After my last post and newsletter I was overwhelmed by the response in the comments and by email. Forgive me for not replying to everyone individually, sheer volume and time defeats me.
So my heartfelt thanks for the encouragement and suggestions.
We all need a bit of support and help from our friends at times. I just didn’t realise I’d got so many friends that I’ve never met.
On the health problems.
I actually injured my back in the late 1980’s and it’s twinged ever since. Over the last couple of years it’s got worse. I’ve actually tried all sorts of things including most of the suggestions people kindly made.
Bending and actions like hoeing or vacuuming the house really set it off. The back and forth with a twist motion is fatal! Digging is less problem than you might expect it to be. Regardless, with the improvements I’ve made to the soil, it doesn’t benefit from an annual dig like a clay soil would.
I’m told the post-Covid lack of energy will go away so I’m not factoring that in.
Raised Beds
Moving to raised beds will enable me avoid many of the physical actions that are difficult for me. There’s also a psychological benefit in splitting the plot into discrete sections. It’s easier to control a bed at a time when the weeds are trying to take over.
So I will draw up a plan for raised beds in the walled veg plot over the next few weeks. I’ll get some help and set them up ready for next season. This will reduce the area under active cultivation and the work but yields shouldn’t be too affected as raised beds are intensively cultivated.
It’s amazing how fast time flies. Time to accept I’m getting on a bit and adapt to it.
Sending best wishes and sympathy for the back troubles. I have similar issues and it can be limiting – but being out on the plot is so good for mental health! Adapting to raised beds sounds a great plan.
Hi John, you haven’t mentioned wearing anything for your back? We have back supports, they fasten with Velcro like a broad belt, then to tighten it there are sides pieces that pull it tighter and fasten with velcro, apart from supporting the back, it keeps the area warm, I think that helps a lot.
I also like the raised beds for the ‘divide and conquer’ feeling, satisfaction of finishing a bed gives me a feeling I’m winning .
Hi John,
I’m sure you’ll find raised beds help. I have three and save working on those until I’m tired from working in the rest of the garden. They are just the right height and wide enough to sit on (They are made from left over breeze blocks from a project)so I can weed, etc sitting down! Excellent and highly recommended! Hope you improve soon, lack of energy is so frustrating1 I’ve decided I don’t like getting old! Take care!
I use an old office chair in the greenhouse, and it really helps to move around and spin around to deal with both sides of the greenhouse, of course it helps that I have a smooth concrete floor.
If you have raised beds it would work in the same way. You would be surprised how much you can grow in raised beds.