62 msfocusmagazine.org When you have MS (and even when you don’t) the best way to keep doing what you want is to minimize the effort you need to get the maximum result. A lot of adaptations for gardening depend on your level of disability and the size of the garden, but here are some hints that will apply to a range of gardeners. In the Garden Minimize weeding. If you are transplanting from pots, sprinkle a weed preventer around the plants and mulch them. A weed preventer stops seeds from germinating, so you want to do this immediately after planting. Don’t give those weeds a chance to sprout. (There are organic options available.) If you are planting seeds, consider using landscape fabric held down with garden staples between the rows. You can put down the landscape fabric early in the year when it’s cool outside and spend less time in the hot sun pulling weeds later. Use soaker hoses wherever possible – they can be hidden with a little mulch on top if you want, but let you water by just turning them on. Sit when you can. There are plenty of commercial seats which let you sit when gardening, but even better is a five gallon bucket with a lid designed to be a seat. Gardening hand tools can be kept in the bucket – a totally waterproof container! For Your Yard A huge problem for me is pulling the cords to start yard equipment. Brands such as Troybilt now make models with an optional rechargeable battery starter. Instead of pulling the cord, just stick the hand-held starter into a hole in the motor and press a button! The same starter will work on lots of different equipment. Life with MS MS HACKS Gardening and Yard Care with MS By Marcy Canavan, MS Focus Ambassador