In and Around the Garden

1.  Dress the part. Wear comfortable closed shoes with cotton socks. Clogs may be easy to slip into and out of, but your feet are apt to do just that, causing loss of balance and possible injury. Avoid sunburn. Use sun block. Wear sunglasses and a wide-rimmed hat that will shade your face and neck. To protect your body from a variety of elements like thorns and bacteria in the soil, wear garden gloves, long sleeves and pants. Even if you don’t have bad knees, use kneepads or a knee cushion.

2.  Take a few minutes to stretch your legs, arms, neck, and back. Your body will be more flexible and less apt to hurt later.

3.  Use tools that fit you. If a clipper opens too wide for your hand to manage comfortably, your hand will have to work harder. The same goes for large tools like shovels and rakes. If they’re too heavy, it will take more energy and effort to maneuver.

4.  Keep tools in tip-top shape. No point in struggling unnecessarily with dull blades. Keep them sharp and oiled so your tools do most of the hard work.

5.  Don’t stay kneeling or bent over for long periods. Switch off and on doing different garden tasks.

6.  Wear a mask and gloves while handling chemicals.

7.  Avoid dehydration. Stop to drink water every 30 – 60 minutes.

8.  Avoid tripping or stepping on garden tools by putting them away after each use.

9.  Lift heavy items with your legs, not your back. Use a dolly to move heavy pots and bags.

10.  Rejuvenate your body with a warm bath. Soak in Epson salts and scented herbs from your garden.

Copyright © 2010 Dianne Marie Andre