Asked on Dec 23, 2015
I need help to work details for metre long wheelchair high flower beds
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I am 39 and an electric wheelchair user. I have recently moved to a rented bungalow were I can at last realise my dream of doing my OWN gardening. The only problem is lack of money. I need 6 one mtr long 65cm high beds that will last a long time. I would like advice on affordable, enduring wood type and if possible info on northwest UK suppliers/builders. All help very much appreciated to make a dream come true. Xx
14 answers
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I truly apologize for your disability. I found this website for you to reach out to.www.habitat.org.This service offers help to those in need. Type in your zip-code and hopefully there is one in your local community.Simply call them and explain what you need. I am sure they will be glad to help.
Janet Pizaro
on Dec 23, 2015
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Thank you very much for the website. I will look them up x
Alex Waterville
on Dec 23, 2015
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Hi there, I built this very simple counter height garden for my mom, the frame is very simple and it was extremely inexpensive, I used 2x4s and some leftover steel. To make it more durable I would use outdoor treated 2x4s next time or even the new "plastic" decking material, then you know it would last forever. http://www.grandmashousediy.com/diy-garden-planter/
GrandmasHouseDIY
on Dec 23, 2015
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I am physcally handicapped, too. I have a rare, incurable, degenerative, orphan disease called Stiff Person Syndrome with parkinsonism. I have thought of raised garden beds. I don't have a desent wheelchair, but I am looking at more of a sport's chair. The one I have now runs on E-motion batterties and their power doesn't last long. Gratefully, I can walk. I don't know if you want to be able to go under the raised garden or not. You could paint and stack old tires, go to a farm store and by an animal feeding/watering trough. You may have to raise it a little with concrete blocks, or you could take "rounded" logs that fit together. If you make it long and narrow you would be able to reach all areas of your garden. I have seen kits that have beds with legs. I wish you luck. Happy gardening!
Bev Deardurff
on Dec 23, 2015
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Thank you. I hadn't thought of plastic decking, it would be much cheaper and easier to maintain I imagine. Thanks, that's a great idea 😄 kind regards
Alex Waterville
on Dec 23, 2015
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I thought of you when I saw this post. If you get assistance from Habitat it might provide some ideas which may work for you. http://www.hometalk.com/diy/outdoor/garden/raised-beds-with-almost-no-nails-11995995?se=fol_new-20151223-1&utm_medium=email&utm_source=fol_new&date=20151223&slg=de8d73edfa3639772876040a8e0daa29-184967
Valerie
on Dec 24, 2015
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Here is a link to a company that has planters designed for someone in a wheelchair. http://learn.eartheasy.com/2010/02/wheelchair-gardening-tips/
LD
on Dec 24, 2015
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Square Foot Gardening by Mel Bartholomew is has designs for planter beds built up on legs. It's also a good reference book.
Sam
on Dec 24, 2015
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UNITED KINGDOM FOLKS: we need your help here! Hi Alex. I'm not sure if codes and the like for the United Kingdom. However I'm going to suggest a few things for you to do while I do some deeper research. 1. Get, in writing preferably, where you can put your beds and specifically what if any requirements your landlord will require. Second, be sure it won't interfere with any of your neighbors. (You might need their help at some point, and kindness goes a long way.) 3. Call around to a restore type store. In case your not familiar with a restore, it's a place that big box stores and homeowners can donate things that are still of great use that they no longer want or need. 4. I'll do some more research for your country. 5. If you are going to grow veggies, remember this; please DO NOT use treated lumber. It is treated with carcinogens to prevent rot. It leeches into the soil and the plants drink it up when it mixes in water/rain. Talk with you soon, Hope
Hope Williams
on Dec 24, 2015
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Thank you everyone who has come forward with suggestions. I will work on those ideas and investigate funding. Hopefully I will be able to share lots of spring flowers with you 😃 xx
Alex Waterville
on Dec 24, 2015
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https://www.woodblocx.co.uk
Hope Williams
on Dec 24, 2015
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western red cedar would be the choice for me (I'm Canadian). Lasts the longest but I don't know what a comparable wood for the UK would be. Some people also garden by stacking bales of hay and planting directly into them with a little soil to get them started.
Barbara
on Dec 24, 2015
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If you live in a rental, make sure you can garden where you intend to and if there are any restrictions. Raised beds are probably the best, just make sure it is high enough for you to comfortably reach. If you can't build beds, see if you can use containers. Here in the US we have container boxes that are on legs or useable on the ground or on a desk or patio. The book 'Square Foot Gardener' shows raised bed gardening and making them handicap accessible. Good luck and hope you can do it.
Lynn Palmatier
on Dec 26, 2015
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IF you are going to use straw bales,there is a great book on straw bale gardening by Joel Karden. We used them at the community garden and got great yields earlier than other gardeners.
Rosanne
on Dec 26, 2015
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