If you’re tired of your favorite hobby leaving you with a sore back and achy knees, you need to rethink your gardening strategy.
Gardening shouldn’t come with pain. You can gain everything you intend to gain with it without putting strain on your body.
The secret isn’t to slow down, but to work smarter and choose the right tools right off the bat. This guide will show you how you can transform a potentially difficult day into a comfortable and rewarding experience.
Let’s get started.
Making Gardening a Joy, Not a Chore
Gardening gets you to spend time outside and keeps you moving. However, some traditional gardening tools can be problematic sometimes.
For instance, a heavy shovel can strain your back, and a hand trowel that doesn’t fit your grip can lead to hand fatigue.
These issues might seem small, but they can turn a relaxing day into a painful one.
Here’s the solution: Use tools that are designed for your body. Look for tools that fit the natural shape of your body and hand, reducing stress on your joints.
Similarly, lightweight variations make a big difference if your work involves lifting or moving soil. Tools with longer handles allow you to work from a more comfortable and upright position.
Hand Tools for Pain-Free Pruning and Weeding
When working up close with your plants, hand tools are your best friends. Choosing the right ones can minimize strain on your hands or wrists.
Here are a few great options for older people:
Ergonomic Hand Trowels and Weeders
You want to look for tools with curved, padded handles; they’ll fit comfortably in your palm. These handles are often made with non-slip grips for easy handling.
For a more natural wrist position, use tools that have curved handles. These make weeding and digging much less strenuous.
Ratchet Pruners
Regular pruning shears typically require some grip strength to make a cut. If you have stiff hands or arthritis, or just want to make the pruning process easier on your wrists, a ratchet pruner is a game-changer.
It works in small, easy clicks, allowing you to cut through tough plant material, such as dead or dry branches, with a fraction of the effort.
With ratchet pruners, you simply squeeze a little, release, and squeeze again, instead of one big squeeze (Which requires more force).
The pruning tool does the hard work for you, making pruning pain-free.
Alternatively, take the manual hand power out of the equation and get a pruner that works on electricity. Explore Belltower’s electric pruners here!
Long-Handled Hand Tools
A small hand tool with a long handle can be a game-changer for handling pesky weeds and stubborn soil.
How do they help? Weeders and cultivators with long handles let you do close-up work without having to bend over or kneel down.
With long-handled hand tools, you can work in a standing position or even while sitting on a garden bench.
Saving Your Back and Knees With Long-Handled Tools
For back pain, shovels and hoes are probably the most problem-causing tools because they make you bend over repeatedly.
Working with a long-handled tool means you won’t have to stress your back as much and work in an upright position.
Lightweight Shovels and Spades
If you’ve ever used a traditional shovel before, you’d know how heavy they can be, especially if you’re using them to lift a full load of soil.
Therefore, get a shovel that’s made from lightweight materials, such as fiberglass or aluminum.
These can be just as strong but much easier to manage. A D-handled shovel is also a good option; it offers a better grip and reduces wrist strain while digging.
Stand-Up Weeders
Weeding is one of the most tiring gardening tasks; the process can put a lot of strain on your back.
The good news is, you can perform weeding without having to bend your back. Simply get a good stand-up weeder.
It has a long shaft with a claw at the bottom. You just have to place the claw over the weed, push it into the ground, and use a lever to pull the weed out.
Long-Handled Cultivators Or Hoes
Have large garden beds? A long-handled cultivator or wide-bladed hoe can be a game-changer for you.
They allow you to loosen soil, break up clumps, and create rows without having to bend over.
Essential Gear & Accessories for Added Comfort
Kneeling Pads and Garden Seats
A thick, comfortable kneeling pad provides a cushion and can protect your joints. Even better, get a two-in-one garden bench and kneeler.
Garden Scoots and Carts
Do you find yourself repeatedly standing up, walking to get a tool, and sitting back down? If so, a garden scoot or cart can make your life easier.
A scoot is a rolling seat with a tray underneath that holds your tools. You can sit on it comfortably and ride along your garden bed.
Garden carts are more appropriate for heavier jobs, like hauling soil, compost, or weeds.
Frequently Asked Questions About Best Gardening Tools for Older People
What are the Best Tools for Gardeners With Arthritis?
Look for tools with ergonomic, padded handles. For instance, ratchet pruners reduce the force needed to cut or prune plant materials.
How Can I Garden Without Kneeling?
Simply use long-handled tools like stand-up weeders and hoes. Get a garden scoot or bench, so you can work while sitting down and don’t have to kneel.
What are the Lightest Gardening Tools?
Tools made from aluminum or fiberglass are probably the lightest options, especially when it comes to shovels and rakes. For hand tools that aren’t heavy, look for ergonomic designs.
Are There Special Gloves for Older Gardeners?
Yes, gloves with extra padding on the palms and flexible fabric are perfect for older gardeners. Some also have a tight fit to improve your grip and minimize hand strain.
Conclusion
Whether you’re taking care of your personal lawn or helping clients with gardening services, it’s often a lifelong thing. So, it should be enjoyed, not endured.
Making a shift to more advanced or comfortable gardening tools means you can do more with less effort.
Even if you don’t have a problem working with traditional tools, you can achieve much more by shifting to more ergonomic tools.
So, take a look at your current tool set and make the necessary upgrades for a more comfortable and efficient gardening experience.
Discover the most essential gardening tools every gardener needs in our comprehensive ebook here!
