Home Gardening Videos

Stephen Cantu, a proponent of Friendly Inclusive Gardening (FIG), is a UCCE Master Gardener and two-time Paralympian who has served as a consultant to senior centers, nursing homes and community gardens.

Many San Diegans want to spend more time gardening outside, but they may experience or anticipate challenges. For example, they can’t bend over, need the right tools to extend their reach, or simply want to learn how to minimize travel hazards for the elderly or young children.

Creative Small Garden Ideas

Having spent more than 30 years in a wheelchair, I have learned a lot about adapting a garden to bring many benefits. By following a set of guiding principles, anyone can experience the rewards of growing flowers, fruits and vegetables at home or in a community garden.

As you travel through your garden, you may come across some tight spaces where the right tools will make all the difference. For someone with compromised mobility, a lightweight, extendable rake extends reach, while ergonomically designed shovels, pruners and hand tools take pressure off arthritic joints, and a small seat or table attached to the side of a bed raised gives you a chance to rest between garden chores. A wheelie cart filled with garden tools can minimize trips back and forth to the garage. And at the end of the day, store your tools on easy-to-reach hanging shelves.

If the budget allows, install a drip irrigation system attached to a controller with a moisture sensor. Then add a fertilizer injection system. Both save a lot of time and energy needed to keep watering and fertilizing.

When creating a garden for the visually impaired, be sure to eliminate all trip hazards (eg guts, leaf litter, pebbles and forgotten tools) and use plants that people can taste, feel and touch. smell, including fragrant geranium, lemon verbena and a kitchen herb. garden with basil, sage and tarragon.

Vegetable Garden Layout Ideas: Planning A Vegetable Garden Layout

It is especially important to avoid all poisonous plants that can cause harmful reactions and send someone to the hospital. Children and pets are at risk of encountering shrubs, juices and even vegetables that pose a real danger. See the University of California Cooperative Extension Plant Safely website for a comprehensive list of toxic plants: ucanr.edu/sites/plantsafely.

For more information on Inclusive Friendly Gardening, send an email to [email protected]. Fall is a great time to get outside and explore your backyard. With the right approach, gardening offers endless possibilities that everyone can enjoy.

UCCE San Diego County Master Gardeners have created a video demonstration of how to make home gardens more inclusive for friends, family and neighbors, a practice aptly named Friendly Inclusive Gardening (FIG).

Featuring two-time Paralympian and Master Gardener Stephen Cantu, this short video is designed to ensure gardens can easily accommodate a wide range of abilities and help minimize gardening fatigue.

How To Start A Garden From Scratch

A two-time Paralympian, Cantu is a UCCE Master Gardener who has advised senior centers, nursing homes, schools and community gardens. It boasts 2 acres in Bonita filled with raised vegetable beds, cacti, succulents and 30 fruit trees.

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