Gardening when gripping or bending is hard

For some gardeners, a border feels further away than it used to. Gripping secateurs or kneeling to weed can be hard on the joints.

Pacing the work

Arthritis UK describes pacing as balancing the tasks you need to do with breaks and rest. Doing too much on a good day can bring more pain and tiredness later. The charity calls this the boom and bust cycle.

It suggests setting a 15-minute timer as a reminder to take a break or switch tasks. A neighbour, friend or relative may be able to take on the heavy work, such as mowing or cutting a hedge.

Tools that ask less of your hands

Arthritis UK suggests easy-grip tools, or add-on handles and grips for the tools you already have. Padded handles mean you do not have to grip as tightly. Long-handled tools can save you overstretching if bending is hard.

Arthritis UK suggests a kneeling pad to take some of the strain off your knees. Sitting on a garden stool while you work takes some of the load off your hips and knees.

The charity also suggests carrying things in your arms, not your fingers, to spread the load. Two small bags of compost are easier to manage than one heavy one.

Thrive, a gardening charity, suggests trying to hold a tool before you buy it, and looking for lighter versions where you can.

A garden that needs less bending

The RHS says a garden can be made easier to use with ramps, wide paths and raised beds. Arthritis UK suggests growing in raised beds, planters or containers, and growing herbs in trays on a windowsill.

The charity also suggests hardy perennials, which live for more than two years. A layer of shredded bark over the soil cuts down the weeds.

Help and advice

Arthritis UK says an occupational therapist may be able to help if gardening has become a struggle. They are trained to help people find different ways to do everyday tasks. The NHS says occupational therapy can be free through the NHS or social services. A GP can refer you, or you can ask your local council.

Thrive runs therapeutic gardening programmes in Battersea Park in London, near Reading, and in Birmingham. For gardeners with sight loss, the RHS notes that RNIB and Thrive offer information and guidance together.

Useful links