Many older adults enjoy gardening as a hobby, but it’s also an excellent form of exercise and a way to add nutritious foods to their diet. May is Gifts from the Garden Month, a time to celebrate the delicious vegetables seniors can grow right in their own yards. While gardening is a fun hobby for many, older adults may appreciate ways to make it a little simpler. One way to do that is to choose vegetables that are easy to grow. Not sure which ones those are? Below are 4 kinds of vegetables that are easy for seniors to grow.
#1: Lettuce
Lettuce grows well in cool weather, so it can be started earlier in the spring than warm weather vegetables. It can also be grown in the fall. However, if the weather turns colder than 45 degrees Fahrenheit, the plants should be covered. One of the keys to growing lettuce is to make sure the plants aren’t too crowded. This can be accomplished by thinning out a few of the plants once they begin to grow.
#2: Bush Beans
Bush beans grow quickly, reaching maturity from seeds in about two months. They produce beans for weeks. Bush beans grow best in warmer weather, so wait until later in the spring to plant them. Seeds should be planted about two inches apart with the rows being 18 inches apart.
#3: Cucumbers
Cucumbers grow well both in the ground and in containers. They are a versatile vegetable because they can be eaten fresh in salads or on sandwiches, but they can also be pickled. They like warm weather, so plant them after the final frost. Cucumbers grow on vines, so they will need plenty of space to grow. If the older adult plans to grow them in containers, there is a variety of plant specifically designed for growing on a patio.
#4: Carrots
Carrots are another vegetable that grow well in the ground or in containers. They grow best in compost. Carrots need to be grown from seeds and should not be crowded. Like lettuce, they may need to be thinned out once the plants begin to grow.
Even when vegetables are easy to grow, older adults may need a little help with gardening. Elder care can offer the assistance they need. Elder care providers can carry watering cans or drag hoses to the garden. Elder care providers can also carry containers of harvested vegetables back to the house. And, an elder care provider can assist with washing the vegetables and turning them into delicious meals.
If you or an aging loved one needs Elder Care in Lincoln, CA, remember Senior Home Care Services.Call us at (916) 514-7006 for more information.
Sources
8 Easiest Vegetables to Grow Even If You Don’t Know Anything About Gardening
The easiest vegetables to grow in garden beds and containers
- Four Key Steps to Better Self-Care for Your Aging Loved One - November 13, 2024
- Know the Symptoms of Pneumonia - November 7, 2024
- Nighttime Delirium Symptoms and Home Treatment - October 29, 2024
