How Times, and Terms, have Changed. A gardener once told me that “anyone can garden, regardless of age, ability, or mobility issues.” Those words certainly hold true, but times and terms have changed. Up until a few years ago, a raised bed referred to a garden bed consisting of rich soil, perfect for growing vegetables, and requiring a lot of labor to build and prepare. The term raised bed now refers to a framed bed, whether the frame is made of wood, plastic, brick, cinder block, or even old tires. This change is due to factors such as impatience and laziness, increased prosperity, and the aging population of Baby Boomers. As a member of this demographic, I can attest to the convenience of gardening in a ready-made raised bed. Raised bed gardening is especially convenient for those with disabilities or mobility issues. A two-foot tall bed in a wooden frame allows you to garden while standing, or even sitting on the frame. However, three or four foot tall framed beds can be even more practical. They provide a comfortable standing or sitting position, making gardening easier and more enjoyable. The Influence of Technology and Age
A recent book, “High Yield, Small Space Organic Gardening: Practical Tips for Growing Your Own Food” by Christi Wilhelmi, inspired me to think about raised beds and other gardening topics. I interviewed Wilhelmi in 2017 at her Ocean View Farms Organic Community Garden in Mar Vista, where she shared her practical gardening tips. One of the ways to economize on space is to grow vertically. You can trellis summer squash, cucumbers, peppers, cantaloupes, and pumpkins. For heftier crops, sturdy trellises are needed with seven-inch grid spacing. You will also need to craft slings for each melon or pumpkin. Wilhelmi recommends using old T-shirts or pantyhose for this purpose. Crop Selection and Planting
Wilhelmi advises selecting robust, stocky plants when choosing vegetable seedlings at the nursery. This is also true when selecting plants in general. Robust plants will flower more readily than leggy specimens. When choosing vegetable seedlings, it’s recommended to select those with a broad root system and those that can handle some drought. Wilhelmi recommends using a solution of fish emulsion and water to ease transplant shock. Specialized Crops for Seniors
Wilhelmi also reveals her concern for older gardening folks by listing “10 best crops for seniors.” These plants make the best use of time, energy, and money, and are relatively drought-tolerant. Most of these crops grow well in containers or elevated planters to ease mobility issues. Native California Plants
Bluff lettuce (Dudleya farinosa) is a California native plant that grows along the coast of Northern California. It has a drab green color in its foliar rosettes, but eventually turns grey and produces brilliant yellow flowers that attract hummingbirds. Bluff lettuce can survive with a pittance of water but benefits from an occasional soaking.
Success Stories from Small-Space Gardening
If you have had success gardening in a small space, we want to hear about it. Send us an email at joshua@perfectplants.com. Your questions, comments, and gardening conundrums are always welcome.
