Preparing Your Garden for the Planting Season Ahead

Spring is a time for new beginnings in the garden, but those don’t come without careful planning. To make the most of your vegetable or flower gardens this summer, it’s important to take time now to think through how you’d like your yard to look.

Gardening offers people a chance to reconnect with nature, which has proven mental and physical health benefits. For seniors, however, it’s essential to consider factors such as mobility challenges and chronic health conditions. Those can make planting and maintaining gardens more difficult, but not necessarily impossible. Again, it all comes down to planning.

Tips for Helping Your Garden Thrive

• Test your soil: One of the most important tasks in gardening is to evaluate the soil. The health of your soil can directly impact plant growth and yields. To begin, use a soil test kit to measure soil pH, nutrient levels, and drainage. If the soil is too acidic or alkaline for the plants you intend to grow, amendments such as lime (to raise pH) or sulfur (to lower pH) can be added. Your local botanical garden or extension office can probably help you with the testing and make recommendations should improvements be necessary.
• Plant with intention: Before heading to the garden center for flowers, take some time to assess your existing garden and what you want to add. Consider your local climate, the amount of sunlight different parts of your garden receive, your personal preferences, and access to water. Take these factors into account when deciding on the flowers you want to grow. Think about planting a mix of annuals and perennials. Perennials come back year after year, reducing the need for replanting, while annuals add vibrant seasonal color but must be replanted each year. For seniors who may not want to replant frequently, perennials can be a wise choice.
• Plan around the weather: Gardening often requires an investment of time, but there are ways to ensure you make the most of it. To be more efficient, plan tasks according to the weather. Early mornings or late afternoons, when the temperatures are cooler, are often the best times to work in the garden. You can also set up a gardening calendar, noting when specific tasks like pruning, planting, and fertilizing need to be done. Consider creating a checklist for each week to ensure you stay on track without becoming overwhelmed.
• Use companion planting and mulch: Companion planting is an excellent strategy for both maximizing your garden’s productivity and minimizing maintenance. Some plants naturally repel pests or enhance the growth of other plants. For example, planting basil near tomatoes can help deter pests while improving flavor. Similarly, marigolds can act as natural pest deterrents when planted with other flowers and vegetables. Additionally, applying mulch around your plants can help retain moisture, suppress weeds, and reduce the frequency of watering.
• Utilize garden tools: For most gardeners, especially seniors, it’s important to pace yourself and break up tasks into smaller, manageable segments. Consider using lightweight, ergonomic tools to reduce strain. A gardening stool or kneeling pad can help with comfort, while raised beds make bending and reaching easier. While technically not a garden tool, a stainless-steel water bottle at your side helps with hydration while you are working.
• Consider raised beds and containers: If you are an older gardener or struggle with back problems, raised garden beds and container gardening might be a solution. Both can significantly reduce physical strain. Raised beds allow you to garden without bending over, and containers are portable, meaning you can move them to follow the sun or make adjustments if needed.

Feel Safer Gardening with a Mobile Safety Device

Having an easy way to call for help if needed—one that doesn’t require keeping track of a cell phone while working in the yard—can help gardeners of all ages feel safer. A solution to consider is a Life Protect 24/7 mobile monitoring unit. These devices can be slipped into your pocket while you are gardening. In the event of an emergency, you can simply press a button to be connected with someone who can help. Call 1-844-203-5617 to learn more!