Gardening is a fantastic hobby for many people and has many health benefits. Spending time outside caring for plants can be a great way to enjoy some sunshine and relieve stress. It can be hard on people’s bodies, especially when they are getting up or down from their knees or carrying heavy loads of mulch or dirt. There are ways to work around those issues without having to give up on the activity.
1. Wheeled Carts
No matter what type of plants are grown, they will have basic needs that need to be met. Mulch, soil and fertilizer are necessary for most plants to thrive. Those can come in heavy packages, so having a wheeled cart with shock absorbing casters can make it much easier to transport them to different areas of the yard. Carts are also great at transporting potted plants and flats of flowers.
2. Maintained Tools
Garden plots and containers will also need to be kept free of weeds, requiring spades, trowels and garden forks. Trees and bushes need to be pruned with loppers and pruning shears. Keeping tools clean, sharp and properly oiled will enable them to perform at maximum efficiency. Dull, rusty tools are more difficult to work with and can leave gardeners feeling fatigued faster.
3. Padding
Kneeling for long periods of time can be hard on people’s knees, especially on uneven, hard dirt or rough concrete. Find a thick, sturdy cushion that will lessen knee pain when used. Make sure the materials will resist water, mold and mildew, as the ground may be wet. If standing for long periods of time on a hard surface, then put down an anti-fatigue mat to help ward off back and joint pain.
Having a beautiful garden plot is possible for almost everyone who is willing and able to put in the effort. Be creative when finding solutions to any issues that might prevent gardening from being comfortable.