Types of accessible gardens (Video)

Accessible gardens bring great joy to those with disabilities.
If you have stopped gardening because of physical limitations preventing repeated bending and stooping, you might want to consider either raised beds or container gardens, both which can bring the plants up to a height easier to work with.

Raised beds should be at least 18 inches tall for plant roots, but for easier access from a wheelchair 2 feet tall or more is better. A hard surface around the planting area is also important for wheelchair access. Container gardens are even easier, as they can be moved around where it is convenient, especially if the containers are placed on wheeled dollies. As with raised beds, you will want your containers to be at least 18 inches deep.

All the vegetables you grow in the ground can be grown in raised beds. Containers, however, are better for smaller vegetables. Do not overcrowd plants, or you will find they produce less. In a 24 inch diameter pot, a few lettuce plants and one herb is plenty. Tomatoes can be grown in containers, but choose one that is a smaller plant, such as the variety called Patio.

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, Gardening Examiner

This author has lived in Arizona since 1972 and has been gardening for more than 28 years. A landscape architect and certified arborist, Linda teaches classes for everyone in desert plant care for Green Valley Recreation, and provides services in landscape design. Contact her at Linda...

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