Gardening Tools and Gadgets

One of the main questions asked by gardeners with arthritis is which tools to choose. When purchasing new tools, try to do so in person, If possible. Handling the tools before buying them gives you the opportunity to test them for weight and balance.

These are some of the specific tools and gadgets that can make gardening simpler, reduce pain and discomfort:

Ergonomic tools

You can find ergonomic versions of many garden tools, particularly hand tools. Many of these have handles designed to reduce hand and wrist strain, making every day gardening jobs more comfortable to do.

Multi-change tools

Multi-change tools give you a choice of handle lengths. You can then change the tool head for different jobs. It is worth checking you are comfortably able to switch the heads around before buying.

Digging tools

• A lightweight long-handled spade may be the most comfortable type to dig with.
• A back-saving tool grip. Attach to any long-handled tool to reduce bending required.
• Soil miller. A tool with star-shaped wheels that can help break the soil down into a fine tilth.

Weeding tools

• Push-pull hoe. Goes backwards and forwards through weeds and may be less strain than a draw hoe.
• Long-handled weed puller for the lawn. Let’s you remove weeds from a standing position.

Seed sowing and planting tools

• Long-handled rolling seed sower. Allows small seeds to be sown outside in drills with minimal bending. For larger seeds, a long cardboard tube could be used.
• Long-handled bulb planter. Dig holes for bulbs and smaller plants more easily than with a spade or trowel. Choose a long-handled version for reduced bending.

Pruning tools

• Loppers. Good for pruning larger stems. They are operated with two hands, so some people find them easier than secateurs.
• Pruners or secateurs with a ‘cut and hold’ action.
• Trimming shears. Use these for light trimming jobs.
• Cordless hedge trimmer. Good for large areas of hedge trimming. Our advice is to avoid using hedge trimmers above head height, as this can increase the risk of injury. Lightweight long-reach / telescopic versions are available if you need to trim at height. Use a sturdy ladder, placed on solid ground to help reach.

Mowing Tools

• Lightweight electric or cordless lawnmower. These are lighter than petrol versions. If you have a smaller lawn, a cordless lawnmower avoids the trip hazard that comes with an electric corded version.
• Robot lawn mower. The technology with these has improved considerably. They can now produce a decent all over mow on small or medium lawns. Some versions are also able to tackle slopes.
• Lightweight edging shears. There can be quite a considerable weight difference between various edging shears. Look at the weight before purchasing and definitely try and hold first if possible.
• Grass strimmer. Allows you to edge the lawn from a standing position. Most strimmer models work using a string line. Changing the spool line can be fiddly. This may make it impractical if you need to strim a large area. You can find some models that use plastic blades instead of line. You could also opt for lightweight edging shears instead. Or, if using all across your lawn, you may want to consider a lightweight or robot lawn mower.

Watering Tools

• Expandable lightweight hose. You may find this easier to pull into position and it springs back into place.
• Water butt(s) and standpipes. Place water butts and standpipes at convenient spots around the garden. This reduces how far you need to walk to collect water.
• Watering lance. Useful for reaching hanging baskets or wide beds and borders without strain.

Other Useful Gadgets

• Two-wheeled wheelbarrow. More stable than a one-wheeled version.
• Garden cart with seat. This specialist wheeled item allows you to load up with tools, then work from a seated position.
• Kneeler seat with handles. This takes the pressure off your joints. Be conscious of not sitting down for too long.
• Good quality, stretchy gardening gloves.
• Rubber gardening tool handle grips.
• Lightweight expanding compost bricks. Saves carrying heavy bags of compost.
• Heater with thermostat. Helps control temperature if gardening in a greenhouse.
• Litter picker. To reduce bending when picking things up.