Gardening With Aches, Pains and Injuries

We’ve all been there. Did a bit too much in the garden/landscape and the following morning we sound like an oversized bowl of rice cereal— snap, crackle, and OW! Instead of throwing in the trowel, consider adaptive gardening. This is the process of making small modifications to accommodate a gardener’s physical challenges. Why make adaptations? Because the current aches and pains can prevent us from caring for 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 aesthetically pleasing!

Most of us know to garden in the early morning or late afternoon. We know to stay hydrated. That being said, there are times when we’ re really bad at pacing ourselves using time and not an accomplishment as a measure of success. Make it a point to take breaks about three times 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 place from which to work. We should stretch before heading out to dig up the yard but be sure to use reputable resources for descriptions of stretches. You can also increase your blood flow with a 10-minute walk. Stretch periodically while you garden and after!

Most important is to listen to your body and note what chores make you hurt. Make it your mission to modify those chores. Always try to alternate between hard and gentle activities. Some design modifications that may help: 1. Locate planting beds for ease of access near the back or front door, around the garden shed, and along pathways 2. Rethink how you use some of the garden space by creating foundation beds, ‘mowing’ rings, and perhaps more vegetables and fruits

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

5. Make planting beds more narrow to facilitate reaching 6. Use containers more frequently 7. Use raised beds if bending over causes too many problems

8. Don’t forget to utilize trellis plantings to get some height and ease of access 9. Pay attention to your tools. It might be time to get a two-wheeled wheelbarrow. Be sure to try out the tool before you take it home! Is it too heavy? A little too big for the job?

Check out the kid-sized tools for a lightweight option for some tools and DON’T

FORGET YOUR GLOVES!

Adapted from Pat Reilly’s presentation at the International Master Gardener Conference 2021