Accessible Gardens

The concept of Accessible Gardenswas born of practicality. Being "senior" gardeners, many tasks become challenges as we age. Elevated boxes at waist height are being used to minimize the strenuous aspect of gardening. Thus far, the sealed boxes have proven highly beneficial with respect to the heavier aspects of gardening, water usage and pest control - no rototilling, less weeding, control of rodents and watering and ease of planting and harvesting.

The boxes are constructed of 1 x 12 lumber and measure 30x6. The overall height is the personal preference of the using gardener. The size was chosen to accommodate the plants (size) to be grown and their root structure (depth). Most vegetables can be grown in twelve to eighteen inches of soil.

The use of redwood is strictly cosmetic. If price is a consideration, any type or grade of material could be used, e.g. pine, exterior plywood, etc. This is possible because of a sealed interior. The seal is accomplished through the use of a heavy mil plastic liner. If care is used to protect the liner while gardening, it will function to keep the box from deteriorating. Drainage and soil moisture is controlled by 20-25 holes in the box bottom. Short sections of 1 plastic drip pipe are wedged from the inside through the liner and bottom to complete the seal.

A sacrificial footer is placed between the sets of legs to keep the legs from contacting earth directly. Wheels could be installed if the box is to be placed on patio or balcony surface as long as the total weight of the box is considered. Wet dirt is heavier than dry.