Best accessible garden tools for easy gardening

Gardening is great for mind and body, but sometimes it’s hard yakka! If you have reduced mobility or simply want to work smarter and not harder, there are plenty of accessible garden tools and accessories with ergonomic designs available to help to lighten the landscaping load.

Rochelle Sherrard-Smith, Bunnings national buyer, garden hand tools, says using the right gardening tools can reduce strain and improve comfort, plus help maintain good posture and lessen the chance of injury caused by repetitive movement. “Look for products with ergonomic design, long handles, telescopic reach and additional power functions like ratchet loppers or pruners, plus support products such as for when kneeling,” she suggests.

You can still enjoy all the benefits of gardening without having to stoop, squat, stretch or climb. Here’s how to keep your patch – big or small – in great shape while saving you time and effort and improving safety.

Tip: Always wear the appropriate safety equipment (safety glasses, gloves, ear muffs and a mask, for example) and always follow the instructions for the product or equipment. 

Accessible telescopic tools

Shaping trees and shrubs can be challenging when climbing ladders is no longer an option. A telescopic tree pruner or lopper enables easier cutting of high branches from the ground. A fruit picker allows for safe harvesting without needing to stretch or strain. And a telescopic lance and gun provide an extended reach when spraying treatments, making pest control more convenient.

Garden kneeler or kneeling pads

Long periods of kneeling can be tough on the joints, especially on hard surfaces such as paving and concrete. A foldable seat/kneeler does double duty by offering cushioned support and a sturdy surface to rest on, plus it folds down for compact storage. A kneeling pad is a more simple option for extra comfort when planting or weeding.

Tools to help reduce slip and trip yard hazards

Avoid slip and trip hazards in the yard by collecting unsightly garden debris and putting it to good use in a compost tumbler. These keep waste like fallen leaves, twigs and fruit, plus scraps from the kitchen, neatly contained and remove the need for forking and turning a compost pile. Simply turn the handle to tumble the barrel. Likewise, a roll-up retractable hose reel takes away the hassle of winding up a heavy hose and keeps paths clear.

Use a robotic lawnmower

Looking after a lawn can be a time-consuming task that, for some, becomes no longer feasible. So a robotic lawnmower can be a revelation. Once set up, these autonomous battery-powered devices get on with the mowing job quietly and efficiently, day or night, whatever the weather. And there are models to suit every type and size of lawn.

Leaf blower and vacuum combo

A tidy garden doesn’t have to mean hours of raking and scooping – a combined leaf blower and vacuum quickly clears leaves and debris, reducing strain. For those dealing with stubborn invaders, a weed puller provides an ergonomic way to remove unwanted plants without kneeling or using chemicals.

Other tips for making your garden safer and more accessible

Beyond using ergonomic tools, a few simple adjustments can make any garden safer and more accessible.

• Having raised garden beds eliminates kneeling and minimises the need to bend down, making planting, watering and harvesting more comfortable.
• Keeping pathways clear and removing potential trip hazards like loose stones or overgrown roots can prevent accidents.
• Installing handrails on steps or sloped areas provides extra stability and support, especially for those with limited mobility.  
• Replacing grass with synthetic turf creates a low-maintenance, no-mow lawn and reduces upkeep, making it a practical choice for a hassle-free garden. 

Keep in mind...

• Wear gloves and a mask when handling mulch, compost and potting mix and also when pruning, along with long sleeves, as the leaves and sap of some plants can be a skin irritant and may cause allergic reactions.
• When using power tools, always wear the recommended safety gear (such as gloves, mask, and eye and ear protection), follow the manufacturer’s instructions and work in a well-ventilated area.

Looking for more landscaping tips?

Check out our top five power gardening tools.

Photo Credit: Martina Gemmola