Benefits, Tools, and Tips on Getting Started to Garden for Active Adults
Have you ever wondered if you have a green thumb, but never knew where to begin? Invest in a few seeds, get your hands dirty, and we promise this new fun hobby will grow on you! Apart from admiring the beauty of your garden in full effect, there are real benefits to the hobby. Gardening can be difficult work, and some gardens are extensive in size which makes the work worth it, however, it doesn’t have to be hard. If you are ready to take on the challenge, check out this complete guide to gardening for active adults in 55+ communities.
Continue to read to find out all the best tips and insights on how to start your garden in your active adult living community.
Start a Garden in 4 Easy Steps
Are you wanting to start a garden, but are unsure of where to begin? Where you decide to plant your garden is critical to its survival. To make sure you are in the right location for your garden, check out these 4 simple steps.
- Take into Consideration How Much Sunlight You Get. Plants need a proper amount of sunlight to grow. Building structures like balconies, patios, or window sills can obstruct your garden in shadows if you plan to garden outdoors. If you want to garden indoors, your plants will have to be kept near a window to ensure your garden is exposed to the right amount of vitamin D for the best growth results.
- The Spot Should be Accessible. Garden accessibility starts with paths. Increased mobility and safety throughout your garden start with accessible paths. Those who use canes, walkers, and wheelchairs will find that a pathway to the garden eases access. The garden should ideally be in a spot that is stress-free on the body, as accessible gardening not only makes the hobby easier, but more enjoyable.
- Choose the Best Type of Garden Personalized to You. When you consider where your garden will go, you also need to ask yourself what kind of garden you envision. Do you picture flatbeds on the ground? How about tiered planters and hanging pots? Raised beds that are two to three feet in height allow for easier maintenance and can be a fantastic option for those looking not to spend too much time on their knees.
- What Type of Plants Do You Want to Grow? Would you love to have a vegetable garden that provides you with fresh produce right at your home? Or are you drawn to the beauty of vibrant colors that can be found in a flower garden? When you begin creating an outdoor garden or a flower pot garden, some plants are easier to grow for beginners who are active adults.
Kelly Fruit of FirstFruits Landscaping had this to say about the easiest vegetables and flowers to garden:
The easiest noted vegetables for beginners to grow include lettuce, green beans, and tomatoes. For the easiest flowers to grow, consider zinnias, sunflowers, and marigolds. Once all of your bases are covered, your garden will be in full success! Whether you choose an indoor or an outdoor garden, the proper care and attention you provide to it is what will make your garden truly thrive.
The Best Tools to Use for Active Adult Gardening
Gardening is both a fun and healthy way to spruce up your indoor and outdoor spaces. Gardening can be a lot of work, however, using all the right tools can make gardening all the more enjoyable. There are plenty of products to choose from, we thought to list the most basic along with tips to help make gardening all the easier. Tools that can aid in helping active adults in gardening include the following:
- Brightly Colored Tools. When you go to your local hardware or gardening store to purchase a shovel, sheers, watering can, or any other tools essential to your garden, make sure to choose bright colors so that finding your tools is easier. Stray from green tools, as they might blend in with the grass a little bit too well.
- Ergonomic Tools or Foam Grips. Foam grips added to gardening tools can be helpful for those who have arthritis. Key features to look for in arthritis-friendly gardening tools include good grips and ergonomic design.
- Stools. Keep a cushioned stool near your garden for breaks if they are needed, and don’t overwork yourself.
- Tool Caddy. House your tools and gardening supplies in a caddy to avoid making multiple trips. Caddy options available to everyone include tote bags, wheels or a basket to attach to your wheelchair.
Great Benefits of Gardening for Active Adults
Gardening is a wonderful excuse to be outdoors, and to get your hands dirty. Give yourself something to look forward to every day as you watch your seedlings go from flowers to produce. Here are a few benefits of gardening for active adults:
Stay Active
Getting out and about in the outdoors to tend to your garden will keep your body moving, which is a simple and fun way to stay active. According to the CDC, active adults 65 and older need a minimum of 150 minutes of moderately intense physical activity a week, or 30 minutes a day 5 days a week. Raking seasonal leaves, mowing the lawn, and gardening are all fantastic outdoor tasks that can help meet those requirements for physical activity.
Nutritional Benefits
Nothing beats home-grown garden-fresh vegetables. The best part of growing your own food? Anything you plant will double as a nutritious snack, saving you a trip to the grocery store. Keep it simple, and start with common fruits and veggies to grow.
Benefits of Gardening in an Active Adult Living Community
If you don’t have a proper set up at home for gardening, seek out a community garden. Local areas have community gardens or gardening activities, and if you live in an active adult community, you may find one there as well.
Social Benefits
Enjoying common interests with potential new friends can make your day all the brighter. Gardening groups offer a means for people to make genuine connections, with nature and with one another, making for a great method of socialization altogether. Connecting with members of your community allows people to receive social support and contributes to the lives of those around you positively.
Attractive Landscape
A well-designed landscape creates an attractive environment, with features like planted trellises and trees creating a shady, relaxing respite for the residents of the area. Trellises can be planted with ornaments such as flowering vines, or with edible crops like tomatoes, grapes, or beans. Gardening in a community can be a fun time, with the bonus of sprucing up the place around you and your neighbors.
Conclusion
If you or someone you know is looking to make the move to an active adult living community, explore the benefits of gardening and other activities to keep you on your toes, thriving, and altogether happy! From easy steps to starting a garden, a list of great tools to start with, and wonderful benefits that active adults can benefit from, there is always something new to learn about the art of gardening. Let the professionals at The Pelican Team guide you in finding your dream Fort Myers 55+ community today!