Adapting Gardening to Meet Your Changing Needs

Choosing the Right Tool

You can purchase special gardening tools, but you can also adapt normal ones. If you adapt tools, keep these considerations in mind: 1) the length of the handle; 2) the weight of the tool; and 3) the special function or adaptability of the tool.

For most gardeners, long-handled and lightweight tools are preferable to those with short, thick, and heavy handles. The extra long handles and light weight reduce stress on weak backs, and enable you to work longer without tiring.

For some persons, however, short-handled tools can be preferable. Short-handled tools can provide leverage and practicality for wheelchair bound or seated gardeners, and extra thick handles can aid arthritic hands or hands with weak grips. An easy way to thicken the grip of a tool is to add foam padding or layers of tape to its handle.

For those with no hand grip, a universal cuff can be used. It attaches to the arm or forearm, and allows a lightweight tool to be attached. A double-handled grip can be purchased to add to your regular hoe or other tool, enabling you to use both hands and reduce pressure on your back.

Some Tools for Special Needs

Short-handled Swan Neck: lets you perform delicate weeding jobs with the precision and ease of a full-sized hoe; easy to maneuver in closely planted areas; great for raised beds and window boxes.

Kneeling Pad: prevents aching joints, wet knees, and compacted soil.

Hand tools with trigger-grip handles and rounded-out thumb rests: virtually indestructible; never rusts, bends, or breaks; rubberized coating makes them easier and more comfortable to hold; bright color makes them easy to locate.

Easy Wheeler: small enough to maneuver down short paths but strong enough to carry a bale of hay; sturdy handle offers support; weighs only 12 pounds.

Flower Gatherer: will cut flowers, remove thorns, and crush stems, for either right-or left-handed use.

Long-reach Pruner: trigger-grip action, very lightweight aluminum; five feet long; good for difficult-to-reach areas.

Altso’s Handy Helpers P.O. Box 1267 Galesburg, IL 61401 1-800-447-0048	Brookstone Company 17 Riverside Street Nashua, NH 03062 www.brookstone.com 1-800-846-3000	W. Atlee Burpee Company Warminster, PA 18974 1-800-333-5808 www.burpee.com
Enrichments 145 Tower Drive Burr Ridge, IL 60521 1-800-323-5546	Smith & Hawken 25 Corte Madera Mill Valley, CA 94941 1-800-940-1170 www.smithandhawken.com	Gardener’s Supply Co. 128 Intersale Road Burlington, VT 05401 1-888-833-1412 www.gardeners.com