Purdue University is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access institution. Gardening for People with Disabilities or Those Who Are Getting Older Stephen J. Swain, ATP National AgrAbility Project/Indiana AgrAbility Project Breaking New Ground Resource Center, Purdue University

Acknowledgments Missouri AgrAbility Project Gardens for Every Body Breaking New Ground Resource Center Breaking New Ground Outreach Program BNG Clients Purdue University is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access institution.

Overview Pathways Raised Beds Equipment Case Study Purdue University is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access institution.

Pathways Firm, smooth, level At least 4 feet wide (similar to ramp) Not over a 8.33% grade (1:12 slope) Use contrasting colors and texture Well drained Possible seating along the way Purdue University is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access institution.

Pathways Hard Pathway Surfaces –Aggregate –Stone –Asphalt –Brick –Flagstone –Wood Purdue University is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access institution.

Pathways Soft Pathway Surfaces –Grass –Mulch –Compacted soil –Crushed limestone –Gravel Purdue University is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access institution.

Raised Beds Types of Raised Beds –Raised ground beds –Deep raised beds –Elevated beds –Terracing and retaining walls Purdue University is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access institution.

Raised Ground Beds Height – ½ to 1 foot Width (one side) – 2 feet Width (two sides) – 4 feet Diameter (circular) – 4 feet Purdue University is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access institution.

Raised Ground Beds Purdue University is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access institution.

Deep Raised Beds Height – 2 to 2 ½ feet Width (one side) – 2 feet Width (two sides) – 3 to 4 feet Diameter (circular) – 3 to 4 feet Purdue University is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access institution.

Deep Raised Beds

Purdue University is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access institution. Elevated Beds Height – 2 ½ to 3 feet Width (one side) – 2 feet Width (two sides) – 4 feet Diameter (circular) – 4 feet

Elevated Beds Purdue University is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access institution.

Terracing and Retaining Walls Purdue University is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access institution.

Container Gardening Mobile Flexible Protected

Container Gardening Types of Containers –Miniature gardens –Window Boxes –Planting bags –Hanging baskets –Containers Purdue University is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access institution.

Container Gardening

Other Considerations Visually Impaired Contrast colors and textures Wind chimes Clear paths on pathway and overhead Layout of garden – straight edges and right angles Use Dibble boards Purdue University is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access institution.

Visual Impairment Purdue University is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access institution.

Warning Label Warning This vehicle is designed for slow speed and must not be used for free downhill riding on slopes or streets Purdue University is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access institution.

Case Study 45 year-old man with left arm amputation at the shoulder Two one-acre garden plots five miles apart Wants to expand operation to increase income to support family Vocational Rehabilitation Services assessment Purdue University is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access institution.

Case Study Current equipment –Pickup truck –Trailer to haul roto-tiller –Troy-Bilt roto-tiller –Hoes and shovels –Greenhouse yet to be built –Crates to transport produce Purdue University is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access institution.

Case Study He is using a hoe to make his raised beds – Ground tends to be very wet He has taped the controls on the roto- tiller to make it easier to operate Must use roto-tiller to level ground after harvest Difficult to use hoes and shovels Purdue University is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access institution.

Case Study What equipment would you recommend? What procedures would you change? Purdue University is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access institution.

Equipment Recommended Hilling attachment for Troy-Bilt roto-tiller A heavy duty utility vehicle A reversible disc harrow A hoist to go in the back of the utility vehicle A precision garden seeder A power planter Purdue University is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access institution.

Equipment Recomended Add-on Fist Grip handles and arm supports for hoes and shovels Short-handled Fist Grip hand tools Garden seat Purdue University is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access institution.

Results Add-on Fist Grip handle and arm supports did not hold up under his use The hilling attachment for the Troy-Bilt roto-tiller did not make a high enough hill. Looking for a one bottom plow to pull behind Bobcat utility vehicle Production has increased but not yet where he wants to be Purdue University is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access institution.

Questions? Purdue University is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access institution.