The latter part of my working years involved a lot of health care, especially hospice which I absolutely loved; anyhow, along the way I grew fascinated with the concept of aging in place. So when I retired and moved here, I've tried to do things that make it easier for me as I age.

For instance, the first bargain I latched onto was a closeout on the biggest clay pots I've ever seen. A whole dollar for each. I bought all 25. Half were inverted on the ground as a base for the other half which I filled with cheap garden soil plus my own ammendments. Only the top 3" got the more expensive potting soil. This put the work area at perfect height for a short person not to need to bend over at all. It kept out the dogs and all sorts of other critters. Of course they have to be covered well during winter so they don't freeze and crack.

At yard and rummage sales (not to mention curbside freebies) I've always kept an eye out for anything that can be repurposed into elevated planters. Big stock pots, etc., even a double partitioned laundry tub on tall legs. If you grow mainly heirlooms, you don't even need to buy seeds every year. Even my roses are organic, and they provide a rich source of vitamin C., both the hips and the petals.

I'm also lucky that comfrey grows wild in this area. I think it got banned from the marketplace because it is powerful and can be misused; but the gypsies used to call it knitbone for good reason. I fed a bit to my horses when I raised Egyptian Arabians, and they had legs like iron. I also have phenomenally strong bones for an old lady.

But I understand this is a great deal of work; so I tend to concentrate on things that are pricey in stores. Tomatoes, bell peppers, etc. There's no future in raising your own potatoes, onions, or cabbage. Right now I'm mad enough to scream because peanut butter has soared to over $2 a pound at best, so next spring I intend to grow the extra large ancient African variety for myself.

If you can trick yourself into believing all this is more fun than an ice cream social, that's half the battle!