If you are a keen gardener and Spring has sprung, its time to get on and do, before you do though its worth considering that it is not just the squirrels that have been in hibernation. Pay a little attention to that back of yours and you could have a more comfortable gardening year.
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Do's |
Don'ts |
| Digging |
Firstly - a little warm up goes a long way
Then:
- Choose a light weight & long handled tool.
- Keep back straight when lifting soil, exert force through knees and thighs using arms and shoulders as a secondary force.
- Dig a little at a time,
- Take regular breaks,
- If you've been digging, make your next task one which involves stretching upwards if possible.
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- Don't take huge fork or spadefuls.
- Don't dig continuously.
- Don't strain or twist.
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| Weeding & Planting |
- Choose a long handled hoe
- Plant from a kneeling position. Use kneeler seats and handles or mats, not low stools.
- If planning a garden, consider the depth of your flower beds and their height. It may save you a few twinges in the long run.
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- Don't work too far in front of you
- Avoid stretching or squatting with a bent back.
- Don't load up your wheel barrow with too much - a two wheeled barrow with a pram type handle is more stable.
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| Mowing & Pruning |
- Start up a petrol mower by bracing the foot against the machine for balance and then pull the cord
- Mow a little at a time keeping as upright as possible
- Use long handled shears to trim hedges
- When pruning use secateurs which have a cut and hold action.
- Use long handled pruning shears for jobs which would otherwise involve over stretching
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- Don't twist to the side when starting up a petrol mower or bend too far forward
- Don't let grass get too long
- If using electric hedge trimmers don't hold then too far in front of you, work close to yourself
- Don't prune for too long at a time. Change activity, otherwise you might get a tennis elbow rather than a bad back and you may never have lifted a tennis racket in your life!
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