Ergonomics: Your Garden
Your garden is your outdoor paradise. Gardening, however, can be hard on your body. But it doesn't have to be. It's important to realize that many lawn and garden chores are repetitive by nature. Trimming hedges, pruning bushes,or planting bulbs often require the same muscles to be used over and over again.When designing a new garden or updating an existing one here are a few things to keep in mind that will make your garden more ergonomically friendly.
- Create a small garden, which is easy to maintain. This doesn't have to mean sacrificing looks or productivity. Use grow containers, plant vines, choose dwarf varieties and use intensive planting practices.
- Use stackable containers that are at eye level to eliminate excessive bending.
- Choose hanging baskets with pulleys, which make them easy to raise and lower.
- Place large, heavy pots on wheels to make them easier to move.
- Build raised beds, roughly 10-14 inches above ground that are comfortable to access from a seated position. Or, build the seating right into the bed.
- Put your garden on stilts at waist level so you can garden while standing up if sitting down on the job doesn't appeal to you.
- Create garden paths that have firm footing and which are wide enough to push a wheelbarrow or garden cart along smoothly.
- Choose plants that take minimal maintenance.