Showing posts with label gardening. Show all posts
Showing posts with label gardening. Show all posts
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Planting
Well, yesterday was a great day for planting. I spent about 6 hours on my knees planting Hot Pink and White Vinca. What a striking contrast and I know that the hours of my hard labor will turn heads for the rest of the summer. But my knees are paying the price. They are sore! I guess there is something to be said about knee pads or kneeling cushions. And all this was done the old fashioned way, with a shovel. So much fun! It was a good day.
Monday, September 1, 2008
Backyard Safety
If you have children, grandchildren or even have friends with kids there are some things you should be aware of. Most people assume their backyard is a safe place, please take a good look around and become really aware of your surroundings and the potential dangers that may lurk for little ones.
An unlocked garden shed is an invitation for danger. Sharp tools and chemicals are enticing to small children. They like to do what the grown ups do. A pair of hand pruners left out can mean a trip to the hospital for stitches. Tools left around the yard even while you are working, can be hazardous. If your kids like to help, get them child size tools. It will be much easier for them and more enjoyable for you. Using power tools like a chain saw or hedge trimmers should only be used when children are not present.
If you have a pond, please beware of small children that want to have a closer look at the fishies. If you have ever had to pull a child out of a pond, you know how scary that can be. Even at only 2 feet deep it is dangerous. Either keep a pond screen over it (one they cannot fall into) or never leave them alone in the yard.
Pools are the biggest danger in the yard. Pools are great fun and we have always had one, I’d hate to go through a hot New Jersey summer without one! But they are dangerous if not monitored properly. One cannot be safe enough when it comes to small children or anyone for that matter that cannot swim.
An inground pool should have its own fence and locking gate around it. A pool alarm is also a good measure to take. It floats on the water and if the water is disturbed an alarm goes off. An above ground pool should always have the ladder up and locked when not in use.
Never, never, never leave anyone, especially a child alone in the pool. Not even for a minute. If the responsible adult must leave the pool, make an unbreakable rule that everyone comes out of the pool, even if it is just for a minute. If you have ever known a child that has drown, this rule would never be broken. Drownings are avoidable. Drownings are preventable. Simple safety measures must be taken. The heartbreak of losing a child in a drowning is unimaginable.
We never like to think of bad things happening and we should not focus on them. Being aware is enough. If we are aware and use good safety practices, we nearly eliminate the element of an accident occurring in our own backyard.
An unlocked garden shed is an invitation for danger. Sharp tools and chemicals are enticing to small children. They like to do what the grown ups do. A pair of hand pruners left out can mean a trip to the hospital for stitches. Tools left around the yard even while you are working, can be hazardous. If your kids like to help, get them child size tools. It will be much easier for them and more enjoyable for you. Using power tools like a chain saw or hedge trimmers should only be used when children are not present.
If you have a pond, please beware of small children that want to have a closer look at the fishies. If you have ever had to pull a child out of a pond, you know how scary that can be. Even at only 2 feet deep it is dangerous. Either keep a pond screen over it (one they cannot fall into) or never leave them alone in the yard.
Pools are the biggest danger in the yard. Pools are great fun and we have always had one, I’d hate to go through a hot New Jersey summer without one! But they are dangerous if not monitored properly. One cannot be safe enough when it comes to small children or anyone for that matter that cannot swim.
An inground pool should have its own fence and locking gate around it. A pool alarm is also a good measure to take. It floats on the water and if the water is disturbed an alarm goes off. An above ground pool should always have the ladder up and locked when not in use.
Never, never, never leave anyone, especially a child alone in the pool. Not even for a minute. If the responsible adult must leave the pool, make an unbreakable rule that everyone comes out of the pool, even if it is just for a minute. If you have ever known a child that has drown, this rule would never be broken. Drownings are avoidable. Drownings are preventable. Simple safety measures must be taken. The heartbreak of losing a child in a drowning is unimaginable.
We never like to think of bad things happening and we should not focus on them. Being aware is enough. If we are aware and use good safety practices, we nearly eliminate the element of an accident occurring in our own backyard.
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Herbs in the Garden
Herbs planted in the garden are not just for cooking. Herbs are beautiful, scented plants that open up the sense of smell to add another dimension to the garden.
Rather than just the sweet smells of roses and flowers, herbs lend another dimension of smell to the garden. Spicy, musky, heavy or light, each herb having a distinctly different scent.
Planting, Rosemary, Thyme and Oregano along a garden path will give off a gorgeous aroma as you pass by.
Mint makes a fabulous perennial (in most areas) groundcover, that can take foot traffic. Mint comes in many varieties, each with its own fantastic smell.
Sage is a lovely plant, and comes in different colors, the Tricolor Sage is a perennial favorite. Variegated green and white foliage with just a hint of red on the edges of the leaves.
Lavender, one can never have enough Lavender in the garden. Beautiful grey/green foliage with prolific lavender, purple or even pink (depending on variety) blooms. They smell fantastic and are great for drying.
Dill, Basil and Parsley are great foliage fillers for containers. Mixed with annuals they make a lovely display. Keep these planters near the house for easy access during cooking.
Nasturtiums are a free flowering herb that look great in planters, along the edge of the garden and are also great in salads.
Herbs generally like a sunny, well drained location and are easy to grow. They are not easily susceptible to insects and diseases. Many herbs are perennial, and will grow and spread quickly.
Tender herbs can be brought into the house and wintered over in a warm sunny window. Spray with a solution of soapy water before bringing inside and occasionally through the winter to keep insects away.
If you are going to be cooking with your herbs be sure to use a good organic fertilizer and an all natural insecticidal soap (if necessary).
Herbs like Echinacea and Scented Geranium have long been enjoyed as perennial flowers in the garden. Oregano and Thyme between your roses are breathtaking. Mint and Creeping Rosemary in planters adds a scented dimension that will delight you. Try a few in your garden, you will be surprised and pleased with the performance, smell and look of herbs.
Rather than just the sweet smells of roses and flowers, herbs lend another dimension of smell to the garden. Spicy, musky, heavy or light, each herb having a distinctly different scent.
Planting, Rosemary, Thyme and Oregano along a garden path will give off a gorgeous aroma as you pass by.
Mint makes a fabulous perennial (in most areas) groundcover, that can take foot traffic. Mint comes in many varieties, each with its own fantastic smell.
Sage is a lovely plant, and comes in different colors, the Tricolor Sage is a perennial favorite. Variegated green and white foliage with just a hint of red on the edges of the leaves.
Lavender, one can never have enough Lavender in the garden. Beautiful grey/green foliage with prolific lavender, purple or even pink (depending on variety) blooms. They smell fantastic and are great for drying.
Dill, Basil and Parsley are great foliage fillers for containers. Mixed with annuals they make a lovely display. Keep these planters near the house for easy access during cooking.
Nasturtiums are a free flowering herb that look great in planters, along the edge of the garden and are also great in salads.
Herbs generally like a sunny, well drained location and are easy to grow. They are not easily susceptible to insects and diseases. Many herbs are perennial, and will grow and spread quickly.
Tender herbs can be brought into the house and wintered over in a warm sunny window. Spray with a solution of soapy water before bringing inside and occasionally through the winter to keep insects away.
If you are going to be cooking with your herbs be sure to use a good organic fertilizer and an all natural insecticidal soap (if necessary).
Herbs like Echinacea and Scented Geranium have long been enjoyed as perennial flowers in the garden. Oregano and Thyme between your roses are breathtaking. Mint and Creeping Rosemary in planters adds a scented dimension that will delight you. Try a few in your garden, you will be surprised and pleased with the performance, smell and look of herbs.
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Basic Landscape Design
Designing planting beds can be a bit overwhelming if one does not know a lot about plants, their habits, sizes etc. When getting ready to design a bed, do some research first. Hit some local nurseries and check out lots of plants. Read the tags and ask questions. An independent nursery will usually be able to provide more information than a big box store.
You will need the dimensions of the bed you are creating. A mix of evergreen (plants that do not lose their leaves) and deciduous (plants that lose their leaves in the winter) shrubs. Adding in some perennials or grasses will add color and interest. Plantings should have symmetry and balance. It is most visually pleasing to plant in odd numbers and carry the plants across the bed. Planting one shrub here and another there makes for a mis-mash. Our eye relates well to symmetry and reads naturally from side to side. Balance is the key to a good landscape design. This does not mean all the beds have to be filled with the same material, however, carrying one or two varieties from one bed to the next will create a natural,visual flow.
Foundation Planting: Planting beds along the foundation of the house will give your home a manicured look. Tall shrubs on the corners of the house will anchor the house to the ground and soften the hard lines. An ornamental tree planted can add color and interest. Be sure to check how large an ornamental tree will grow and plant accordingly. Evergreen shrubs along the house will add color to the foundation and keep it looking nice during the winter months. Flowering shrubs or perennials for seasonal color will add a punch to the landscape.
Creating island beds: Island beds are a great way to add dimension to the yard. Plantings in an island should add visual interest, yet not block the rest of the landscape.
Having a drawing will be a huge help in planning your landscape. If you are not an artist, it doesn't matter. A sketch with dimensions will be of great assistance when you are at the nursery picking out shrubs. It can be shown to the nursery salesperson and they can offer suggestions as to how many plants to buy, spacing, etc.
Use a hose or spraypaint to shape beds before cutting them out. This will give you flexibility to change the shape before making it permanent. When getting ready to plant your shrubs, trees, etc. place everything first, take several steps back and look at the layout. Make all necessary adjustments before digging any holes. Once you have everything placed where you want them, dig one plant at a time, so your spacing will stay the same.
Have fun, be creative and do your research. You will be pleased and proud of what you created.
You will need the dimensions of the bed you are creating. A mix of evergreen (plants that do not lose their leaves) and deciduous (plants that lose their leaves in the winter) shrubs. Adding in some perennials or grasses will add color and interest. Plantings should have symmetry and balance. It is most visually pleasing to plant in odd numbers and carry the plants across the bed. Planting one shrub here and another there makes for a mis-mash. Our eye relates well to symmetry and reads naturally from side to side. Balance is the key to a good landscape design. This does not mean all the beds have to be filled with the same material, however, carrying one or two varieties from one bed to the next will create a natural,visual flow.
Foundation Planting: Planting beds along the foundation of the house will give your home a manicured look. Tall shrubs on the corners of the house will anchor the house to the ground and soften the hard lines. An ornamental tree planted can add color and interest. Be sure to check how large an ornamental tree will grow and plant accordingly. Evergreen shrubs along the house will add color to the foundation and keep it looking nice during the winter months. Flowering shrubs or perennials for seasonal color will add a punch to the landscape.
Creating island beds: Island beds are a great way to add dimension to the yard. Plantings in an island should add visual interest, yet not block the rest of the landscape.
Having a drawing will be a huge help in planning your landscape. If you are not an artist, it doesn't matter. A sketch with dimensions will be of great assistance when you are at the nursery picking out shrubs. It can be shown to the nursery salesperson and they can offer suggestions as to how many plants to buy, spacing, etc.
Use a hose or spraypaint to shape beds before cutting them out. This will give you flexibility to change the shape before making it permanent. When getting ready to plant your shrubs, trees, etc. place everything first, take several steps back and look at the layout. Make all necessary adjustments before digging any holes. Once you have everything placed where you want them, dig one plant at a time, so your spacing will stay the same.
Have fun, be creative and do your research. You will be pleased and proud of what you created.
Friday, May 9, 2008
Seeds and Bulbs...A dying industry?
Seeds and Bulbs have been around forever. And for as long as I can remember they were an essential part of the gardening experience. Over the past ten or so years I have seen a shift in the way people garden. Younger Gardeners (under 35) like to buy instant gardens. You know, the already made up planters to put on their patios, big, fancy coco baskets already made up as well. Tomato plants in patio pots, etc.
The older, more experienced gardeners who always bought their onion sets in March and all the Seed packets with the starter trays, and the bulbs seem to be a dying breed. These were gardeners, real gardeners who started from the ground up, got their hands dirty and truly enjoyed the labor and its successes.
I would hope to see the instant patio gardeners of today turn into the "true" gardeners of tomorrow as they retire from having full time jobs and over scheduled lives. I know there are many of us who have helped our parents and grandparents garden and loved it.
I see part of our gardening industry slowly disappearing from the local garden centers. People won't buy the seeds and bulbs unless they are on sale or at the end of the season when they are just about being given away. This ruins the market. Less and less will be purchased by the retailer, thereby less and less being manufactured by the grower.
Bulbs are a fantastic, generally inexpensive way to get some beautiful, unusual and even exotic looking plants for your yard. Many bulbs you can buy, you cannot get already grown in containers.
Seeds do take more time and care, however they are the least expensive way to get lots of plants. Perennial seeds are great. For 1 packet of seeds (usually less than $3) you'll get plants that come back year after year, spread, and can be divided to share with friends. I harvest seeds from some of my favorite annuals, to have for the following year. Although they are not always the same as the original plant.
Starting seeds are a great project if you have kids. This is the most exciting part of spring at our house. We let the kids pick out their own packet of seeds, we set up a table in the garage for potting them up. It's usually to cold and dreary on the East Coast to do this outside.
The kids check them for water every day and when the first seed pops through the surface, you would think it was Christmas! Once its warm enough we plant them. Our 5 year old twins and even the 2 year old have to plant "their" seeds. They care for them and watch them grow, and everyone that comes to our house gets shown the plants. Our children take a great sense of pride in their gardening. I know someday they will probably be instant gardeners when their lives are busy, but someday they will be the "true" gardeners of our future.
We get so caught up in every day stuff, sometimes we forget to stop and smell the flowers. Gardening is a release for me, a way to let the stress of the daily grind fall away.
Try buying a few packs of seeds or some bulbs and create life. Watching a living thing grow and unfold before you is extremely satisfying and beautiful.
The older, more experienced gardeners who always bought their onion sets in March and all the Seed packets with the starter trays, and the bulbs seem to be a dying breed. These were gardeners, real gardeners who started from the ground up, got their hands dirty and truly enjoyed the labor and its successes.
I would hope to see the instant patio gardeners of today turn into the "true" gardeners of tomorrow as they retire from having full time jobs and over scheduled lives. I know there are many of us who have helped our parents and grandparents garden and loved it.
I see part of our gardening industry slowly disappearing from the local garden centers. People won't buy the seeds and bulbs unless they are on sale or at the end of the season when they are just about being given away. This ruins the market. Less and less will be purchased by the retailer, thereby less and less being manufactured by the grower.
Bulbs are a fantastic, generally inexpensive way to get some beautiful, unusual and even exotic looking plants for your yard. Many bulbs you can buy, you cannot get already grown in containers.
Seeds do take more time and care, however they are the least expensive way to get lots of plants. Perennial seeds are great. For 1 packet of seeds (usually less than $3) you'll get plants that come back year after year, spread, and can be divided to share with friends. I harvest seeds from some of my favorite annuals, to have for the following year. Although they are not always the same as the original plant.
Starting seeds are a great project if you have kids. This is the most exciting part of spring at our house. We let the kids pick out their own packet of seeds, we set up a table in the garage for potting them up. It's usually to cold and dreary on the East Coast to do this outside.
The kids check them for water every day and when the first seed pops through the surface, you would think it was Christmas! Once its warm enough we plant them. Our 5 year old twins and even the 2 year old have to plant "their" seeds. They care for them and watch them grow, and everyone that comes to our house gets shown the plants. Our children take a great sense of pride in their gardening. I know someday they will probably be instant gardeners when their lives are busy, but someday they will be the "true" gardeners of our future.
We get so caught up in every day stuff, sometimes we forget to stop and smell the flowers. Gardening is a release for me, a way to let the stress of the daily grind fall away.
Try buying a few packs of seeds or some bulbs and create life. Watching a living thing grow and unfold before you is extremely satisfying and beautiful.
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Two of my favorite Fertilizers
When I come across a product I truly love and believe in I like to share it. Two of my favorite organic (that's all I use) fertilizers are Milorganite and Merrill's Compost Tea.
I love them because they are 100% Natural Organic Products. These companies each make a product that is organic and beneficial from waste.
Milorganite has been around for over 80 years and is a by-product of Milwaukee's water treatment system. It is safe to use in any climate at any time of the growing season...even drought.
Milorganite contains no salts (that can burn turf) so it doesn't even need to be watered in to work. It relies on natural microbes in the soil to break down the nutrients.
Milorganite not only contains Nitrogen and Phosphorous, it contains Calcium which is essential for nutrient uptake and Iron that makes everything a nice dark green. I use Milorganite on my lawn, trees, shrubs and perennials.
Merrill's Compost Tea is one of the most fantastic products I've ever used. They look like tea bags (don't drink them by mistake!). Keep an old gallon jug handy. Fill it up with tepid water and drop in one tea bag. Let it steep for an hour or so and then water your plants. I like to let my "tea" steep overnight. This is the best fertilizer for houseplants, annuals, roses and perennials. You can water as you normally would or foliar feed with a spray bottle. The first time I used this was in the middle of winter on my houseplants. The results were amazing! If they could have my plants would have jumped up and done a jig!
Both companies are committed to using natural resources and sustainable agriculture. These are truly earth friendly products. They are easy to use and inexpensive. The results will astound you!
I love them because they are 100% Natural Organic Products. These companies each make a product that is organic and beneficial from waste.
Milorganite has been around for over 80 years and is a by-product of Milwaukee's water treatment system. It is safe to use in any climate at any time of the growing season...even drought.
Milorganite contains no salts (that can burn turf) so it doesn't even need to be watered in to work. It relies on natural microbes in the soil to break down the nutrients.
Milorganite not only contains Nitrogen and Phosphorous, it contains Calcium which is essential for nutrient uptake and Iron that makes everything a nice dark green. I use Milorganite on my lawn, trees, shrubs and perennials.
Merrill's Compost Tea is one of the most fantastic products I've ever used. They look like tea bags (don't drink them by mistake!). Keep an old gallon jug handy. Fill it up with tepid water and drop in one tea bag. Let it steep for an hour or so and then water your plants. I like to let my "tea" steep overnight. This is the best fertilizer for houseplants, annuals, roses and perennials. You can water as you normally would or foliar feed with a spray bottle. The first time I used this was in the middle of winter on my houseplants. The results were amazing! If they could have my plants would have jumped up and done a jig!
Both companies are committed to using natural resources and sustainable agriculture. These are truly earth friendly products. They are easy to use and inexpensive. The results will astound you!
Monday, May 5, 2008
How to keep Critters out of the Garden , and Flower Beds too!
This is a timeless struggle between the Gardener and Nature's creatures.
Rabbits, Deer, Chipmunks, Squirrels, Gophers, Moles, Voles and Ground Hogs are probably our biggest challenge in our Vegetable and Flower Gardens. Following are a few easy tips on how to get rid of these pests:
There are all natural repellents such as ShakeAway, Liquid Fence, Deer Away and Critter Ridder.
These all natural repellents all work well and all work in different ways.
Shake Away is a granular Predator Urine product. This is a fantastic product. It creates the scent of predators such as fox, coyote and bobcat. They will not wash away in the rain and do not evaporate. They are not messy or highly stinky, like their liquid counterparts. They even have one for cats.
Liquid Fence Products such as their Mole and Vole repellent are odor and taste based repellents. Mole and Vole is all natural liquid that is sprayed and gets down into the soil to coat the roots of plants and earthworms. Their tasty meal is no longer tasty. They simply go elsewhere to look for food. It is long lasting and won't harm vegetation.
Critter Ridder by Havahart comes as a granular or a liquid and is listed OMRI organic. It will repel skunks, ground hogs, squirrels, racoons, dogs and cats. They are both pepper and capsaicin based products.
Critter Ridder Deer and Rabbit repels by scent and it lasts up to 3 months. It is also listed OMRI organic.
These are all safe, natural products. There are a few other items that also work well. Human hair and dog fur will also work. Human hair works the best. Go to your local Barber Shop and ask for some hair. Yeah, they might look at you a little funny at first, but they will think you are a genius when you tell them what its for. Put it around the perimeter of your garden. This will decompose naturally. It may need to be applied once or twice. With all these products, once a Critter knows your garden or flower beds are not a safe or tasty place to go...they usually will not come back.
Happy Gardening!
Rabbits, Deer, Chipmunks, Squirrels, Gophers, Moles, Voles and Ground Hogs are probably our biggest challenge in our Vegetable and Flower Gardens. Following are a few easy tips on how to get rid of these pests:
There are all natural repellents such as ShakeAway, Liquid Fence, Deer Away and Critter Ridder.
These all natural repellents all work well and all work in different ways.
Shake Away is a granular Predator Urine product. This is a fantastic product. It creates the scent of predators such as fox, coyote and bobcat. They will not wash away in the rain and do not evaporate. They are not messy or highly stinky, like their liquid counterparts. They even have one for cats.
Liquid Fence Products such as their Mole and Vole repellent are odor and taste based repellents. Mole and Vole is all natural liquid that is sprayed and gets down into the soil to coat the roots of plants and earthworms. Their tasty meal is no longer tasty. They simply go elsewhere to look for food. It is long lasting and won't harm vegetation.
Critter Ridder by Havahart comes as a granular or a liquid and is listed OMRI organic. It will repel skunks, ground hogs, squirrels, racoons, dogs and cats. They are both pepper and capsaicin based products.
Critter Ridder Deer and Rabbit repels by scent and it lasts up to 3 months. It is also listed OMRI organic.
These are all safe, natural products. There are a few other items that also work well. Human hair and dog fur will also work. Human hair works the best. Go to your local Barber Shop and ask for some hair. Yeah, they might look at you a little funny at first, but they will think you are a genius when you tell them what its for. Put it around the perimeter of your garden. This will decompose naturally. It may need to be applied once or twice. With all these products, once a Critter knows your garden or flower beds are not a safe or tasty place to go...they usually will not come back.
Happy Gardening!
Saturday, May 3, 2008
Healthy Gardening Tips
Gardening is America's number one hobby. We all know too well of the aches and pains that can come from our favorite past-time! Here are a few tips that can help minimize the stress on your body and keep you healthy.
Protect those Joints!:
Use tools with padded handles and easy spring loaded handles to minimize stiffness in the hands. If you are spending time on your knees, wear knee pads, use a knee cushion or a kneeler seat. These items will cushion the knee joint and reduce pressure.
Conserve your energy:
Think Ahead! Carry all the hand tools you may use in a bucket and your large tools in a cart. This will save you many trips to the shed or garage. Sitting or kneeling on a Kneeler Seat instead of bending over will save your back, hips and legs from tiredness and stress. A Kneeler Seat is a low seat, and turned upside down it's perfect for kneeling and the handles will help you get back up. They are generally cushioned on both sides for comfort.
Lift Smart!:
Bags of Mulch, Stone and Soils can be awkward and heavy to carry. Try taking them from your vehicle to a garden cart or wheelbarrow. Move it where you need it, cut the bag open lengthwise and dump it. The material will come out of the bag easily. Or you can keep it in the wheelbarrow and shovel it out.
Heavy plants- if you are moving heavy plants or shrubs, try tipping a wheelbarrow forward as close to the plant as you can. Then gently rotate the pot or ball of the plant into the wheelbarrow. Slowly bring the wheelbarrow to a standing position, so as not to bang the plant around. move it to its destination and reverse the process. If you prepare the hole first, the plant can be easily installed. If its in a pot, set it next to the hole and remove the pot, then roll the ball into the hole. B&B plants can be rolled directly into the hole and then cut the burlap. If your plant has nylon burlap it must be removed completely. This process will minimize stress on your lower back and stress on the plant. Plants do not like to have their roots banged around.
If you must lift heavy items, squat down, get a firm grip and lift using your legs, not your Back! Lifting with your leg muscles will give you more lifting power and save you a trip to the Chiropractor. Asking for help is also a smart way to save yourself from injury. Call ahead to plan for a Family member or Friend to help. A neighbor will usually be happy to lend a quick hand.
One project at a time!:
If you want your yard to be picture perfect NOW... hire a professional. If you are willing to be patient and enjoy the fruits of your labor, start small. Prioritize your projects and complete them one at a time. This will keep you from over-doing it. It can also keep your frustration level down. You will be satisfied in having completed a project and it will keep your yard neat and clean. Too many projects started and none finished makes for a messy yard.
Lastly...Listen to your body:
Your body will tell you every time when its had enough. Drinking plenty of water will help keep your muscles hydrated and reduce cramping. Water can also reduce the chances of becoming over-heated. When your done working in the garden, STRETCH! Stretching will reduce muscle soreness and keep you more flexible. Treat your self to a nice bath or shower and get plenty of rest. Recovery is the key to happy gardening tomorrow!
We would love for you to join our online green living community where you can join in on the forum, add your own pics and viewpoints and just share with other like minded individuals. Visit Green Nation Gardens Wiki
Protect those Joints!:
Use tools with padded handles and easy spring loaded handles to minimize stiffness in the hands. If you are spending time on your knees, wear knee pads, use a knee cushion or a kneeler seat. These items will cushion the knee joint and reduce pressure.
Conserve your energy:
Think Ahead! Carry all the hand tools you may use in a bucket and your large tools in a cart. This will save you many trips to the shed or garage. Sitting or kneeling on a Kneeler Seat instead of bending over will save your back, hips and legs from tiredness and stress. A Kneeler Seat is a low seat, and turned upside down it's perfect for kneeling and the handles will help you get back up. They are generally cushioned on both sides for comfort.
Lift Smart!:
Bags of Mulch, Stone and Soils can be awkward and heavy to carry. Try taking them from your vehicle to a garden cart or wheelbarrow. Move it where you need it, cut the bag open lengthwise and dump it. The material will come out of the bag easily. Or you can keep it in the wheelbarrow and shovel it out.
Heavy plants- if you are moving heavy plants or shrubs, try tipping a wheelbarrow forward as close to the plant as you can. Then gently rotate the pot or ball of the plant into the wheelbarrow. Slowly bring the wheelbarrow to a standing position, so as not to bang the plant around. move it to its destination and reverse the process. If you prepare the hole first, the plant can be easily installed. If its in a pot, set it next to the hole and remove the pot, then roll the ball into the hole. B&B plants can be rolled directly into the hole and then cut the burlap. If your plant has nylon burlap it must be removed completely. This process will minimize stress on your lower back and stress on the plant. Plants do not like to have their roots banged around.
If you must lift heavy items, squat down, get a firm grip and lift using your legs, not your Back! Lifting with your leg muscles will give you more lifting power and save you a trip to the Chiropractor. Asking for help is also a smart way to save yourself from injury. Call ahead to plan for a Family member or Friend to help. A neighbor will usually be happy to lend a quick hand.
One project at a time!:
If you want your yard to be picture perfect NOW... hire a professional. If you are willing to be patient and enjoy the fruits of your labor, start small. Prioritize your projects and complete them one at a time. This will keep you from over-doing it. It can also keep your frustration level down. You will be satisfied in having completed a project and it will keep your yard neat and clean. Too many projects started and none finished makes for a messy yard.
Lastly...Listen to your body:
Your body will tell you every time when its had enough. Drinking plenty of water will help keep your muscles hydrated and reduce cramping. Water can also reduce the chances of becoming over-heated. When your done working in the garden, STRETCH! Stretching will reduce muscle soreness and keep you more flexible. Treat your self to a nice bath or shower and get plenty of rest. Recovery is the key to happy gardening tomorrow!
We would love for you to join our online green living community where you can join in on the forum, add your own pics and viewpoints and just share with other like minded individuals. Visit Green Nation Gardens Wiki
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