Make the gardening tools work for you!
Tools to make gardening easier...
As National Gardening Week is coming to an
end, hopefully the sun will be out at the weekend allowing everyone to get out
in the garden!
The images I've included are to show the types of tools and equipment, not a specific brand, but I have included links to where I found them. It is worth spending slightly more on good quality brands, because tools tend to be better designed, more ergonomic and more durable.
Weeding...
Use a kneeling pad when you're having to kneel to keep your knees comfortable. Ones with handles are perfect to give some extra help when you stand up from kneeling or to turn into a stool for a break.
Long tools...
Using tools with longer handles means you don't have to reach as much, especially helpful in deeper borders or taller plants.
Use good quality tools that are sturdy and stable. When using items such as hoes, forks and spades, quality brands use strong materials and sharper edges that will cut through the soil with less effort from you.
Chair to sit on and lean from- the kneeling block above is perfect because it doubles as a chair. If you're unable to kneel or find it difficult to kneel for long periods, a seat enables you to work at ground level with less difficulty.
Pruning...
Long handled cutters and shears make hard to reach places less risky for injuries! Again, a good quality brand with sharp blades (caution here!) make the tools more effective.
Telescopic (adjustable) handles are a bonus because the tool is more versatile.
Steps...
For harder to reach areas, a simple two step block with a grab handle is much safer than a ladder. If the ground is unsteady, always have someone there to stabilise the steps.
Mowing grass...
Petrol mowers, although more expensive than corded electric, are easier to use because you don't have to pull the cord around.
Empty the cuttings collector regularly to keep the mower less heavy and easier to manoeuvre.
Self propelled/driven mowers are perfect because all you have to do is steer! There are lots of brands out there to suit all budgets, so it's worth shopping around.
Lifting and carrying...
The main advice to make lifting and carrying easier is to use a wheelbarrow, but only half fill it and do smaller trips. For really heavy items, such as pots and bags of compost, use a sack barrow. It's far easier than having to lift the item into a wheelbarrow.
Using a watering can is a great activity to keep the muscles in the body strong and increase your ability to lift and carry. If you find this difficult, only half-fill the can and gradually build as your strength improves. If a watering can is not possible, hoses can be helpful, especially with a fitting that changes the power of the water stream. Use a more powerful setting to reach areas further from you, or awkward to reach areas.
Another use of a wheelbarrow!
Potting...
Use a table when preparing and potting plants.
It's well worth making adjustments in the garden and using the best tools for you to achieve what you'd like in the garden. That extra forethought can make a huge difference and allow you to do more in the garden without any aches/pains, but also as an exercise to improve your strength and fitness. I hope you get a chance to put these into practise, do let me know how you get on in the comments below!
Zoë Clark is a registered osteopath trained at the British College of Osteopathic Medicine in London.
Practicing in Howe, near Norwich (01508 558373) and Burston, near Diss, Norfolk (07543 557746). Call now to find out more about Osteopathy or to book an appointment.
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