Physical limitations can make gardening more difficult and less enjoyable. However, thanks to creative and inventive minds, there are now a wide variety of excellent tools and techniques to take some of the aches and pains out of gardening.
Following are a few techniques that offer great advice for improving your gardening ability despite physical limitations.
1. Know your limits. Be aware of just how much physical activity you can manage and ask for help when needed.
2. Use the right tools. Several companies, like Radius Garden, have a complete line of ergonomically designed garden tools.
3. Act like an athlete! In other words, do a little warm-up activity before you begin gardening and give yourself a nice stretch after as well.
4. Try containers and raised bed gardening for less digging, shoveling and bending.
5. Using soaker hoses, drip irrigation and timers eliminate the daily task of unwinding and rewinding heavy and cumbersome hoses.
6. Weeding after a rain or thorough watering makes it easier to get the weed roots without straining.
7. Keep tools sharp for easier (and safer) cutting.
8. Use ergonomically designed tools and tools with longer handles for less stretching and bending. Pad the tool handles with foam if needed.
9. Use padded knee protectors, garden seats that convert into padded kneelers with handles and well-fitted gloves.
