5 Gardening Tips for Seniors

How does your garden grow?

Sprucing up an outdoor space is something many homeowners look forward to in the spring. From young children to older adults, gardening can be a magical way to connect with nature and the environment.

And there’s also no better time to give your outdoor space some TLC. Longer days and warmer weather allow seniors to enjoy fresh air and sunshine while gardening, just another benefit to this holistic activity.

Not only does gardening enhance the look of your property, but it’s also good for your health! According to an article by Lisa Wimmer, APRN, C.N.P., D.N.P. on the Mayo Clinic Health System’s website, gardening can:

Promote physical activity
Support healthy eating habits
Reduce stress and anxiety
Promote social connections

Tips For Seniors To Get The Most Out Of Gardening

Even without a green thumb, gardening can be a fun and fulfilling hobby for seniors. To grow a beautiful, lush garden while keeping safety and practicality in mind, try these five simple tips:

1. Play It Safe

Remember, safety first! Gardening involves a lot of physical activity. Before you start working, take time to do some gentle stretches. Stretch your arms, roll your shoulders, and slowly move your neck from side to side. Stretching before gardening can reduce muscle strains and tension.

Uneven terrain or scattered tools can increase the risk of accidents. Ensure all pathways are level and clutter-free to prevent slips, trips, and falls.

Don’t forget to protect your skin from the sun. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. Wear loose, light, long-sleeved clothing for extra protection. Donning large, UV-repellent sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat shields your face.

2. Stay Comfortable

If your garden beds aren’t raised high enough, you may find yourself kneeling for long stretches of time. This can be particularly painful for older adults with arthritis or joint issues.

Bring a supportive kneeler outside to kneel on as you garden. You can find these at your local home improvement or garden supply store. A kneeler that doubles as a seat allows you to take quick breaks.

3. Get the Right Tools

Before you begin digging and planting, be sure you have high-quality tools. Some essential gardening tools you’ll need include:

Gloves to prevent blisters and cuts
Comfortable, waterproof boots to keep your feet dry and prevent blisters and fungal infections
Sheers, spades, hand trowels, and digging forks

Make sure the tools are the right size, weight, durability, and grip before buying them. This ensures you’ll avoid discomfort and potential injuries.

4. Avoid High-Maintenance Plants

While gardening takes work, you don’t want it to require too much work. This makes it less fun.

When picking plants, consider getting perennials instead of annuals. While annuals are pretty, they need to be replanted every year. Perennials like lavender, daffodils, basil, mint, and rosemary come back year after year.

5. Ask for Help

Gardening is a shared passion for many people. Try connecting with family, friends, or neighbors over gardening. If you have a large garden, and a large circle of loved ones in your life, consider throwing a gardening party to tackle it together.

Visiting Angels Is Here If You Need An Extra Hand

Some seniors may need additional assistance with gardening. Visiting Angels of the Greater Susquehanna Valley can help! Our in-home caregivers can assist you with light housekeeping and transportation. They also provide companionship and can engage you with lively conversations as you garden.

Our care plans are tailored to each client’s personal needs and preferences. You can adjust your plan as your needs change.

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