Here
is an idea for an excellent cheap propagating table, which is at a good
comfortable height for people with physical problems like
arthritis. This can be put together by anyone out of cheap second-hand
and or new materials, to suit yourself.
What you will need:
1 x Second hand baby change table, (one with pockets on the sides and
a shelf under is best). Make sure it is good and steady on it's
legs.
1 x Board (ply, chipboard or timber), it really does not matter. As
long as it is strong enough to support the weight of plants, pots,
potting mix etc.
1 x plastic sheet (purchased by the length or a plastic painters drop
sheet or cheap shower curtain. Whichever works best for you)
Set Up:
Set the table up in a shady area within easy access of the back door
and a good water supply. Wrap the board in the plastic. Then put the
board over the table. This should be set up out of weather to preserve
the table and board. Sometimes it may be necessary to secure the board
to the table with screws. But do not secure the board too well, as you
will need to change the plastic sheet every so often.
The plastic sheet/shower curtain assists in keeping the table and board
from getting wet and also makes cleaning up the mess easier.
This is because hygiene is important when working with babies of any
sort, including young plants.
The reason for getting a change table with pockets, is to use the pockets
for scissors, labels, pens, tie wire, seed packets, hand
tools etc. These pockets are usually at a good convenient height to
work at the table.
While having a table with a shelf underneath is good for positioning
fertilisers, spare pots, peat, potting mix etc.
This is a good place to set up, organise and keep all those items you
have stacked away in various parts of the home or shed. Because when
you keep everything together in one place, it takes away half of the
work you would have to do in propagating plants, as there is no setting
up and putting away of everything after you have finished.
This is a good project or present idea, for family members of frail
or disabled gardeners to assist them in continuing with their hobby
and love of gardening.
So now there is no excuse for not getting out there and propagating
or potting up to your hearts content.
©
Ron Williams
http://www.geocities.com/impatients63
Ron Williams is a Freelance writer as well as being a Horticulturist
and a Rehabilitation Therapy Aid at a Psychiatric Hospital in Brisbane,
Queensland, Australia. He writes ezines for wz.com. He runs his own
Website called Bare
Bones Gardening. He also owns a discussion group about Australian
Gardening, called Austgardens at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/austgardens
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