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| Photo Credit: Veronica Lorson Fowler |
| Long-handled tools like this weeder can take some of the ups and downs out of gardening. |
Ever since the first caveman used a stick to help plant a seed in the earth, man has come up with an amazing variety of tools to help him garden better, despite physical limitations. And now with an aging baby boomer generation, gardening tools that help us overcome bad knees, achy hips, arthritic hands and just a general decline in strength and energy are nothing short of lifesavers – for us, as well as for our plants!
If gardening seems to get harder on your body every year, don’t despair – there’s a solution: Ditch your old tools and buy some new ones. For starters, look for tools that are lightweight, like the new lighter, smaller hoses made for watering containers and other small plantings. Traditional hoses can be heavy, making coiling them back into place difficult, but the smaller versions are easy to lift and pull all around your garden and are often self-coiling. (And if you just can’t bring yourself to getting rid of your old hose, consider investing in one of those gizmos that automatically reels hoses back in.)
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| Photo Credit: Veronica Lorson Fowler |
| Gripper tools allow you to pick up sticks or out-of-reach fruit without bending over or needing a ladder. |
Another easy fix is to go smaller with your tools. Try an undersized spade – often called a perennial spade. It’s easier to maneuver and is great for all kinds of small jobs, where a traditional spade can otherwise be clumsy. And don’t forget to check out the new array of smaller, lighter “shrub rakes.” Because they’re lighter than the traditional leaf rakes, you should be able to get through raking your entire lawn without as much effort. Also consider using a new plastic wheelbarrow or yard cart to push around the yard – they’re much easier to balance and push than the traditional metal varieties.
Some tools are even softer than others. Even if you don’t have arthritis, these cushier, fatter handles on new tools are great, and the grips make it easier to hold more firmly. As the body ages and tissues become less dense, these cushioned tools begin to feel more comfortable in the and cause less strain on the skin. (The ones with gel-type handles are especially comfy.) And if you’re still using an old metal bucket for your garden chores, consider a plastic one instead. Not only is it lighter, it’s softer – meaning fewer bruises from accidentally banging it against your legs and shins as you walk around the yard!
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