Gardening is a popular pastime for many. In retirement, especially, it’s a favourite way of keeping busy and finding purpose in life. A beautiful garden provides a real sense of accomplishment. However, in later life it’s important not to strain yourself. Gardening can be a very physical job, so you need the right tools. To help you garden safely and effectively, here’s our list of the best garden tools for elderly gardeners.
Why You Should Garden
There are several reasons why gardening is so popular, and not just among the older generation. It’s an activity that offers many physical and mental benefits. In fact, the NHS has been prescribing gardening as a treatment for anxiety and depression for several years. Moreover, gardening is an effective way to keep fit, encouraging movement and getting you out into the fresh air.
By gardening, you can increase your levels of vitamin D, which is important for good bone health. You will also be working your muscles, improving coordination and balance.
More than that, though, the sense of accomplishment that comes with successfully growing a plant or maintaining a beautiful garden can support your self-esteem. Furthermore, if you decide to grow produce such as carrots or potatoes, you also get the benefits of growing your own food. This sense of self-sustainability can improve your mood even further.
A study also found that gardening twice a week is enough to noticeably reduce stress levels. If you haven’t taken up gardening yet, now’s the perfect time to start getting involved. With that in mind, here are some of the best garden tools for the job.
1. Easy-Grip Secateurs
In later life, one of the main challenges many people face is wear and tear on their joints. Conditions such arthritis can make it difficult to get out in the garden and do what needs doing. Fortunately, some of the best garden tools are designed with the elderly in mind.
A pair of easy-grip secateurs will reduce the strain that comes with squeezing the handle, making it easier than ever to trim back those overgrown branches. You will find that these ergonomic clippers fit easily into your hand.
We found a double pack of secateurs on Amazon that could be the perfect option.
2. Watering Lance
Watering the garden is one of those jobs that just keeps coming back around. We can’t always rely on the rain to do it for us, after all. Unfortunately, some places can be hard to reach. Save yourself the strain of overextending with a useful watering lance.
These handy devices extend the range of your hose without forcing you to stretch any muscles. This makes them ideal for watering any hanging baskets or reaching across your flowerbeds. Some models even come with a telescopic pole, making them particularly versatile.
A simple but effective model can be bought from Wilko for as little as £11.
3. Garden Kneelers
Certain jobs in the garden will mean you spend a prolonged amount of time on your knees. This can really take a toll on you, regardless of age, but especially if you have arthritis. Garden kneelers take weight off your joints, and make it easier for you to get back up again.
They also stop stones from digging into your legs, further improving your comfort as you work. Some models of garden kneeler also provide extra support when you’re leaning forward. You may also be able to find individual kneepads designed for use in the garden.
Gardener’s World has done some of the legwork for us, making a list of the best garden kneelers you can buy. This makes it even easier for you to find the best garden tools for you.
4. Solar-Powered Weeding Robot
No, you haven’t accidentally clicked into a sci-fi story. You can now buy a robot designed especially to remove weeds from your garden. Called the Tertill, this robot has been developed by the inventor of the Roomba to keep your garden looking good.
This robot doesn’t even need to be programmed. Simply set it loose in your garden and it will do the work for you. This frees you up to dedicate your time to jobs you enjoy, and those that require less stooping than pulling weeds.
You can find out more by visiting the Tertill website.
5. Weed Puller
If the price tag on a garden robot is a little too steep, however, there are other options. You can purchase a standing weed puller instead, which saves you the trouble of crouching down to extract those pesky plants.
These tools sink into the ground to reach roots, meaning you can get rid of weeds once and for all. You will experience less back pain, too, making this a win-win for the eager gardener. Its ease of use also means it’s one of the best garden tools for elderly gardeners.
Fortunately, Garden Toolbox have picked out some of the best garden weeders you can find.
6. Elevated Planter
If you love gardening but struggle to sit or kneel on the ground, then your best option may be to switch to elevated planters instead. With an elevated planter, you can continue to tend to your plants from a standing position. Alternatively, pull up a chair and look after them in comfort.
Furthermore, the use of elevated planters can add some extra variety to your garden. Raised flowerbeds and vegetable patches can allow you to increase what is visible from your patio. It also keeps your plants safer from ground dwelling animals such as foxes or moles.
Need some inspiration? Country Living have picked out their fifteen best raised garden beds.
7. Plant Caddy
Another common challenge for elderly gardeners is moving plants – especially those in larger pots. Picking up heavy plants could cause damage to your muscles. One of the best garden tools for this job is a rolling plant caddy.
Simply slide your plant onto the caddy and roll it where it needs to be. No awkwardly shuffling it across the patio or pulling your back trying to lift more than you can manage. Many caddies even come with lockable wheels, so you can store your plants on them without them rolling away.
We found a selection of plant caddies at UK Garden Supplies.
Safe Gardening
When taking part in a hobby such as gardening, it’s important to do so safely. Gardening involves several pieces of specialist equipment, some of which could cause an injury if used incorrectly. Even the best garden tools require safe use.
One of the most important things to keep in mind when gardening is not to push yourself too far. Know your limits and take your time. If you overexert yourself, you could increase your risk of a fall. You should also be mindful of the weather, as if it is too hot or cold you may find yourself struggling more. One of the best times to garden is when you will be working in the shade, as this keeps the worst of the sunlight off your skin.
It’s also important to remove as many trip hazards as possible. Make sure you put your tools away and wind up your water hose after using it. However, you should also make sure you are able to call for help if you do experience a fall in the garden.
One of the best garden tools you can have has nothing to do with plants. A personal alarm, such as those provided by Carelink24, provides peace of mind and reassurance throughout the garden and in your home. A simple press of a button sends an emergency alert to our 24/7 Care Team. They then arrange help on your behalf by calling your emergency contacts. If necessary, they will also alert the emergency services.
Order Your Carelink Alarm
To order your Carelink Alarm today, call our helpful team on 0800 0076 247. They will be happy to talk you through your options and answer any questions you may have.
