Not only is gardening great exercise in your later years (and an excellent excuse to spend some time outdoors!), but it can also be mentally and emotionally rewarding. Of course, we understand that gardening isn’t always the easiest, especially when your joints ache, but luckily, there are some great low-maintenance plants that are perfect for seniors.
Basil, tomatoes, and mint are all excellent plants for seniors to start their garden with, but these aren’t the only low-maintenance plants available. Read on to learn more about low-maintenance gardening for seniors and the best easy-to-care-for plants.
1. Basil
Basil is easy to grow in almost any climate (because it doesn’t mind being grown indoors) and it is available at most plant and grocery stores. We recommend basil for seniors, because it is perfectly happy in a pot, which means you can place it at any height and don’t have to worry about bending down to prune the plants. Plus, basil does come in handy in the kitchen!
2. Succulents
We know that succulents aren’t visually appealing to everyone, but they are so easy to grow. Not only do they not need much water or pruning, but they also aren’t as likely to be consumed by local pests. You can plant succulents in the ground, or keep them in a pot on your windowsill—whatever is best for you. Just ensure you take time to become familiar with your particular succulent, as all varieties have different needs!
3. Tomatoes
Tomatoes grow on a vine, and they grow so prolifically that they are often considered to be more of a pest. That being said, they produce fruit with ease, and as long as they are given water, you will definitely have tomatoes to enjoy. Cherry tomatoes can be grown in a pot, and can be grown on a balcony if you don’t have a garden bed. Just be prepared for the vines to climb the rails!
4. Mint
Similar to basil, mint can be grown in the ground or in a pot, and is happy both inside and out. If you choose inside, ensure you are ready for your home to smell like mint! Mint does grow quickly, and it will spread, so if you don’t have it contained in a pot, make sure you don’t have anything nearby it can overtake and suffocate, or commit to regular pruning. Mint leaves are perfect for tea, and for garnishing dishes!
5. Marigolds
For those who wanted more of a pretty garden than a food-growing one, we recommend starting with marigolds. One of the least picky flowers on the planet, marigolds do well in a pot or when planted in the ground. They do need regular watering and pruning, but are fairly resistant to pests, so they should do well in any sunny spot!
*Marigolds are toxic to pets and not recommended for homes with dogs or cats
6. Geraniums
Next to marigolds, the nest easy-to-care for flower is geraniums. Like marigolds, they are happy in a pot or in the ground, and are ideal for balcony gardening. They do need regular sun and water, and aren’t quite as pest-resistant as marigolds, but they shouldn’t give you too much trouble!
7. Zucchini
We wish the list of easy-to-grow vegetables were longer, but after tomatoes, one of the only vegetables we’ve had lasting success with is zucchinis, a member of the squash family. Zucchinis are hardy and fairly resistant to pests. Though they do need watering and pruning, compared to other vegetables, they don’t require a whole lot. While they can do well in a pot, they will grow much bigger if you have a ground plot.
8. Black-Eyed Susans
We honestly don’t know why we don’t see more black-eyed Susans around, because these flowers are both drought and disease-resistant. That being said, they do attract deer and rabbits to your garden, so if you have a vegetable plot you’re trying to protect, these may not be the best idea.
9. Spring Onions
We wish the traditional red and yellow onions were easier to grow, but unfortunately, they tend to require more time and labor than most seniors are able to give. Don’t despair, though, because if you want something onion-esque to add to your harvest, spring onions, otherwise known as chives, do tend to grow pretty easy. Their growing season is year-round, though they do require a lot of sun and rich soil. But as long as you are buying a bag and replenishing between harvests, you should have no problem growing fresh spring onions.
10. Rosemary
If your spice selection isn’t full yet, rosemary is another one that is easy and low-maintenance to grow. Rosemary, like most plants on this list, will grow in a pot or in the ground, and it is fairly drought-resistant if you live in a drier climate. We specifically love the scent, which can also be a deterrent to keep other pests from your garden. If you chose the black-eyed Susans above, rosemary could help to deter deer from eating them.
11. Radish
Radishes are surprisingly easy to grow. The reason we didn’t list them sooner is that we’ve had trouble using all the radishes our garden yielded in the past—it’s just not as popular as tomatoes or zucchini. Radishes do usually need to be in the ground, but some do well in large pots or long garden beds. Radishes will grow as large as you let them, so spacing out the seeds will yield larger radishes.
12. Meadow Sage
Last on our list of low-maintenance plants is Meadow Sage, which, although it won’t bring anything to your table, will add beautiful color to your garden and help attract pollinators like bees. This plant does need to be planted in a garden and won’t do well in a pot, but once they’re in the ground, these plants are fairly resilient and don’t require much care other than regular watering.
Want more information about gardening? Check out the 12 Best Books About Gardening.
Leave a comment