Baby Bloomers

Baby Bloomers

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:

• 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.
• 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.
• 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 eveything 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.

About the Author:

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 runs his own Website called Bare Bones Gardening. He also owns a discussion group about Australian Gardening, called Austgardens.