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The Dizzy Gardener: Tips, Tricks, and Accommodations for Gardening
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Hey Reader,
I find myself going back and forth on what I should or shouldn't share on the internet. Do I want people to know my health issues? Do I want that connected to my brand? But at the end of the day, I want Hey Hun Flower Farm to be about connection: connecting to people outside of a screen, connecting to our Earth with our hands in the dirt, and how flowers and gardening can bring us together and be good for our hearts and minds.
If you feel limited by your health or mobility, I want to share some tips about how to make gardening work for you.
I struggle with chronic migraines and POTS, along with a sprinkling of other things, and for a while I was just trying to make it through each day. I once heard @TheDragQueenGardener say "gardening is to actively participate in hope," and through gardening I was able to do just that. For those of you who are in that place of just making it one day at a time that's what cut flowers are for, they can bloom at your bedside and bring you joy, and I have those for you too, but I also want to teach you how to grow your own joy. So, let's jump in...
Struggle to get low to the ground?
- Bring the garden to you in the form of some pots on table or stool, or invest in a GreenStalk tower- my mom loves hers! (The 7 tier are actually on sale right now, I had no idea!)
- Another way to help with the constant bending and reaching in the garden could be to use knee pads or I recently got this stool to use on low energy days!
- A classic raised bed can be nice, if you do this, I would try the hugelkultur method. This method can be done with wood and debris from around your property and can be done with or without a fancy raised bed frame. You can learn more about hugelkultr here.
Struggle with the heat/sun?
- Try gardening in the early morning or later evening when it isn't so hot.
- Where a cooling fan or a kool tie, I have this one.
- Where a big'ole sun hat and UPF clothing.
- Drink electrolytes (of course talk with your doctor first)- I love LMNT and BUOY.
Struggle with fatigue?
- Set a timer for your activity threshold, maybe at first it's 5 minutes and eventually it's 30, but when the timer goes off it's time to go inside and rest.
- Wear sunglasses, I have transition lenses and they are a life saver.
- If you can tolerate the sensation, try compression socks. I notice a big difference when I wear mine. I will be honest though I am not the most diligent about it in the heat. I love them for long days of standing though, and Wellow has some that are good for hot weather.
- If you have a large garden get a sprinkler or dripline system with a timer so you don't have to spend so much time watering.
I hope you find these tips and tricks helpful.
~Hannah
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