If you’re looking for an engaging activity to do with your loved one this summer, gardening might be the perfect choice. Not only can gardening be a great way to add some décor to a home or yard, but it’s affordable and offers ongoing activities for seniors. Here’s what you need to know to get started with gardening this year.

Gardening: An Ideal Activity for Seniors

Gardening is a low-impact activity that many seniors enjoy, and because it can be done both indoors and outdoors, it’s accessible to seniors who may have mobility restrictions. If you’re just getting started, you can create a small windowsill garden that requires only minimal care. Or, if your loved one would enjoy getting outside and is ready for a larger project, planting a vegetable or flower garden in the yard may be the right choice.

Container gardening is another option that falls in between windowsill gardens and larger yard gardens. You can purchase containers in all different sizes, and their mobility means you can bring them indoors during the winter or reposition them through the yard or porch in order to maximize sun exposure. If your loved one doesn’t have much of a yard but does have a porch or patio, container gardening offers the versatility to work with that situation.

Getting Started with Gardening

Before you start purchasing gardening supplies, think about the type of garden that is best for your loved one. Do they want to grow their own vegetables to make meals, or are they looking for a project that requires a little less work? Between window gardening, container gardening, and traditional outdoor gardening, you can find an option that works best for your loved one.

There are many gardening kits that provide you with everything you need to get started, from seeds to planters to basic gardening tools. However, your loved one might enjoy a trip to the local greenhouse to pick out plants that they would enjoy growing. Plants that have already been started can be easier to care for, since they don’t require quite as much care as seedlings, and only need an initial transplant when you first bring them home.

Making Gardening Accessible for Seniors

Your loved one may need some help with their gardening project, depending on their physical restrictions. If you’re gardening outdoors, invest in a good gardening chair or stool to offer your loved one support and stability while they work in the garden. A wide-brimmed hat can also offer protection from the sun.

Some seniors may find that gardening tools with wide handles equipped with flexible foam or gel are easier to grip. Look for tools – including weeders, garden hose nozzles, and trowels – with an ergonomic design. Working with raised garden beds can also make it easier for a senior to access the garden.

Gardening: An Enjoyable Activity

Many seniors enjoy gardening, since they can create beautiful additions to their homes and take part in a low-impact activity. Gardening is just one of many activities that Cahoon Care caregivers often take part in with the seniors in their care. Please contact us today to learn more.