Gardening for Old Folks (Adaptative)

[GardenTillers44]

Just getting caught up on the rest of the thread...

Like many of you, the old body syndrome is factored into our work load and garden design these days. We started using raised beds and cattle panel arches a couple years ago and it was a big help. After seeing the great photos from @oldhenlikesdogs I think we might raise the beds another ft or 2. We also went from bush beans to pole and runners so we wouldn't have to stoop to pick them. Trellising the tomatoes, squash, cukes and brambles on the arches is wonderful. We also built potato towers out of left over fencing and pallets from our shop so now we can dig standing up. My wife started a great deck rail herb garden on our back porch a few years ago that requires no bending at all.

 

[henless]

I have used aspercreme. It works pretty good. I do have a cream I use when it gets more than I can tolerate. My Rheumy prescribes it. I have to mix it myself, but it works wonders. I only use it when I need it.

Have you ever use the salonpas patches? I don't think they work as well as my cream, but my Mom used them for her knees before she had knee replacement. They were the only things that kept her going before her surgery.

 

[henless]

Sorry for double posting.

My wife started a great deck rail herb garden on our back porch this year that requires no bending at all.

I would love to see a picture of this if you can.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

We don't have any kind of trees, fruit or otherwise around here. It's usually January before the stores start getting them in.

I started putting leaves/pine straw in my leaf mold cage. I put 13 large loads in today. I put in 7, I think, a few days ago. I had to quit early today. The weather started changing which caused me to start hurting more than normal. So I came in early and fixed some vegetable beef stew & cornbread for supper.

I understand the weather change. My muscles turn to stone in the winter, and my joints clack together due to the lower humidity. Winter is horrible on arthritis.

 

[CapricornFarm]

Just getting caught up on the rest of the thread...

Like many of you, the old body syndrome is factored into our work load and garden design these days. We started using raised beds and cattle panel arches a couple years ago and it was a big help. After seeing the great photos from @oldhenlikesdogs I think we might raise the beds another ft or 2. We also went from bush beans to pole and runners so we wouldn't have to stoop to pick them. Trellising the tomatoes, squash, cukes and brambles on the arches is wonderful. We also built potato towers out of left over fencing and pallets from our shop so now we can dig standing up. My wife started a great deck rail herb garden on our back porch this year that requires no bending at all.

Could you share some pictures of your deck rail garden please? Sound interesting!

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Just getting caught up on the rest of the thread...

Like many of you, the old body syndrome is factored into our work load and garden design these days. We started using raised beds and cattle panel arches a couple years ago and it was a big help. After seeing the great photos from @oldhenlikesdogs I think we might raise the beds another ft or 2. We also went from bush beans to pole and runners so we wouldn't have to stoop to pick them. Trellising the tomatoes, squash, cukes and brambles on the arches is wonderful. We also built potato towers out of left over fencing and pallets from our shop so now we can dig standing up. My wife started a great deck rail herb garden on our back porch this year that requires no bending at all.

Taller is definitely better, sounds like you got some great ideas going too. Trellis everything possible should be a slogan.

 

[Pensmaster]

I understand the weather change. My muscles turn to stone in the winter, and my joints clack together due to the lower humidity. Winter is horrible on arthritis.

Wife’s pain management doctor has a sign in his office. “I will not prescribe more pain killers just because it’s winter.”
We are going to have to raise the raised beds higher for sure and move them closer to the house. Deer are a problem here so moving the fencing will be necessary as well. All this before I can no longer get it done. It’s on the list.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Wife’s pain management doctor has a sign in his office. “I will not prescribe more pain killers just because it’s winter.”
We are going to have to raise the raised beds higher for sure and move them closer to the house. Deer are a problem here so moving the fencing will be necessary as well. All this before I can no longer get it done. It’s on the list.

Definitely get the stuff done while you can. I can't even do a fraction of what I used to do, and it only gets worse from here. My husband says I have a poor attitude, I say it's realistic.

I didn't use to have deer, but a brave mom has moved into our yard and eats my stuff. So far she hasn't invaded my garden, yet.

 

[KettermanHillCoop]

Sounds like hard work! I had a friend recommend Aspercreme with Lidocaine for my sore knees. I fell hard on both of them about a month ago and they are hurting. Tonight i tried the Aspercreme and it feels amazing!

Biofreeze is the bomb... I use it along with 1000 mg of Bayer Back & Body...unless the pain gets to an intolerable level then it's Tramadol time and the crib.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Biofreeze is the bomb... I use it along with 1000 mg of Bayer Back & Body...unless the pain gets to an intolerable level then it's Tramadol time and the crib.View attachment 1209691

That stuff stinks, though it does work. Chilly going on to.