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Gardening is easier than you might think.
Growing food is actually pretty easy, (in most places). There are certain things I have not been able to grow because the local weather doesn't cooperate or the growing season here doesn't accommodate a certain variety or type of plant. But if has still been fun trying! I live in Ohio and we have long and cold winters. We often get short growing seasons and high humidity that often causes powdery mildew and other fungus problems.
I love heirloom seeds and plants, I like to save and trade seeds with friends I meet from everywhere. I often order heirloom seeds from far away places, trying different varieties that might (or might not) thrive in this area. There are drought tolerant and cold tolerant varieties of everything, and I managed to get some Siberian varieties this year because of last year's short and cold summer.
Of course this year it will probably drought and be a broiling hot summer because I prepared for cold, so I also got a few drought tolerant tomatoes from South America and a few Chayote Squashes started as well. I want to hedge my bets this year!
This isn't my grandma's garden, (but she would have loved it!).
A great time saver if you get a late start or have limited space is a bale garden.
Unconventional? Maybe. Effective? Definitely!
If you are a gardener then you know what I mean, when I say you feel a "need" to garden, an "itch" or even' "a calling". If you move or something happens to your mobility you feel a desperation at the possibility of losing this activity you love.
Often people tell me they do not have room, or sun or don't get around so well anymore. I say PISH! (I know it's harsh and I ought to watch my language.) But really the only reason not to have a garden is because you just don't want to. If you have a place to put a bucket or planter or hand a pot, do it. Maybe it is one tomato plant or a single flower or fern. Maybe someone gave you a Topsy Turvey planter, or you want to grow lettuce in a bowl. If you are a gardener you will WANT to grow something.
Maybe you just are not into it, that is your choice too. But don't give up unless that is the choice you make for yourself.
Here are some delightful ideas on ways to have a garden if you lack space or mobility:
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Gardeners are optimists.
Give me a few seeds and some sun, I will grow something. Do you see a seed? I see possibility. I have made new friends trading seeds this year. I have shared seeds across the country, far and wide. Did I profit? Not exactly. But I feel so much satisfaction knowing that a tomato or pepper or Ground Cherry I grew last year has made it clear across the country by sharing seeds. I got to share my small success with loads of people. And even if you only grow one single fruit from a single seed you now have all those seeds from that fruit to try again next year or share with others.
For those with limited time and mobility, here is something to consider. I love this guy's videos and web site. I had great success with his ideas and am sure you can too.
The 30 Minute No Dig Garden Bed: See video. https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=kZugARiOJCQ
I have a father in law who is in his 80's. He is not sprightly by any means, but he is a gardener. He REALLY wants to grow things. With these 30 minute no dig beds, there is very little maintenance. This makes it great for those who lack energy, mobility, or time.
I made a few adjustments to make it more accessible to someone on a walker or wheel chair. I put down used carpet (low pile) to help block the weeds and grass and also to make a walkway that would be easier to navigate with a walker or wheelchair. It saved the carpet from taking up space in the landfill and served a really great purpose. If it seems a little too low rent for you, you can always go buy brand new indoor/outdoor carpet instead. The idea is still a good one.
This garden was started on a plain old weedy lawn (with an old gravel driveway buried underneath.
Isn't it amazing and green?
My father in law didn't actually think it would grow so he insisted on planting his own garden next to it. But this year he seems happy and excited to use it so we are replanting this year after adding more layers of cardboard and compost. I will post more pictures of how it turns out this season.
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