It's lovely in the garden at this time of year. The vegetables are maturing, the flowers are blooming. And the weeds…well, there are always weeds.
Lots of things to do, in other words. Lots of tools, and bugs, and weeds, and bending, and lifting.
Gardeners, then, have two jobs: keeping both the garden and their bodies in top shape.
One of the most common complaints among gardeners comes down to that old lament, “Oh, my aching back!”
But of course there are other dangers in the garden too: tools that can cause injury, heat-related health issues, fatigue, diseases like tetanus and falls from ladders while pruning.
Let’s deal with your aching back first. Many times, back strain comes when gardeners try to do too much in one day, rather than a little bit over several days. Moreover, gardening is exercise, as veterans already know, and like any exercise a little warm-up beforehand is a good idea. Stretch those back muscles before you begin.
Here are some tips for lifting all that dirt, bags of fertilizer and heavy flower pots to help protect your back:
- Stand close to whatever it is you're about to lift, and then bend at the knees, keeping your back as straight as possible.
- You should stand without bending at the waist.
- Don't twist while you're lifting, move your feet instead.
- Sit down! Even in the garden you can find something to sit on, like an upside down bucket, for instance. Keep your back as straight as you can as you weed. Support yourself by resting an arm on one of your legs.
- Get down on your hands and knees. And while you're playing in the dirt, keep your back straight.
- Get help if you need it.
Your back may be at risk in the garden, but there are other dangers as well. Take care of your eyes, and wear safety goggles when you’re using mowers or other power equipment. Ear protection too – the test is whether you can easily hear someone standing a couple of feet away from you. Use insect repellent and sunscreen too.
Drink plenty of water as you work in the heat.
Also, make sure your tetanus shots are up to date. Tetanus lives in the soil.
With all that, you can look forward to fun, not frustration, as you garden.
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