
Nola Messier
- Hometalker
- Somersworth, NH
Asked on Dec 5, 2018
How do I clean out my 4x4 veggie garden?
Have a hard time, as I am 78, in bending over. But it needs turning over with a shovel. Any hints in making it easier? Do not have a camera available.
Turn over with a shovel but a pitch fork would be easier and loosen up the soil. Then just rake up all the loose debri.
Thank you William. Don't have a pitch fork, but will certainly look into it.
Have a grandkid or even a neighborhood kid do it for you. It wouldn't take but a few dollars or even a baked treat for them to do it. Your veggie garden isn't that big that it would be hard for a kid to do the job. There are tools out there with long handles that you just twist and it loosens the soil. I have seen them at Home Depot, I am sure that other places have them also. The look like a weird hoe with the times straight down and slightly curved and in a circle. Perhaps you could do something like that, the handle is as long as the handle on the tall shovels and shouldn't require bending except perhaps pick up a weed, and that you can do with one of those grabbers you can get to pick things up off the floor. I hope this helps you clean out your garden, Nola!
You can do this if you get that tool, not real expensive. I wish I had one, but never think about when I am somewhere they sell them. Oh well, sometime I will remember!
I would hire a young kid from the neighborhood to do the hard work. If you can't afford to do that perhaps they would do the work for some type of barter arrangement.
Thanks Mogie. Sure wish I could hire from the neighborhood. Would if they would be available here.
Rent small tiller
I know what you mean, I am about 110 pounds and we have a fairly small electric and I can barely control it. Hubby has to do most of it for me and he is 73.
Hire someone from your church or a organization you belong to (Moose, Elks, etc). Call senior services and get a referral for a handyman.
Thanks Mogie. Have hired handymen before in other projects. Wow, it's all about the money!!
Nola, I know exactly what you mean, I'm also 78. I have two raised beds of flowers and it's no longer possible for me to take care of them. The only thing I know is to try and get someone younger to do it for you, but I know it's almost impossible to find anyone. It seems like kids aren't interested in earning a few dollars. I wish I could be of help to you. Take care of yourself and just let the garden go.
Thank you Rose. Know where you're coming from. Told myself, last year, I was all done doing this. First time I tried planting sweet potatoes and VOILA, they invaded my whole garden, killing all other plants. Depressing!!