If I can't see well enough to tell a weed from a cultivated plant, how can I garden?

Gardening can be a wonderful sensory experience. A number of simple tips can reduce the workload and increase your sensory pleasure:

Landscaping Fabric or Mulch

Try using landscaping fabric or mulch around plants. This reduces the need to weed as well as water.

Container Gardening

Consider container gardening or using raised plant beds. This will restrict the area you need to maintain, help create solid boundaries and may even assist you with general lawn care.

Choose Plants for their Sensory Qualities

Explore new plant varieties and focus on sensory qualities. For example, in addition to planting geraniums, also consider mint, lemon, rose and even a chocolate variety. Consider planting lavender, and plants with different textures or scents.

Mark newly planted rows or areas with large print markers or use tactual markers such as garden art or landscaping rock.

• To assist with even planting, try using a homemade spacer. For example, take an egg carton (the stronger the material the more durable your spacer). Poke a 1-inch hole in the bottom of each egg portion. When you're ready to plant, position the spacer on the soil. Place one seed into each hole. Cover each seed with soil. Gently remove the spacer and continue planting. Using this method and depending on the size of the egg carton, you can plant at least six seeds in two rows.
• Look for commercially produced garden tools with contrasting handles that can be easily seen on the ground or on your plant bench.
• You can also apply contrasting tape or paint to the handles of your favorite tools for ease in location and identification purposes.
• A long-handled garden tool can also become a measuring stick by placing contrasting tape along the handle every 6" or whatever distance you desire.
• Yogurt cups with their bottoms removed can also be used to protect young plants. Sink the cup half-way into the soil and plant inside it. It will show you where your young seedlings are and help you with your weeding.
• Lay down a fishing line or a cane and use as a guide for planting straight rows.
• Grow fresh herbs or vegetables in large pots near your kitchen door.
• If you form rows by running strings between stakes, consider securing old tennis balls, or some other tactile reminder, on the top of each stake for identification purposes.
• Use mulch between plants to reduce the need for weeding.
• Use protective techniques to protect your face and eyes from injury when bending down in the garden.

Purdue Univeristy Extension Service has two interesting downloadable books on horticulture:

• Gardening for the Senses by Larry Caplan, an educator in horticulture [link opens in new window]
• Gardening for the Blind: Tips for People with Imparied Vision by Larry Caplan [link opens in new window]
  

Learn more about container gardening at ContainerGardeningSecrets [link opens in new window]