Arthritis and outdoor work

[cheryl.tevis]

The May Family section of the magazine will feature some tips, adaptive techniques, and ergonomic tools for pain-free (almost) gardening. It also includes a link to an archived webinar at Breaking New Ground, Purdue University: agrability.org, or 800/825-4264. Green Heron Tools has some great gardening/outdoor tools designed for use by women:greenherontools.com. I love to garden and I'm ready to try some different strategies so I can get more accomplished when the weather is good! Maybe some of you already have used some of these tools, or adapted your own? Thanks.  Cheryl Tevis, Successful Farming

[Kay/NC]

Cheryl, I learned about Radius tools a couple of years ago, while doing the first work on Jenna's garden, and bought a set for the yard work there. Very good ergonomically.

Because I am short, I have always liked to use a child's hoe. Wish I could lay hands on the one I grew up using in peanut weeding. I will look up the Green Heron site.

[cheryl.tevis]

Thanks, Kay. I will look into Radius Tools. I haven't heard of it, and I would like to add another company or two to round out a listing of companies providing ergonomic garden tools. Thanks again, and good luck growing in the garden this year!

[Kay/NC]

Cheryl, I think comfortable workwear for women can be hard to come by, too. I really Duluth Trading for Women...great bibs and shirts, plus gloves that fit our hands, etc. I GIT MY radius tools off amazon, but read at the time that some larger Lowe's stores had them then.

Oh! For pruning shears, I LOVE the ratcheting ones with the gear-like design by Fiskars.

This year's impulse neat garden purchase was a Ryobi " Hybrid" trimmer from Home Depot. It runs on a cord, or cordlessly on a rechargeable battery. Adjustable length for different heights, and lightweight...not for heavy farm work, but nice in the backyard. I am jonesing for their small chainsaw...now that those twig chair plans are on my radar.

[Kay/NC]

Cheryl, just an quick update.  I found some new Radius tools on amazon this weekend, and they may be of special interest to your article. 

They now make a couple of smaller tools, a mini spade and mini ground hog rake, for children/ladies/raised beds.  It says in the text that they are good for an adult in a kneeling or seated position. 

I have ordered them for myself and to share with Winn.  I picture them as being potentially good for a person in a wheelchair, or who has to work seated on a garden stoool of scooter. 

Also, they come in a a wide range of colors, including purple and pink, my personal "the guys won't steal it if it's THIS color choices"!  Hand tools are available to match several, but not all of these. 

[cheryl.tevis]

Hi, Kay,

Thanks so much for the update. Please let me know how you think these tools suit you.

I'll be gathering information/ideas through this growing season. I plan to try some of these, too.

Thanks again for your help.

--Cheryl Tevis

[Kay/NC]

Will do, Cheryl!  I should have these new ones for rose planting with Winn this Thursday.  If I survive that task, I will tell you how they handle. 

[Kay/NC]

Cheryl, the Radius " mini" tools and ergonomic hand tools arrived last week, and we got to try them out all day Saturday.

They wouldn't be for very tall people, but I see why they rated then as for children and ladies, and mentioned that larger adults might use them in a seated position. I found that they hit about ribcage height on me, at 5'2".

Even though lightweight, they aren't flimsy. Nice rounded knob top of handle was easy to grasp and carry.

I used the spade to set over 100 bedding plants, and it was the best item I have ever used for that purpose. The spade's blade was just right for opening up that size planting hole. The rake has the Radius " shark" open mouth design...it was wonderful for getting between plants, and moves a lot of mulch for its size.

The hand tool set has a very sharp, aggressive weeder, which I hope doesn't need a ton of use...but, it should work a lot like Oriental designed weeding knives, but with a nicely curved handle. Not for kids, with that blade.

This set and the mini tools come in several cool colors...I chose purple. Easy to see if one is laid down. Not so likely to be toted off to the farm, either.

[cheryl.tevis]

Kay, Thanks so much for the report on the Radius mini-tools and ergonomic hand tools. It sounds like you had an overall good experience (and got a lot of bedding plants in the ground!).

The aggressive weeder tool caught my attention. I will plan to get in touch with you again sometime this growing season.

We have been rainy and cold here since last Sunday. Raking leaves is about all I've gotten done. But the grass and the tulips are coming on strong!

Thanks again.

--Cheryl Tevis, SF

[Kay/NC]

Our seasons must be about a month off from each other, Cheryl. My tulips are dropping petals, the daffodils and crocus have been gone. The spring seems about a month late this year....

That weeder is scary looking!