I feel huge health benefits from gardening and it is part of my job.
I also have very sore and weak wrists from RA and stiff fingers. Sometimes my knees are not ok.
I was wondering if there are any recommendations for particular adapted gardening tools that people use with special handles/ telescopic handles etc. or ways you have adapted them for yourself.
Photos or brands would be most useful as well, everybody in this group is always so helpful. Thank you very much.
I just use regular gardening tools - well I use what I think is known as a border (or ladies) fork and spade - but the thing I have found most useful is this kneeler/ seat. I don’t use it as a seat but I find the kneeler part puts me at a great angle for working at ground level and the handles are really good for getting myself up again - this is just one example, you can get them all over the place and for different prices.
Peta easi grip uk
have you tried the loop that goes around your arm or the strap on handles? I am curious to know if they work well, they sound a good idea
Sorry. I like the shaped hand tools but have not needed to experiment with the loop or strap. I remember my prediagnosis pain when I might have wanted them but am now lucky enough to have a treatment currently keeping me in remission. Is your consultant aware of the degree of soreness you are suffering? Can anything be done from that side?
Best Wishes
I also have a kneeler/stool that I use which can cut down on bending. The other thing I have found useful is some ratchet secateurs - found a very cheap pair in Aldi last year, they help cutting through things when my grip is weak. I gave had some raised borders put in that are easier for me to tend to and I got a greenhouse which gives me somewhere warm where I have a stool to sit on and can potter with seedlings etc
I find that I need to keep my tools sharp. My son during the pandemic taught himself how to sharpen blades and he did all the secateurs, loppers, kitchen knives, gardening knives, sickles, scythes... yep, he got a bit out of hand and I have had to keep buying him old scythes and sickles for him to restore and sharpen!
But I was amazed at how much easier it was to use my long handled loppers once they were properly sharpened. The long handles create more leverage and the sharp blades cut through branches like butter.
And it is the same with digging. A sharpened trowel cuts through the soil much easier. A sharpened kitchen knife glides through the toughest tomato with little pressure.
He taught himself to sharpen properly by watching Youtube videos, But there aren't enough people around sharpening blades anymore. I guess people just throw things out and buy new now which is such a shame, and also very bad for the environment.
I use long handled secateurs as well, makes life a lot easier.
good tip, will see about getting some things sharpened
Raised borders are a great help! I use a long handled 'swoe', and hand tools with an angled handle. And I use my son for heavy work and above head work!
This is a useful resource: rhs.org.uk/advice/health-an...
thanks this list is very useful
😂 Can you hire your son out to help the rest of us oldtimer?!
Ratchet secateurs are a game changer for sore wrists.All other tools are long handled except my trowel and that has the opposite a very short handle that fits in my palm it's old .For spades go with a pointed one makes breaking the ground easier.As for the neeler I use a tractor seat mounted on wheels that swivels .
But you need a good pair of soft leather gloves that fit well.
I am adding ratchet secateurs to my wish list, do you have a favourite brand?
I like Burgon and Ball , there's isn't too heavy
Thankyou (old timer 2 ) I have ordered a brochure from PETA amazing gardening tools to help me keep gardening and not struggle with weak wrists and poor hand grip “where there’s a way there is a will “🤩
Burgeon and Ball long handled trowel has really helped me X
I use some of the things mentioned above, particularly raised beds, but one of things I find really helpful is a weed puller. Not only is it easy to pull out weeds without bending over, but I use it to plant bulbs as it leaves a hole just large enough for a bulb.
Ready for a Ra Ra Ra
For information... Did you know DLA high rate mobility also qualifys you for a Blue badge and Disabled persons bus pass
Sudden onset RA??
Off topic - gardening madness moment
