Love gardening, but your knees don’t? You’re not alone. An old knee injury, arthritis, and even wear and tear over time can convert this peaceful hobby into a chore.
The good news is, you don’t have to give up your favorite activity because of bad knees. There are things you can do to convert it back to a rewarding and peaceful hobby.
In this post, we’ll walk you through the tools, strategies, and techniques that can make the entire experience less painful and more joyful.
Let’s get started.
Why Gardening Hurts When Your Knees Are Bad
Many gardening tasks require you to bend your knees and squat for long periods. This can strain your joints, especially gardeners who’re already facing knee problems, such as arthritis.
By changing how you work in your garden, you can minimize the wear and tear and protect your knees from further damage.
For most gardening tasks, stopping isn’t necessary. You just need to plan and figure out a way to perform them in a way that doesn’t strain your knees.
Preparing Before You Start
Stretch First
Start with gently stretching your body like you’d before a walk. All you need to do are gentle knee bends, calf raises, and maybe some leg swings.
This loosens stiff joints and improves blood flow to your knees. Stretching also helps you move more freely and reduces the risk of injuries.
Wear the Right Gear
The right gardening gear makes a huge difference; start with shoes that have features like:
- Cushioning
- Arch support
- Shock absorption
A knee brace or compression sleeve can improve stability, keep your joints warm, and reduce inflammation.
Breathable gloves with a good grip are non-negotiable. They make handling your tools easier, which could mean you’ll put less stress on your lower body while working.
Tools that Make Gardening Easier on Your Knees
Let’s discuss some additional tools that can help make your experience comfortable, productive, and safe.
Raised Garden Beds
These bring the garden up so you don’t have to kneel or bend down. You want to look for a raised bed that’s at least 24 inches high, or ensure it is at waist height.
As for the width, go for 2 -3 feet, so you have access to everything without having to stretch your back. If you’re on a budget, old containers and cinder blocks might work too.
Garden Kneelers and Benches
A padded kneeler with side handles can help you stand up and get down without straining your knees. Many flip over into a seat, allowing you to perform tasks while sitting (Or just taking a timeout).
Look for a foldable garden kneeler that’s easy to store with a sturdy metal frame that can support your weight.
Long-Handled Tools
The longer the handle of your tool, the less you’ll have to bend your back or knees. When you’re shopping for a tool, prefer one with ergonomic handles and lightweight aluminum or carbon fiber material.
These may include:
- Telescopic pruners for trimming branches
- Stand-up weeders to pull weeds without bending
- And more
Related Read: Electric Pruning Shears (Are They Worth It?)
Gardening Techniques for Knee Pain
Let’s talk about some creative techniques and strategies to ease strain on your joints and make your overall gardening experience fruitful.
Vertical Gardening
You can also bring plants to your eye level through vertical gardening. Wall planters and hanging baskets can help you do that.
Vertical gardening works best for herbs, flowers, strawberries, and even some vegetables like lettuce.
If you don’t want to buy a vertical gardening system, make your own (Think shelves, ladders, or even shoe organizers).
A Seated Garden Layout
Arrange your gardening space so that you can reach anything while sitting. Place your stool or chair on a flat pathway so that it stays stable.
Also, keep frequently used tools and plants close to your seating area for quick and easy access.
Choose Low-Maintenance Plants
Go for plants that don’t require a lot of watering, pruning, and attention. Your options include, but aren’t limited to:
- Lavender
- Hostas
- Daylilies
- Coneflowers
These are relatively more forgiving and can survive even if you neglect them for a day or two.
Use Mulch
Mulch keeps moisture in and weeds down, so you don’t have to water and weed that much. You can use organic mulches, such as bark and straw; they’ll break down over time and improve soil health. Just apply a layer of 2 - 3 inches around plants.
Install Drip Irrigation
A drip irrigation system waters your plants, so you don’t have to lug a heavy hose around your garden. Some of these systems work on timers, so you can set and forget.
Questions You Might Have
Let’s discuss some frequently asked questions about gardening with bad knees.
Can I Still Garden If I Have Arthritis in My Knees?
Yes, you can. Use raised beds, get comfortable tools, and leverage customized techniques. Focus on low-impact tasks and listen to your body.
What are the Best Tools for Gardening With Bad Knees?
Raised beds, padded kneelers with handles, and long-handled tools can reduce bending and strain. Look for tools with ergonomic and lightweight designs.
How Can I Make Gardening Easier on My Joints?
Keep the most used tools close to yourself, use mulch to reduce weeding, install drip irrigation, and sit while working. Stretch before and after working.
Are There Shoes That Help With Gardening and Knee Pain?
Yes, choose shoes with arch support, cushioning, and a solid grip. The right pair of shoes reduces strain on your knees and makes sitting and standing while gardening easier.
Conclusion
Gardening with bad knees is all about making small adjustments to how you do things. With the right tools, techniques, and strategies, you can keep enjoying gardening without letting it strain your knees.
Every small adjustment makes a difference, whether it’s shifting to lighter tools or switching to raised beds. You don’t have to give it up; just make it work for you.
Read More: How to Prune Heavy Branches