Raised Bed Gardening is Fun and Easy for Seniors!
Elders Can Enjoy Gardening Without the Pain and Hassle!
Gardening is a hobby for many active seniors
This summer I ventured into gardening as a hobby. Many of my senior friends enjoy raising fresh produce in their home gardens, and their enthusiasm rubbed off. Our backyard retaining wall was completed a little too late for spring planting, so I deferred planting a "salsa garden" (composed of Anaheims, Jalapenos, green onions, garlic and tomatoes) until fall weather returns.
This summer I ventured into gardening as a hobby. Many of my senior friends enjoy raising fresh produce in their home gardens, and their enthusiasm rubbed off. Our backyard retaining wall was completed a little too late for spring planting, so I deferred planting a "salsa garden" (composed of Anaheims, Jalapenos, green onions, garlic and tomatoes) until fall weather returns.
Raised gardens are easy on senior backs I call my little 4-foot by 4-foot raised garden plot "my new experiment!" I wanted to start small, and expand next season. The garden kit I purchased was stackable, so I purchased two to give me a height of 12 inches, then dug, fertilized and mixed soil 3 inches below the frame, as well. The raised garden has definitely saved my back! The retaining wall is also just the right height to seat myself on it while tending to the garden. I'm exercising and moving, too, which helps the old joints. Recommended reading is "Square Foot Gardening" by Mel B. Bartholomew.
Just for fun, I planted a cherry tomato plant (Sweet 100), Which exploded into plenty of ripe, red, little tomatoes for our summer salads. I also planted watermelon seeds (Crimson Sweet) in mounds inside the garden frame (big mistake!). The trailing vines have grown in every direction over the sides of my raised garden. The Crimson Sweets will be ready by the end of August, and I anticipate a bumper crop! Experience is the best teacher! I've now become hooked and will learn about growing an assortment of fresh produce! Next season, the watermelon seeds will be sowed "outside" the raised garden plot to wander wherever they wish!
Free gardening information available to seniors I recently attended the Valley's Home & Garden Show at the University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale. Senior admission between 10 a.m. and Noon was only $1. Every business imaginable, from gardening to kitchen countertops, had a booth at the Show. These shows save seniors time, gas, and many steps if they want to visit home improvement booths, or to sit and hear free advice from gardening professionals during seminars.
The University of Arizona Master Gardener Speakers, Milly Johnson and Jim Oravetz, presented seminars and provided helpful advice on three topics: "The Right Place and the Right Plant," "Watering," and "Fall Vegetables." All subjects were relevant to our climate zone and elevation. After each seminar, a question and answer session was held. They were extremely knowledgeable and helpful with free advice to the public. Other scheduled seminars included subjects on composting, trees, roses, soil preparation, herbs, container gardening, citrus, attracting wildlife, grass care, etc.
Free publications on landscape watering, landscaping with plants for the Arizona desert, planting calendars, and Xeriscaping were available at tables. The Arizona Master Gardener Press also offered landscape and gardening books for sale at discount prices to Show attendees. Numerous free publications on a multitude of gardening subjects are also available by going on-line at www.maricopamastergardener.com/pubs.htm.
Helpful Hints
Seniors learned that seeds from one packet can be planted in one or two week intervals to extend the harvest period over several weeks so that the gardener isn't inundated with 100 pounds of zucchini or tomatoes!
Seniors learned that seeds from one packet can be planted in one or two week intervals to extend the harvest period over several weeks so that the gardener isn't inundated with 100 pounds of zucchini or tomatoes!
Rather than sowing all seeds in a packet, then be forced to thin them out as they begin growing, save some back for the next growing season. This will save money.
Another little trick to pollinate tomatoes without bees is to "flick" the blooms with thumb and finger.
An easy way to water raised garden plots is to use a soaker hose when a drip system isn't available.
When purchasing current season seed packets, remember that Phoenicians and Valleyites live in Zone 5, USDA Zone 9B, and/or Sunset Zone 13. Contact your local agricultural offices for other location designations.
Seniors who have recently moved to the Phoenix area were reminded to forget about how gardens were grown in Illinois, New York or Ohio. Learn which varieties of fruits and vegetables, trees, shrubs and grasses grow best in our upper Sonoran desert!
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