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10 Best Tips for Gardening as a Spoonie

Gardening is a time-consuming and physically demanding hobby, making it challenging for spoonies to find joy in this natural and nourishing hobby.

The word “spoonie” comes from the Spoon Theory, which refers to the amount of energy a person has each given day by comparing it to spoons. A spoonie is a positive term for someone with a chronic illness or disabilities.
One gardening-loving spoonie took to a popular online gardening forum to ask for advice. They struggle to maintain their garden because they often go through weeks-long periods of low energy, which make it difficult or even impossible to garden.
How can they make gardening more accessible? Other spoonies provide their advice in the comments.

1. Create a Hose Network

Hose network in garden.

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One of the most taxing parts of owning a garden is having to go outside to water the plants once or twice daily. You can invest in a sprinkler system that works on a timer. All you have to do is enter your chosen settings, and your hoses will turn on to water your plants every twelve to twenty-four hours.

2. Bring a Chair Outside

4Image Credit: Canva.

For many disabled people, crouching is painful and out of the question. But when gardening requires you to get down on your knees in the dirt to pull weeds or plant flowers, what can you do to make that experience accessible?
One gardener suggests bringing a chair outside so you can sit down close to the ground. You get back support and can sit comfortably rather than rest your weight on your knees in the dirt.

3. Stay Cool

Woman working in her garden.

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Summer gardening means being outside in the sun, which can sap your energy quickly. To avoid overheating, try staying in the shade as much as possible. While your plants need sunshine, you can create temporary shade with an umbrella hooked to your chair or secured in the ground.
Other options include walking through your sprinklers, wearing wet clothing, wearing white, and wearing a gardening hat. One gardener even suggested investing in a cooling vest.

4. Drink Water

Woman drinking bottled water.

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One of the most important things to remember if you’re engaging in any outdoor activity is to stay hydrated. “Drink twice as much water as you think you need,” one garden-loving spoonie suggests.

5. Garden in the Morning

Man and woman working in the garden.

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Another great way to stay cool while gardening is to avoid working out in the midday sun. Instead, garden in the mornings when the sun is low in the sky and the temperatures are slightly cooler.

6. Plant Perennials

Elderly woman working in a raised bed garden.

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Your workload goes down significantly if you prioritize planting perennials instead of annuals. Perennials are plants that live for at least two years, meaning you don’t have to plant them yearly as you do with annuals.
One of the easiest ways to produce food in your garden is by planting fruit trees and bushes. You’ll get fresh fruits and berries yearly with little maintenance after you plant the trees.

7. Use the Right Tools

Woman smiling next to her garden.

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Weeding is taxing for everyone, especially for those with disabilities. To avoid kneeling on the ground close to the plants and hurting yourself, you can invest in tools like a scuffle hoe to help you weed while standing up.

8. Use Mulch

Hands working in mulch.

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Using mulch as a gardening tool can be a massive time-saver in many climates. When you put mulch down on top of the soil, you won’t have to water or fertilize your plants quite as regularly. As a result, many gardeners call mulch a “lifesaver.”

9. Utilize Self-Watering Pots

Homemade self watering planter.

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Another way to reduce your garden’s required maintenance is to invest in self-watering pots. One spoonie gardener shares that they accidentally ignored some herbs in a self-watering pot for the entire summer and they grew wonderfully.
“So much that I need advice on what to do with so many herbs!” they add.

10. Garden in Raised Beds

Raised bed garden.

Image Credit: Canva.

Utilizing raised garden beds is one of the best ways to avoid crouching on your knees while gardening. One commenter explains that their second year of gardening while disabled was much simpler solely because they used raised garden beds to eliminate the need to bend over.

11 Best Indoor Plants of 2023 (Easy, Low-Maintenance Plants)

Woman with indoor houseplants.

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Looking for the perfect indoor plant that’s easy to care for and won’t take up too much of your time? Look no further! In this article, we’ve compiled a list of the 11 best indoor plants of 2023 that are low-maintenance and sure to thrive in any home environment. From air-purifying plants to those that add a pop of color, there’s something for everyone. Discover the joy and benefits of bringing nature indoors with these beautiful and hassle-free plants.

How to Plant, Grow, and Care for Shampoo Ginger Lily

Shampoo Ginger Lily

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Have you ever wanted to grow your own shampoo ginger lilies? These tropical plants not only add a beautiful touch of green to any garden, but they also produce a natural shampoo that’s great for your hair! In this article, we’ll guide you through everything you need to know about planting, growing, and caring for shampoo ginger lilies. From selecting the right soil and sunlight to tips for maintaining their health and getting the best results, we’ve got you covered. Discover the joy of growing these versatile and useful plants and take your gardening skills to the next level.

How to Grow & Care for Monstera Adansonii | Swiss Cheese Plant

Woman propagating monstera adansonii.

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Looking for a striking plant that’s easy to care for and will add a touch of tropical flair to your home? Look no further than the Monstera Adansonii, also known as the Swiss Cheese Plant. In this article, we’ll guide you through everything you need to know about growing and caring for this popular houseplant. From tips on soil and watering to advice on pruning and propagation, we’ve got you covered. Discover the secrets to keeping your Monstera Adansonii healthy and thriving, and take your indoor gardening skills to the next level. Don’t miss out on the chance to add this stunning plant to your collection!

How to Plant, Grow, and Care for Calathea Plant Indoors

Woman replanting a young calathea makoyana plant.

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If you’re a plant lover looking for a new addition to your indoor garden, the Calathea Plant is an excellent choice! Known for its stunning foliage and air-purifying qualities, this tropical plant is a popular choice for any home. In this article, we’ll guide you through everything you need to know about planting, growing, and caring for Calathea Plants indoors. From selecting the right pot and soil to tips for maintaining its health and beauty, we’ve got you covered. Discover the secrets to keeping your Calathea Plant thriving and add a touch of nature to your home. Don’t miss out on the chance to add this beautiful plant to your collection!

How to Plant, Grow, and Care for Calathea Plant Indoors

A woman watering a pothos plant.

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Are you a plant lover looking to expand your collection? Look no further than the Pothos plant! With its easy-to-care-for nature and stunning foliage, this tropical plant is a popular choice for any indoor garden. But did you know there are over 15 different varieties of Pothos to choose from? In this article, we’ll explore the various types of Pothos plants and provide tips for growing and caring for each one. From the classic Golden Pothos to the unique Jade Pothos, there’s a variety for every style and taste. Discover the beauty and versatility of the Pothos plant and take your indoor gardening skills to the next level!

This originally appeared on Planet Natural.
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Melissa Askari is a biologist and master gardener who is known for her contributions to the field of sustainable living. She is a regular contributor to Planet Natural, a website that provides information and resources for gardening, composting and pest control. Melissa's work focuses on promoting environmentally-friendly practices and helping people create beautiful, healthy gardens using natural methods. With her expertise in both biology and gardening, Melissa is able to provide valuable insights and advice to gardeners of all levels. Her passion for the natural world is evident in her writing and her dedication to promoting sustainable practices that benefit both people and the planet.