DEAR SAVVY SENIOR: I saw you on the "Today Show" last month to talk about gardening tips and tools for seniors who have arthritis and other physical limitations. Can you write a column about this topic and tell me where I can find some of your ergonomic products show? They look ideal for my 77-year-father who liked to play in the park. - Father's Day Shopper
DEAR Shopper: Gardening is one of America's favorite leisure outdoor activities, enjoyed by more than 28 million seniors. But for those who suffer from arthritis or other physical limitations, gardening can become difficult and frustrating. Here are some product ideas and tips that can help.
Practical tools: If you have arthritis, limited strength or have trouble bending or leaning over, here are some products that can help take the strain from gardening.
• Ergonomic tools: There are many ergonomic grip gardening tools, gloves, kneeling pads, garden benches, carts and other equipment that can help you make gardening tasks easier. Two good resources that offer a lot of this unique tool and equipment www.gardeningwithease.com (800-966-5119) and www.handhelpers.com (888-632-7091).
• Long-handled tools: You can reduce the bending and bowing that usually go along with gardening by using long hand or telescopic tool. See www.hound-dog.com or call (800) 694-6863 for a variety of good solid "back saving" tools for both lawn and garden care.
• Watering: Carrying water or handling heavy, awkward hose can be difficult for any gardener. Some water saving labor-products to consider are rain or IV crawling all over the garden, coil hose to a terrace or a small area, caddy and hose reel for easy transport, or self winding hose chest (see www.hydro -industries.com) that puts him off automatically. There are also a variety of ergonomic watering wands are lightweight, easy to handle and difficult to achieve-get-to plants. Many of these watering items can be found at local stores that sell equipment lawn and garden, or see www.gardeners.com.
Accessible gardening: If back pain or limited mobility makes you get into the garden, with garden for you. Here are some tips to consider:
• Raised beds: You can buy or build raised garden beds at various heights to reduce or eliminate kneeling, bowed and bent. However, make sure the bed is not more than four-feet wide, so you can easily reach into it from both sides.
• Container gardening: There are many different sizes containers (window boxes, deck railing planters, hanging baskets, large pots, in boxes, barrels or tub planters and more) that can provide a way that is not too hard to grow vegetables or flowers. Container gardening also works great for small garden and terrace. However, remember that container gardens need more water than the standard garden, so make sure you have a nearby water source handy, or you may want to consider buying their own water containers to help reduce watering chores.
• Where to buy: You can find containers, raised beds and trellises at various stores that sell equipment lawn and garden. They can also be purchased online at places like www.gardeners.com or (800) 955-3370, and www.garden.org or (800) 538-7476.
www.bradenton.com
DEAR Shopper: Gardening is one of America's favorite leisure outdoor activities, enjoyed by more than 28 million seniors. But for those who suffer from arthritis or other physical limitations, gardening can become difficult and frustrating. Here are some product ideas and tips that can help.
Practical tools: If you have arthritis, limited strength or have trouble bending or leaning over, here are some products that can help take the strain from gardening.
• Ergonomic tools: There are many ergonomic grip gardening tools, gloves, kneeling pads, garden benches, carts and other equipment that can help you make gardening tasks easier. Two good resources that offer a lot of this unique tool and equipment www.gardeningwithease.com (800-966-5119) and www.handhelpers.com (888-632-7091).
• Long-handled tools: You can reduce the bending and bowing that usually go along with gardening by using long hand or telescopic tool. See www.hound-dog.com or call (800) 694-6863 for a variety of good solid "back saving" tools for both lawn and garden care.
• Watering: Carrying water or handling heavy, awkward hose can be difficult for any gardener. Some water saving labor-products to consider are rain or IV crawling all over the garden, coil hose to a terrace or a small area, caddy and hose reel for easy transport, or self winding hose chest (see www.hydro -industries.com) that puts him off automatically. There are also a variety of ergonomic watering wands are lightweight, easy to handle and difficult to achieve-get-to plants. Many of these watering items can be found at local stores that sell equipment lawn and garden, or see www.gardeners.com.
Accessible gardening: If back pain or limited mobility makes you get into the garden, with garden for you. Here are some tips to consider:
• Raised beds: You can buy or build raised garden beds at various heights to reduce or eliminate kneeling, bowed and bent. However, make sure the bed is not more than four-feet wide, so you can easily reach into it from both sides.
• Container gardening: There are many different sizes containers (window boxes, deck railing planters, hanging baskets, large pots, in boxes, barrels or tub planters and more) that can provide a way that is not too hard to grow vegetables or flowers. Container gardening also works great for small garden and terrace. However, remember that container gardens need more water than the standard garden, so make sure you have a nearby water source handy, or you may want to consider buying their own water containers to help reduce watering chores.
• Where to buy: You can find containers, raised beds and trellises at various stores that sell equipment lawn and garden. They can also be purchased online at places like www.gardeners.com or (800) 955-3370, and www.garden.org or (800) 538-7476.
www.bradenton.com
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