Techniques, tools ease garden strain

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By Alma Gaul | Sunday, January 14, 2007 1:06 AM CST | () comments

Strap-on, gel-filled pads protect your knees, and they go wherever you go. (Contributed photo by David Robson/University of Illinois-Springfield)

If you can’t wait to get back to work in your garden, but wince when you think about how all that bending, kneeling and hoeing will make you feel afterward, then you might benefit from some “BodySmart Gardening.”

That’s the title of a class that University of Illinois Extension horticulture educator Martha Smith will present Feb. 24 at the 11th annual “Nursery School: Lessons in Gardening” at The Mark of the Quad-Cities in Moline.

Hers is one of 16 classes being offered at the daylong event. Others include orchids, native plants, rain gardens, Asian maples, heirloom vegetables, garden art and mushroom logs. (For a complete schedule, see story D3)

Smith will talk about how the proper techniques and tools can really minimize muscle strain.

“We get a lot of questions on tools, the new gadgets — what’s the difference, is there a difference and what really is ‘ergonomic?’ ” says Smith, who is based in Macomb.

As part of her presentation, she will have a wide sampling of tools and other products on display that people can pick up and feel. “We’re not endorsing these products, we’re saying, ‘Here’s what’s out there,’ ” she says.

Among those you might consider:

Knee protection, either a kneeling pad or strap-on knee pads. The pads with gel can cost $20-$40, but they’ll save you pain. And rather than having to move your kneeling pad every time you move, the strap-on pads go with you, Smith points out.

Kneeling pads range from $2 to $15 depending on quality; $10 likely will get you a good model.

An ergonomic saw designed to put the pressure on your forearm rather than your wrist. Cost is around $25.

A wrap for your tools. Something as simple as winding duct tape around the handles of commonly used tools will make them easier for arthritic hands to grip. If you use a brightly colored tape, such as neon orange or pink, there is the added advantage of never losing your tools in the weeds.

Sturdy shoes that will protect your feet, particularly your arches, when using your foot to shove a spade into the ground. “If you hit your arch just right with a shoe that doesn’t have the right support, you can really hurt yourself,” Smith says. No flip-flops.

Tightly woven clothing that provides sun protection and hats with brims. A baseball cap won’t protect the tops of your ears and, worn bill-forward, will not protect your neck.

A garden apron with pockets so you don’t have to keep getting up and down and running back and forth for such items as pruners.

Leather gauntlets to protect your arms against various kinds of thorns, from roses to raspberries.

Warm-up exercises. You don’t have to do calisthenics as severe as knee-lunges or squats. “Warm up in a way that’s comfortable to you — a brisk walk or general limbering exercises,” Smith says.

Finally, “pace yourself, set goals and remember that you’re not 20 anymore.”

Alma Gaul can be contacted at (563) 383-2324 or agaul@qctimes.com.

IF YOU GO

What: 11th annual “Nursery School: Lessons in Gardening,” a daylong horticulture workshop sponsored by the University of Illinois Extension/Rock Island County Master Gardeners; 16 classes to choose from, plus drawings and vendor booths

When: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Feb. 24

Where: The Mark of the Quad-Cities, 1201 River Drive, Moline

How much: $40, including lunch (grilled chicken or vegetarian pasta and dessert)

To register: online at www.extension.uiuc.edu/rockisland or at the extension office, 4550 Kennedy Drive, East Moline. Deadline is Feb. 17.