Before overdoing it this year, learn how to prepare your beds—and your body—for pain-free gardening and maximum enjoyment.
By Zazel Loven
Photography by Christa Neu
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Handy Helpers
These tools are designed to help gardeners overcome physical limitations.
Difficulty bending and reaching
The Versatile Rain Wand from Yardiac extends your reach up to 30 inches.
The Dual-Flo Multi-Function Nozzle from Choice Products delivers the perfect water stream for every job.
Long S hooks from Garden Artisans make it easier to care for hanging baskets.
Long Reach Pruners from GrowTech let you handle pruning tasks from a distance.
The E-Z Reacher and the Easy Gripper from Walt Nicke Co. are two tools that help you retrieve items and pick up garden debris without bending.
Limited wrist and hand strength
PowerGear pruners, loppers, and hedge shears from Fiskars (endorsed by the Arthritis Foundation) and ratchet-cut pruners from Walt Nicke Co. and Florian multiply your strength up to seven times.
Radius NRG (Natural Radius Grip) hand tools from Gardenscape Tools. ARS Hand Pruners from GrowTech, PETA Easi-Grip tools from Gardening with ease, and Good Grips hand tools from OXO all have innovative handle designs that minimize stress.
Sore knees
The Good Grips Kneeling Mat from OXO folds for compact storage.
The Knee 'n Back Pad from Walt Nicke Co. offers extra-thick padding and an antislip surface.
Back pain
The Winged Weeder from Creative Enterprises let you cultivate without bending over.
The Garden Kneeler & Seat from Step2 and the Easy Kneeler and Seat from Walt Nicke Co. have sturdy handles that let you stand up without straining your back. Both double as a resting bench.
Poor eyesight
The E-Z Rain Gauge from Kinsman has extra-large numbers.
Handy Helpers
