Benefits of using Universal Design in your garden:
- Increase efficiency and ease of use
- Provide a safer place to garden
Ideas for using Universal Design in your Garden
- Lever style door handles, gate handles, and water faucets, wide doors and gates
- Smooth transitions at entrances (no steps or barriers), smooth pathways between garden rows, limit changes in elevation
- Clearly defined pathways and garden rows, motion sensor lights and well-lit work areas
- Soaker hoses or in ground irrigation system
- Store supplies & equipment in or near the garden
Container gardens can be placed anywhere, in any size space, and can be set at any height
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Wood pallet gardens, window boxes, wall hanging gardens
- Planting bags, hanging baskets, planting towers
Raised garden beds are accessible to people who use wheelchairs or other mobility devices, those who can' t bend or kneel, and those who can't stoop or bend over a gar den bed
- Raised beds should be 211•2 to 3 1 high, with leg room, and a depth of 2' - 3'
- You should be able to reach the back of the bed while seated or standing
Good work habits
- Work during the coolest time of the day- medication can cause sensitivity to heat or sun
- Drink water! Medications ·can increase risk of dehydration
- Switch tasks often, going from bending jobs to reaching jobs, switch which hands you use, and limit time spent doing tasks that require gripping, squeezing and grasping
- Poor posture can lead to pain, fatigue, and strains - avoid sitting slouched over while working, and don't rest your weight on one leg or one arm while you work
- Respect pain - Pain is the body's warning sign. When gardening causes pain, STOP
Protect your hands, elbows, shoulders and wrists
- Keep wrist and hands in neutral position instead of twisting
- Use grippy gloves to hold tools without exerting your hands and wrists
- Minimize working with your hands above your shoulders, Try to limit lifting, reaching and pulling
Protect your back, knees and feet
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- When changing directions, turn with feet, not at waist, to avoid a twisting motion
- Wear comfortable and supportive shoes with a good tread
- Carry items close to your body, make more trips with smaller loads
Ergonomic tools are designed to keep the body in a neutral position
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- Made with large, soft handles for a better grip on the tool
- Curved to fit the natural contour of the hand
- long handled tools minimize the need to reach or stoop
- Use tools with "spring action design'' to reduce hand strain
DIY Ergonomic tool options:
- Wrap pipe insulation around handles to make them thicker and softer
- Use PVC pipe to extend and/or contour tool handles - secure your DIY upgrades with duct tape
- Bright colored (or glow in the dark) paint or tape on tool handles
Solutions for equipment and supply storage
- Put heavy items on shelves the height or your cart for easy transfer of supplies
- Rolling work seats often have some storage capacity
- Use carts and wheelbarrows to haul heavy tools, supplies and plants
Tips for choosing the right cart or wheelbarrow
- look for carts or wheelbarrows with removable back or front panels, and two or more wheels to provide stability and balance
- Consider the weight of the cart & the supplies you will be hauling
Planning your garden for next year
- Irrigation system or soaker hoses
- Perennials and easy to care for plants
- In-garden storage
- Invite neighbors to help in the garde n