Work smarter in the garden

Minnesota springs and summers are too short—especially if you're a gardener! Making the most of a limited season to make your garden shine can sometimes cause aches and pains, even lingering injuries. Here are some of my favorite gardening tips and hacks to prevent injuries.

Plan ahead before planting 

• Think about the planting you will do and how much maintenance your garden will need; consider whether annuals or perennials will be easier to maintain.
• Determine where your water supply is located. If you're carrying a heavy watering can from place-to-place, consider a hose that is able to reach all areas needing water.

Protect yourself while working in the garden

• Use tools with padded and curved handles, and keep your wrist in a neutral position.
• Use spring-loaded pruners and clippers to decrease the force felt by your hands and arms.
• Sit on a stool rather than bending over to tend your garden. Being closer to the work can greatly reduce back strain.
• Vary your tasks. Repeated movements can cause inflammation, pain and swelling.
• Wear gloves.
• Keep your arms covered to avoid cuts and bites.
• Store tools with the blade edge down.

Work smarter, not harder

• Make pulling weeds easier by pre-watering the area. This makes weeds come out pretty effortlessly.
• Planting in raised garden beds decreases the strain on your back. 
• Use a basket or cart to keep your tools in and to conveniently move them.