GARDENING WITH ACHES, PAINS, AND INJURIES We’ve all been there. Did a bit too much in the
mission to modify those chores. Always try to
garden/landscape and the following morning we
alternate between hard and gentle activities.
sound like an oversized bowl of rice cereal—
Some design modifications that may help:
snap, crackle, and OW!
1. Locate planting beds for ease of access near
Instead of throwing in the trowel, consider
the back or front door, around the garden
adaptive gardening. This is the process of mak-
shed, and along pathways
ing small modifications to accommodate a gardener’s physical challenges.
2. Rethink how you use some of the garden space by creating foundation beds, ‘mowing’
Why make adaptations? Because the current
rings, and perhaps more vegetables and
aches and pains can prevent us from caring for
fruits
our landscapes. Injuries happen to anyone at any time. Small changes may make those landscape chores easier and completed faster. Not only that but the landscape may be more aes-
3. Landscape for minimal maintenance by choosing a style that takes less work 4. Modify pathways with an eye to safety and
ease of movement
thetically pleasing! Most of us know to garden in the early morning
5. Make planting beds more narrow to facilitate reaching
or late afternoon. We know to stay hydrated. That being said, there are times when we’re re-
6. Use containers more frequently
ally bad at pacing ourselves using time and not
7. Use raised beds if bending over causes too
an accomplishment as a measure of success. Make it a point to take breaks about three times
many problems 8. Don’t forget to utilize trellis plantings to get
an hour. Place seating throughout the garden (preferably in the shade) and not only do you provide a place to rest but also a comfortable
some height and ease of access 9. Pay attention to your tools. It might be time to get a two-wheeled wheelbarrow. Be sure
place from which to work.
to try out the tool before you take it home! Is
We should stretch before heading out to dig up
it too heavy? A little too big for the job?
the yard but be sure to use reputable resources
Check out the kid-sized tools for a light-
for descriptions of stretches. You can also in-
weight option for some tools and DON’T
crease your blood flow with a 10-minute walk.
FORGET YOUR GLOVES!
Stretch periodically while you garden and af-
ter! Most important is to listen to your body and note what chores make you hurt. Make it your
An Okaloosa County Master Gardener Volunteer Publication
Adapted from Pat Reilly’s presentation at the International Master Gardener Conference 2021
7
October, 2021
