Gardening dilemma regarding injuries and other things

[newgardengirl]

Last year I grew vegetables in my back garden for the first time ever. It was one of the most rewarding things I've ever done and I really enjoyed it.

Near the end of the season (luckily when everything was growing already, so there wasn't really any digging to do) I had an accident (totally unrelated to gardening) where I dislocated my elbow and had my arm in plaster for ages. I did have lots of physiotherapy in the following months and although I've got nearly full movement back, I haven't really got any strength and my elbow feels so weak when I lift heavy stuff.

I remember from this time last year that digging up the vegetable patch was physically a lot of hard work and made my arms ache anyway, so I was just wondering if it was even worth bothering again since I don't live in that house any more so it would be like starting all over again. Would it cause more damage to my elbow? I really don't want to wrench it out again.

Also I don't even know where I'm going to be living, since I'm no longer in the house I was in last year, and I really don't know where I'm going to be - I was thinking of becoming a first time buyer, but obviously even if I found a place it would take ages and might not happen for six months, and I don't know if I can even afford a place with a private garden anyway... and if I rented another place, I'd only be there for a year and it might feel like a bit of a waste putting so much effort into the garden, only to have to leave it.

Obviously I could plant stuff in pots soon, and keep them in containers to make them more mobile, but still... I'm in an awkward position in my life and a lot of things have gone wrong recently and I really don't know what to do. But also, getting an allotment isn't really the right thing for me - the waiting lists are miles long anyway, but I don't even know what area I'd be living in. And also I wouldn't be motivated enough to go down to an allotment all the time - part of the pleasure of having a garden is that you can see it out of the back window all the time, you can pop in to the garden to do ten minutes here and there and do other things in the same afternoon, and also I used to walk around the garden just to marvel at it all for ten minutes every morning before leaving for work.

I just don't know what to do. But like I said above, last year's gardening was one of the most rewarding things I've ever done and I just don't know what to do with my situation.

[SarzWix]

Stick with the pots & containers for now NGG, sounds like your elbow needs some time to sort itself out a bit before you're ready for a load of digging. As for allotments etc, I'd wait to see where you end up living before you make any decisions about that - you may end up with a perfect house & garden, or just a small garden & allotments just round the corner, you just don't know yet?!
Calm down dear!

[Nicos]

I agree with SarzWix...tubs are the way to go!

Perhaps you could ask your physio to phone you to advise on your elbow?They'll still have your records to hand and if you give her a few days to dig them out...
You'll probably get the bog standard 'play it by ear' - or advice as to elbow braces - that is if you need one!

[shirlthegirl43]

I agree with the others. Plant veggies in pots - it is amazing what you can grow that way. When you move you can take them with you.

[Hans Mum]

i'd go for pots too and maybe spud sacks which will last you a few years if you look after them (or inside out compost bags) cant think of anything that wouldnt grow in a pot even if you try the smaller varieties of squash etc, adn maybe get one of those mini greenhouses for toms/peppers etc ...enjoy whatever you decide its supposed to be fun

[FoxHillGardener]

Definitely do some pots. Some hanging basket toms and strawberries by the front door, herbs in pots, potatoes in bags as suggested above... Since you found it so rewarding last year, I bet that if you don't do anything it will really get to you. As Hans Mum says it's supposed to be fun and I'm sure you know already that picking fresh toms and stuff is fun

[Flummery]

Window boxes can be surprisingly productive too. Fill them with french beans, chillies, parmex type carrots, herbs, strawbs etc. Then with bigger pots with spuds, toms and courgettes you can have a movable garden. When you get settled they can be filled with flowering plants and you can make a veg plot. Ask your doc or physio about the elbow. They'll give you an idea how long it will be getting back to normal. I hope things get sorted soon for you. It's really unsettling not to know where you'll be living.

Good luck.

[zazen999]

Hi
Just over 2 years ago I smashed my elbow; meaning I landed on it when I fell down a spiral staircase onto a wooden floor; it was in bits and took a long time to heal - 2 operations and I can't straighten it any more. I used plastic containers for that year of gardening, and last year used raised beds; and this year am hoping for an allotment [still 2nd on the list].

It does get better - but it sounds as if you have other more important things to sort out before gardening first - and you can grow veg in pretty much anything.

When you do find somewhere to live; take your time and remember the no dig method - which can save loads of strain on the elbows! And you can get tools [ie the swoe] that really make a difference. I have just bought one of those spiral type forked hoes to dig lower levels; but even I can now dig over a bed with
a - painkillers and
b - the promise of a good back rub from the OH afterwards

...it does get better with time.

Also; get a pair of low weight dumbbells - I got mine from freecycle so they didn't cost anything - and use them to build up the muscle - it really helps.

good luck, and concentrate on getting back to full fitness if you can.

[SueA]

As everyone else says I'd just go for growing in pots, tubs & baskets at the moment as it will give you something to look at & cheer you up. Don't try any heavy digging without consulting a doctor/physio about your elbow although a little light exercise will probably help to get it mobile. Hope everything turns out O.K. for you & that you get settled somewhere suitable this year, good luck!

[smallblueplanet]

Read this book for your new place, whilst planting stuff in pots this year? We didn't really intend growing in pots last year but we grew potatoes, french beans, peppers, aubergines, tomatoes, carrots, salad stuff, spring onions without really trying! (Blimey I'd not gone thru what we had in pots & plastic boxes last year, before now!! )



Was hoping someone would buy it for me but I'll have to treat myself!

Organic-Gardening-Natural-No-dig-Way

ps I'm not on Amazon commision, its just they have good pictures and reviews.

[TPeers]

With no knowledge of where you are living (and I'm not asking) do you have an area large enough for a link-a-board system - square yard gardening can be very rewarding and it sounds like you are only trying to grow enough for yourself - so a lot can be done in a small area. The RHS did a 9' square bed trial, growing loads of stuff - they reckoned they grew enough to keep a family of four in veg (minus spuds) for most of the summer. Try looking at thier website for details.

Hope the elbow improves soon - take it easy

Terry

[bramble]

It sounds to me like you are depressed. Do you have anyone to confide in? If not perhaps you could ring the Samaratins, They will lend a listening ear. Often when you talk through your problems you feel better just because you put it into words.
I hope you find what you are looking for. I'm sure theres a house out there for you. Just take everything one step at a time. I would definitely grow some veg either in window boxes or containers if only for the theraputic value. Good luck whatever you decide and keep us updated.

[Pumpkin Becki]

Hi NGG,

I agree with everyone, pots and containers will get you started this year, and if you do get a garden or plot, most things can be transplanted into the ground as you are ready and able.

If you do move into an area that has allotments, you could ask for a half size plot (less to dig!) or you could see if someone else on the waiting list would like to share a plot with you, then you can grow a big variety of things and share the work and the harvest between you!
Very best of luck

[bluemoon]

I agree with bramble, grow the veg in pots if only for the theraputic value. Also have you thought about contacting your council about allotment groups? I know there are one or two near here and they seem to be springing up around the country. Some are just for certain groups of people such as parents and toddlers or the elderly or the unemployed etc But a lot are for anyone with an interest who doesn't feel able to take on an allotment of their own for whatever reason, be it because they don't know how, have illnesses or injuries, feel it might be too much of a commitment, or whatever. These groups usually meet several times a week and you can attend all the sessions or just one or two to suit your own needs. That way if you felt unable to dig, for example, you wouldn't have to, but if you were, say, a demon potter-upper, you'd be encouraged to do that. In addition to getting out, meeting others and spending time doing something which you obviously enjoy, you'd have the advantages of learning new skills - and taking home your share of the lovely produce. And when the time comes for you to perhaps tackle a plot of your own, not only will you be well prepared and more knowledgeable, you'll have a load of new mates to help you get started.

I hope everything works out well for you and that you find yourself settled soon.

love and best wishes, bluemoon

[bluemoon]

Hi again, NGG.

I was looking through a garden sundries catalogue last night and thought of you when I saw the patio-gro system. It's a bit like one of those little plastic greenhouses, but with various options which allow you to grow lots of things right to maturity in a really small space. It's a bit expensive, but you can buy the various bits and bobs as and when you need them, so I suppose you could spread the cost after you've got the initial unit. Don't know if it's any use to your circumstances but the on-line catalogue is at Buy discount gardening equipment online - Garden Warehouse