Gardening is a rewarding habit in many ways, but it can be tough on your body. From hours spent outside in the sun to the constant up-and-down of pulling weeds, gardening takes its toll. If you’ve been feeling the pain, there are ways to work around it (without giving up your favorite hobby).
Here are some ideas for solving your gardening woes and getting you back to tending those tomatoes:
Elevate Your Garden
There are several ways you can get your garden up and off the ground, but two of the most popular are elevated beds and container gardening. Both offer the advantage of being much higher than the average garden plot, allowing you to plant, weed, and harvest without getting down on the ground. For those with back or knee issues, this can be a life-saver.
Purchase Some Quality Knee Pads
If you’re more of a traditional-plot sort of person, a good set of knee pads is a game-changer. Hours spent kneeling on the ground can leave your joints sore and bruised, but a little cushioning can save you from that pain. Hard-cap knee pads are an excellent choice if you'll be working in the grass because they allow you quickly swivel around in any direction.
Use a Wagon to Move Heavy Tools
Even for the youngest of gardeners, lugging around heavy tools, bags of mulch, and potted plants all day can be taxing. Save yourself the aches and pains and use a wagon or wheelbarrow to move around your supplies instead.
Avoid Injury by Using Gloves
Your garden or lawn can be a hotbed of potential hazards, from bugs to thorns, to poisonous plants. Avoid any stings, scrapes, or nasty rashes by wearing a pair of thick, water-resistant work gloves.
Use a Kneeler or Bench
Another amazing option for those with knee or back issues is a garden kneeler or bench. Much like pads, these handy devices help keep your knees up off the hard ground.
Some, such as this Ohuhu Garden Kneeler or this ISWEES Garden Tools Set, offers a multi-faceted solution. Both benches come with handy tool bags attached to the side, making for quick and easy retrieval of any needed implements, while the Ohuhu version also flips over to become a kneeler for lower work.
Look for one that folds neatly for easy storage and is lightweight for effortless transport, and check on the weight limit before purchasing.
Invest in Ergonomic Tools
Traditional tools, such as shovels, rakes, and hoes can wreak havoc on your hands, wrists, and other joints - and over time, exposure to the repeated motions and stresses of prolonged tool-use can lead to injury. Ergonomic implements can help reduce that risk by placing less strain and pressure on your body.
Here are two exceptional choices for easing your aches and pains:
- Back-saving tool handle: The Backez Back Saver can be added to any long-handled tool (like a shovel or rake) quickly and easily. The offset handle reduces backbend by 30%, allowing you to work more efficiently and with less muscle strain.
- Radius Garden Ergonomic Hand Transplanter: If you're going to spend a day planting, you need this tool! With significantly reduced stress on your hands and wrists, you'll be able to spend more of your day in your garden, and less resting in the house.
Look for tools made out of lightweight, yet durable, materials like die-cast aluminum for long-lasting usefulness.
Prepare for Some Discomfort
Even the fittest amongst us might feel a little sore after a long day of manual labor. Prepare yourself in advance by stocking up on ibuprofen, soothing creams, and Epsom salts! A little self-care can go a long way in easing your pain.