are the specific light, heat, wind and water conditions on your patio or deck. Trying to grow a plant that is not happy in its surroundings is a recipe for disaster, and sure to necessitate lots of fussing and babying by you. Talk to your nursery professionals to get advice and suggestions on what things grow best in your area.
