With the arrival of spring, Neil McKenzie from Halton Stairlifts shares his expert gardening tips for beginners and individuals with limited mobility, focusing on low-maintenance plants that are perfect for small spaces and indoor environments.

“Gardening is a rewarding activity that should be enjoyable and accessible to everyone, including those who may have physical challenges,” says McKenzie. This season, he recommends several easy-to-grow plants and provides some lesser-known tips to enhance the gardening experience.

1. Sunflowers: These towering beauties are easy to grow in pots or directly in the garden and need just sunlight and regular watering. Tip: Use a lightweight potting mix to make pots easier to move if needed.

2. Herbs (Basil, Mint, and Chives): Ideal for windowsills or raised planters, herbs offer culinary benefits and grow easily. Hack: Plant mint in a separate container to prevent it from overtaking other herbs.

3. Tomatoes: Suitable for hanging baskets or pots, tomatoes are perfect for those with limited garden space. Tip: Use a small trellis or stake to support the plants as they grow to keep them accessible.

4. Marigolds: Easy to care for and great for pest control, marigolds need just sunlight and occasional watering. Hack: Plant marigolds around the perimeter of your garden or near more vulnerable plants as a natural pest deterrent.

5. Salad Leaves (Lettuce, Spinach, and Rocket): Quick to grow and requiring little space, these leaves can be harvested multiple times. Tip: Use a cut-and-come-again method by harvesting outer leaves only, allowing the plant to continue growing.

Additional Gardening Hacks:

Vertical Gardening: Utilise vertical spaces with climbing plants or vertical planters, making gardening accessible for those who find bending difficult.

Watering Wand: Invest in a lightweight watering wand to water plants easily without the need to stretch or bend.

Pot on Wheels: Place containers on wheeled bases to easily move them around, which is especially helpful for adjusting exposure to sunlight or moving them out of harsh weather.

McKenzie stresses the importance of adapting gardening practices to fit individual needs and capabilities. “Gardening doesn’t just beautify our surroundings; it enriches our well-being, providing both physical activity and mental relaxation,” he notes.