Gardening tips & tools for the elderly and people with disability

Here are tips and adaptive tools that will make gardening easier.

Get help with your garden

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Gardens are lovely to look at and spend time in. They also produce beautiful flowers and fresh produce for your kitchen. Not to mention, you get lots of physical exercise and mental stimulation by taking care of your plants! 

However, all that digging, bending over, and kneeling on the dirt can pose a challenge to the elderly and people with disabilities. In this guide, you’ll learn about gardening tools and tips for elderly and disabled people. We hope these tips make it easier for you or your loved ones to enjoy the benefits of gardening! 

1. Opt for a low-maintenance garden 

The easiest way to make gardening suitable for the elderly and persons with disabilities is to create an indoor garden. You can start with a couple of ornamental plants in a sunny spot or a box of herbs in your kitchen window. 

indoor herb plants

If you prefer a large outdoor garden, make sure to pick low-maintenance plants like lavender, agave, acacia, and cordyline. 

When landscaping, use low-maintenance ground cover like woolly thyme and juniper. Better yet, go for stone and gravel pathways! Just make sure you pick a material that’s easy on your feet and wheelchair – and one that won’t cause any slips or falls. 

If you already have a lawn that requires regular mowing and weeding, you can book a lawn care specialist near you to help with the upkeep. 


2. Set up raised garden beds or a vertical garden

raised garden bed for elderly


If you’re determined to get an outdoor garden, make sure you don’t spend too much time bending over! Instead, opt for one of the following garden setups: 

  • Vertical garden 

  • Raised beds

  • Trellises and poles 

These structures reduce the risk of falling over or straining your back. Plus, you get better soil drainage and soil quality. 

Air plants and herbs are great for vertical gardens, while squashes and cucumbers typically grow on trellises. 

3. Choose ergonomic gardening tools 

Look for gardening equipment designed for elderly or disabled people. These are typically ergonomic and lightweight. 

long handled garden tool

  • Long-handled garden tools for the elderly - Long-handled shovels, trowels, and even cutters reduce the need for reaching out, bending over, and straining the joints. These are also ideal for gardeners in wheelchairs. 
  • Adaptive garden tools for disabled people are also available, such as cushioned handles, various “grabbers,” and attachable extension rods. Using a garden seat with wheels can help you move on firm soil and paths. 

You don’t have to shop for completely new garden tools. Here are some ways to adapt your garden tools and equipment for your comfort: 

  • Place foam tubes or hair curlers around tool handles to aid with grip.

  • Attach wrist cords to your hand tools to prevent accidental drops. 

  • Make a pulley system for hanging planters. You can hire a handyperson to set this up for you. 

Note that just because something is marked “ergonomic” doesn’t guarantee that it will work for you. Listen to your body and find the tools that best fit your needs. 

4. Keep your gardening tools accessible 

garden tool box for elderly and disabled people

Lugging a heavy watering can around can be difficult for elderly or disabled garden enthusiasts. Instead of walking back and forth between a garden patch and your shed, use movable garden tool organisers and storage. You can choose from carts, trolleys, baskets, and even buckets. Carry your smaller tools with you on a holster or in an apron pocket.

5. Watch your form when gardening 

old lady sits on a stool and bends over to work on her garden

Gardening involves lots of kneeling, squatting, or sitting. Make this more comfortable by investing in comfortable kneelers, stools, or chairs. 

Here are some tips to improve your form and reduce pain during and after gardening: 

  • Use a kneeler stool if it’s comfortable for you. 

  • Try kneeling with just one knee down. 

  • If you’re squatting, remember to keep your heels on the ground.


☞ Learn more: Gardening tips for beginners 

6. Ask for gardening help

Lastly, you can find local gardeners who offer garden maintenance services for elderly or disabled people. Connect with gardeners near you who can give you a hand, whether you need help watering the plants or weeding your garden. 

gardener helping elderly person

Find skilled gardeners in your area

Gardening can be much easier when you hire a gardener from time to time. A professional gardener can help you get more done and spruce up your garden. Post your gardening task now and connect with friendly and skilled gardeners near you. 

Related:How much does a gardener cost?

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FAQs on gardening for the elderly and people with disability

The best garden is the one that is suited to a person’s level of mobility. This could be a vertical garden, a sprawling garden with ramps and pathways, or a box of herbs by the windowsill. Generally speaking, choose low-maintenance plants and keep the gardening tools and plants within easy reach.

Yes, it’s possible to get free gardening services for disabled people and the elderly. Contact your local council to ask about free or subsidised garden maintenance services. To find affordable gardening services, you can also put up a task on Airtasker and connect with gardeners near you.

Gardening helps the elderly by providing them with sensory, physical, and mental stimulation. A garden also provides fresh produce if you maintain a fruit or vegetable garden. Taking care of a garden, when done properly, can help improve anyone’s physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

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