Take the strain out of your gardening chores

Gardening is one of the most popular hobbies for the young and old alike. But as we age, it can become difficult and even strenuous, to do even the simplest of tasks. But Savvy Senior editor Jim Miller has a few products that will put the sunshine back into in your gardening days.

Tools
Adjustable Ergonomic Tools
Price: $39.95
Where to find it: Gardener's Supply Company, 1-888-833-1412, www.gardeners.com
Don't let wrist pain and fatigue interfere with your gardening pleasure. These light, ergonomically designed tools adjust to 6 different positions at the push of a button, while your wrist stays in a natural, comfortable posture.

GT Ergonomic Garden Tools - With Hand Fist Grip and Arm Support
Price: $50.95
Where to find it: 1-800-966-5119, www.lifewithease.com/gt3.html
These ergonomically designed hand garden tools incorporate an arm hold. The 90 degree pistol grip keeps you in a neutral wrist position while the foam covered arm hold allows you to use your arm to minimize wrist strain.

Swan Neck Hoe
Price: $38.95
Where to find it: Gardener's Supply Company 1-888-833-1412 
The ergonomic Swan Neck Hoe lets you work standing up with no bending or stooping.

Folding Garden Kneeler/Seat
Price: $34.95
Where to find it: Life with Ease, 1-800-966-5119, www.lifewithease.com/kneeler.html
A foam cushion on both sides allows you to sit or kneel in comfort. Easily folds for transport or storage.

Fold-Away Fabric Wheelbarrow
Price: $49.95
Where to find it: NGA Garden Shop, 1-800-538-7476, www.garden.org
Light weight yet it can hold up to 130 lb., making it ideal for carrying tools, soil, garden debris or leaves. Weigh 12-1/2 lb and rolls easily on a pneumatic tire. The steel frame supports a waterproofed, washable, triple-stitch reinforced PVC fabric cart with a 2.2 cu ft capacity. It also folds flat for easy storage.

Planters 
Self-Watering Hanging Basket
Price: $12.95
Where to find it: Gardener's Supply Company, 1-888-833-1412, www.gardeners.com
Self-Watering Hanging Basket dramatically reduces your watering chores while keeping flowers bright and foliage lush. Convenient refill hole is located at the bottom, so you don't need a ladder to water your basket.  Available in 3 colors: green, white, terra cotta.

Self-Watering Window Boxes
Price: $29.95
Where to find it: Gardener's Supply Company, 1-888-833-1412, www.gardeners.com
They have big water reservoirs that keep soil moist and plants healthy. An easy-to-read water level indicator helps you keep the reservoir full, and steel mounting brackets allow for wall or deck rail mounting. Available in three sizes.

Self-Watering Rolling Planter
Price: $36.95
Where to find it: Gardener's Supply Company 1-888-833-1412, www.gardeners.com
Holds 22 quarts of soil (15-1/4" sq. x 13-1/2" H). A 6-1/2 qt. water reservoir and water-level indicator help you keep your plants well irrigated so you can water weekly, not daily. Four double-wheel casters roll effortlessly over floors, carpet, and even rough flagstone. Available in White, Terra Cotta or Green.

Upside-Down Tomato Garden
Price: $69.95
Where to find it: Hammacher Schlemmer, 1-800-321-1484,  www.hammacher.com/publish/67403.asp
Great for patio gardeners. Holds up to 80 lbs of top soil. Allows the tomato vines to grow downward from the holes in the bottom. Tomato's ripen in the air and won't rot. You can also put plants in the top.

Raised Container Gardens
Price:  $149.95 - $159.95
Where to find it: NGA Garden Shop, 1-800-538-7476, www.garden.org
For container gardening that meets your exact needs with no stooping. Three different height options of 12 3/4", 24 3/4" and 35 1/2". The width and length of the planter boxes are 37 1/2" by 37 1/2", with an interior planting depth of 8 inches which gives you plenty of room to plant your own flower or vegetable garden, even if you only have an apartment with a small patio.

Watering
Foxtail Faucet Handle
Price:  $14.95
Where to find it: Life with Ease, 1-800-966-5119, www.lifewithease.com/foxtail.html
Reduces the amount of strength necessary to open and close faucet valves. It is ideally suited for people who suffer from arthritis or weak hands.

Coil Hose
Price: $29.95
Where to find it: Gardener's Supply Company, 1-888-833-1412, www.gardeners.com
A hose that puts itself away. 25 ft terra cotta coil hose with trigger nozzle.

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