am sad...

[raine]

Don't know if thisis the right place to post this but it looks like we are goingto have to give up our allottment due to OH back problems (rheumatism). Thing is, we have had it for so long and have poured so much effort into it that we are really reluctant! Has anyone got any tips or advice on how we can make our plot 'spine friendly' or just easier for one person with limited time?. We don't want to give it up without giving it a good go.

[Glutton4...]

Could you adopt a 'No-dig' policy - if you haven't already, and mulch, mulch, mulch!

You could invest in some longer handled hand tools - I took Zaz's advice and bought a Swoe - a great many jobs can be carried out with it, and no bending. Also, you could try one of those kneeler things, with the handles - they make it easier to get back up, once you've got down - although, I find them too flimsy and too narrow.

Just take it one step at a time, and see how you get on. If, by the autumn of this year, you realise you can't do it, then you can take the decision to reduce the size of the allotment, or give it up completely, but I wouldn't rush into it, as you may regret it. Good luck, whatever you decide!

[Kirk]

Look at growing things that take less general effort. Would trained fruit bushes be easier. If the site allows such then the training of the plant could be something OH could do.

Sounds as if you need a sort of High/Low split. Or at least a split that the low work is yours and the high work theirs - beans grow up a frame, you plant and get them going, OH takes over when at suitable height.

Don't think it will be the problem you are contemplating, a little thought and making sure the OH does not try to do the low stuff and I think you will get on OK.

Crazy idea but 4 barrels, one at each corner of the plot and grow stuff in them - thinking here try the "large" carrots that people enter for shows etc.

Tomato's grow up supports - no need to bend for them.

As said a little thought and I am willing the bet you could manage a lot. Actually after a year or two you could I suspect write a guide on allotments for people in the same situation.

You will have to look at options other then heavy digging, but that is no bad thing in reality.

Would say section the plot into 4 or 5 or how many seems best and consider one at a time. Simply a whole one at once is daunting.

[Jeanied]

Have a look at this link - advice from an inspiring grape on how to grow with a disability.

[chris]

Beat me to it, JD!

Either that or make tall raised beds?


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[Veggielot]

Change what you grow, try more fruit, no bending once they are planted and perhaps raised beds 3ft should mean less build or though not cheap option.

[Thelma Sanders]

another recent thread has lots of tips
http://www.growfruitandveg.co.uk/gra...tis_76636.html

[raine]

Have a look at this link - advice from an inspiring grape on how to grow with a disability.

Thankyou for the link, I think I'll try it with blind optimism and my fingers crossed,then, as has been mentioned, I'll see how it goes!


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[Bill HH]

I would have thought high raised beds (three feet) would be ideal, allthough costly. And you need something cheaper than soil/compost to fill the bottom two feet, waste bricks, plastic tubs, anything you can scrounge.

[solway cropper]

Please don't give up your allotment just because of a few health problems. I have ankylosing spondylitis, two herniated lumbar discs and asthma and I still manage to grow most of our fruit and veg. You just have to adopt new methods of doing things. As suggested, no-dig is a great start and I've been doing it for 4 or 5 years now with fantastic results. It just takes longer to do things now but being retired I'm not short of time.

[bearded bloke]

Quite a lot of ideas here ... Gardening With Osteoarthritis - Gardening ... & lots of related links HTH

[BUFFS]

I am having the same problem as my legs are packing up and serious lower disc wear, so I have bought a load of 6 x 1 treated timber with some uprights and although it will take me a while to build them they will give me 8 beds at 2ft height so I can sit on the edge and not have to bend as my back gives way without warning, last year I became an expert on soil condition having ended up nose first into the veg patch so many times, would make gardenwatch look like amateurs, is this what they mean by diving in , head first?......

[Kleftiwallah]

I've just (after months of enduring aching fingers and wrists) been diasgnosed with Osteo Artheritus, just thank goodness it's not rhumatoid that 'me Mam' suffered with for far too long.

Cheers, Tony.

[morverngirl]

I too have back pain and have just taken on my 2nd plot. I make sure to work little and often, there's no rush. When I am at the plot I change my jobs frequently perhaps a job using arms then swop to using back or kneeling. Kneeling provided you use you core muscles is an ok position for most backs.
If you think about it the heavier work is just a small part of the work, the rest sowing and planting is much lighter and harvesting such a delight I'm sure my endorphins kick in. I take pain relief before I go to the plot ,that way I can go on for longer, others prefer after .

[sammy_roser]

Do you know anyone that might like to help you, you would have to share the produce with them but that way you still get to keep the allotment, and your OH can enjoy being there and doing a few things that are more friendly to his back.