Ergonomics for Gardeners: Part 4 – Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Burlington County – Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Burlington County

Creating a Comfortable Work Environment – Continued

Consider becoming a “messy gardener” and save effort with fall clean-up. Learn about the wildlife value of a messy garden from Cornell Lab of Ornithology.
Select easy care plants
- Avoid working with tiny seeds.
- Choose young plants in small containers to reduce the need for digging large holes.
- Consider shrubs and perennials rather than annuals which have to be replaced each year.
- Avoid plants that require constant care such as deadheading or spraying for pests.
- Consider native plants: those plants which will want to grow in your garden and will help pollinators. See Incorporating Native Plants in Your Residential Landscape and native plant lists for New Jersey

Gardening is hard work! Take frequent breaks (every 15 to 30 minutes) and stay hydrated. During your cardio break, consider doing some simple stretches such as these from the American Arthritics Association.
Apply sun screen and insect repellent. Always check for ticks after each gardening session. Ticks and tick borne diseases are unfortunately very common in Burlington County.
Do not “warm up” before you start your gardening session by stretching. Stretching a cold muscle can cause damage.
Avoid repetitive motions by alternating tasks to use different parts of the body.
Do not try to do everything at once. The weeds will wait.