Raised Bed Gardening: The start of the growing season

I have had a garden every season since I moved to my home in 1991.   Having a busy job as an OT, and later adopting my daughter as a single parent. Like most things, some years are good for certain plants, and not so good for other plants. It seems like my gardening method has been:

  • start seeds early if I have time
  • call my neighbor to till my garden with his tractor
  • buy transplants, plant seeds (wait, what happened to starting my own?)
  • plan a marathon weekend of planting my purchases
  • attempt to water it routinely
  • mulch with grass clippings and weed barrier material
  • weed in the evenings after work
  • try to find my harvest among the tall weeds

I always hope for the best based on the weather and my available attention.   To be honest, my activities are often determined by my lack of time and energy.

Suggestion:

In 2020, Maine AgrAbility worked with the UMaine Extension Home Horticulture & Gardening Team for Episode 9 of the weekly Victory Garden for ME series. This series consists of short pre-recorded videos geared towards Mainers growing their first vegetable garden. Maine AgrAbility is featured in the Pain-Free Gardening (Episode 9) with recommendations on preparing for your work to address issues like lack of time and energy.  Here are some ideas from the video:

  • No matter what your age or condition, make sure the tools are right for the project and they fit your size and strength.
  • Change your tasks frequently. Rotate tasks between sitting, standing, and kneeling. This way, you won’t strain any one set of muscles.
  • Be flexible with yourself. Do several short gardening sessions over the course of the day or throughout the week.
  • Be mindful of how you’re feeling. Pain is a red flag. If you start feeling tight in your back, or your shoulders are aching, it’s time to take a stretch break.