Spring is here and with it comes a great opportunity to enjoy spending time planting flowers or herbs in your garden or patio planters. Being outdoors on a sunny day, enjoying the touch and smells of the natural world around us—brings physical, mental and spiritual benefits for gardeners of all ages. This is a great way to get some fresh air and change of scenery, especially during quarantine. But just like any other activity, it’s best to modify our actions to stay safe and healthy. So how do senior gardeners make the most of their outdoor time?
Here are a few tips to make the most out of this season of sunshine:
Pace yourself
Work for a while then take a break for a cool beverage. Admire your work and plan your next gardening steps. Be sure to have plenty of water to stay hydrated.
Dress the Part
To avoid overheating and sunburn, wear lightweight clothing, sunglasses, sunscreen, a big hat and gardening gloves. Gardening early in the morning or late in the day also protects you from the hottest times of the day. Keep your cell phone on you or nearby in case you begin to feel poorly. You may never need it but it’s a good precaution.
Use the Right Tools
Strong, lightweight tools with long rubber handles reduce effort and stress on joints. And when planting, use seed tapes – the tiny seeds are embedded in a thin degradable tape. To plant, just unroll and lay out the tape, cover with soil and you’re done.
Bring Your Garden to You
Raised beds that allow access without kneeling or stooping protect aching knees and backs. Raised planters should be two to three feet tall, with wide top boards to make sitting and working easier. Long narrow beds are best, so every inch can be reached. Adding a trellis or two keeps plants growing upward, within easy range for picking fruits and flowers.
Choose the Right Plants
Choose plants that aren’t too difficult. You might also want to consider the uses and benefits of certain plants. For example, there are herbs that can help manage and prevent certain diseases.
Our two-bedroom apartment with patio is the perfect floorplan for you if you want to start your patio garden at Parkview Senior Living! All our residences border gorgeous trees, manicured lawns and beautiful gardens. You’ll have room to enjoy and relax with all the amenities you could ever want and where everything has been completely designed to meet your daily needs and then some!
Outdoor lovers and gardeners will thrive in our active senior community. Schedule a tour today at the location nearest you: Tullahoma, West Knoxville, North Knoxville or Maryville. We can’t wait to meet you!
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