Gardening Without Aches and Pains

Mike Maddox will be a speaker at the Twilight Garden Tour on August 14, 2018 starting at 4:00 pm at the Spooner Research Station Teaching and Display Garden.  For a preview, here are notes from the 2018 Upper Midwest Regional Master Gardener State Conference by Donna Amidon, MGV. 

2018 Upper Midwest Regional Master Gardener State Conference note highlights from Donna Amidon, MGV


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Session: Gardening Without Aches and Pains.  Mike Maddox (Director of U of W Master Gardener Program).

Gardening is beneficial for all ages.  It is a moderate form of exercise, provides sensory and visual stimulation, can provide social activity, and can enhance spiritual connectedness. 

There are some basic safety issues including: knowing your limits and listening to your body, and drinking plenty of water.  Work in the cooler parts of the day, hydrate with water, wear a hat and sunscreen, be sure your DPT vaccination is up to date, take breaks periodically.  Be cautious of repetitive motion by easing into activity with warm up exercise and stretching, selecting appropriate tools, and changing the activity often.  

Some suggestions for adapting tools to avoid issues with arthritis might be : using ergonomically correct hand tools such as those with ratcheting ability; focus on your grip making sure the handle diameter is  as large as the opening when you make the “ok” sign with your thumb and forefinger and that your thumb and knuckles do not overlap when gripping the handle;  “stabbing” at the soil rather than pushing it away from you when using a hand digger (this will help you use your bigger arm muscles rather than the wrist and hand so much); making sure the handle length of longer tools allows you to stand upright; and using sprayers with button to turn on and off rather than squeezing the grip when handwatering.    ​