Karen is a regular reviewer and blogger for *Day Undefined*. In her series, “Karen’s Corner,†she invites readers to join her in exploring her passion for gardening and other hobbies. She shares practical tips on how to make these activities more accessible and enjoyable for everyone.
If you live or garden in a small space, this blog is perfect for you! I’ve included some reference articles about balcony gardening, but there’s always more to learn. I may have missed some points, so feel free to explore further. Always think safety first! While I’m not an expert, I hope to share some adaptive gardening tips based on my own experience. Over the past 10 years, I've adjusted from in-ground gardening to container gardening due to living with Ataxia. I'm currently starting my first raised bed garden and also enjoy hydroponic gardening—more on that in future posts!
In addition to the links below, I encourage you to search online for more resources. I don’t claim to be an expert, just someone who shares tips based on my deck and front door gardening. I don’t aim to reinvent the wheel, but rather offer practical advice that works for me.
Here are some useful links to get you started:
- [Balcony Garden Ideas](https://kellogggarden.com/blog/gardening/container-gardening/balcony-garden-ideas/)
- [Small Space Balcony Gardens](https://www.gardendesign.com/small/balcony-garden.html)
**SOME TIPS FOR YOU:**
- **Start Small:** Decide whether you want to grow flowers or edibles. Don’t be overambitious—enjoy small successes first. It's okay to start with just one or two plants.
- **Stay Seated!** Most of what you need to do can be done from a chair. If you must carry something heavy, do it while seated, keeping the object close to your body for balance.
- **Determine Your Gardening Workspace:** Use a patio table and a comfortable chair with a cushion. Make sure there’s enough room for tools, soil, compost, and mulch. Keep walkways clear and have a “Reacher†tool handy. Set up your space before starting any tasks.
- **Use Long-Handle Tools:** These help minimize bending and make gardening easier, especially if mobility is a concern.
- **Always Wear Gardening Gloves!** I use long-length rose gloves to protect my arms from scratches. There are many styles available—cotton, plastic-coated, leather. Here’s a pair I love: wrist-length gloves with a beautiful design in purple, red, turquoise, and yellow.
- **Know Your USDA Zone and Light Conditions:** Check your planting zone at [USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map](https://planthardiness.ars.usda.gov/) and research plants based on light needs (full sun, shade, part shade).
- **Avoid Impulse Buying:** Do some research online before purchasing. Look for plants suitable for containers, raised beds, and your balcony's light conditions. Consider the maintenance level—pruning, watering, nutrients.
- **Plan Your Watering System:** I use covered buckets on my deck to collect rainwater. My gardening partner refills them as needed. For smaller plants, I dunk them in water for thorough hydration. For larger containers, I use a modified soda bottle buried upside-down in the soil to water directly at the roots.
For easy transport, I use a collapsible watering can attached to a walker. Here’s a photo of the setup:
- **Recruit a Gardening Partner:** This could be someone who helps with heavy lifting or has gardening experience. Let them know in advance when you’ll need their help.
I also use two aluminum walkers with custom trays, which I painted and sealed with resin for fun. Here’s a picture of one with a blue and white stripe and floral design:
**REMEMBER:** “Nothing ventured, nothing gained.†I’ve had my fair share of gardening failures, usually because I didn’t read the instructions. But vegetable gardening from your balcony is possible, fun, and rewarding! HAPPY, JOYOUS GARDENING!
**Links:**
- **Gloves:** Try long, pick-proof rose gloves. Laurel Burch Studios has beautiful designs too!
- **Vertical Planters:** Search online at Wayfair for a wide selection.
- **Mosquito Control:** Cover your water or use Summit Mosquito Dunks, safe for wildlife.
Want to see my accessible gardening tools in action? Watch my video blog about gardening!
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