Gardening offers numerous wellness benefits, but adapting traditional practices to suit gardeners of all abilities is essential for safety and success, regardless of age. Kansas State University horticulture expert Cynthia Domenghini suggests focusing on three key areas: tasks, tools, and design.

When gardening with children, plan to explore and learn together, saving more challenging tasks for later or more experienced helpers. If time or skills are limited, some tasks may be best handled by professionals. Domenghini recommends making a daily task list and varying movements to avoid strain, such as limiting kneeling tasks to 15-minute intervals.

To prevent overwhelm, keep the garden small and consider supplementing produce by supporting local farmers through farmers’ markets. Design considerations include increasing raised bed height for accessibility and choosing lightweight, ergonomic tools that fit comfortably in hand. Kneeling pads, rolling garden seats, and gloves are also recommended for joint protection.

Pathways should be smooth and level to minimize fall risks, and planters should be smaller to avoid excessive reaching. Gardeners should also prioritize rest areas, water-efficient plants, and consider automatic irrigation. Lastly, Domenghini advises bringing a phone and book for safety and relaxation, making the garden a welcoming space for all.