Let’s face it, getting old is never easy. Our bodies undergo rigorous abuse in our daily lives which is why I put together my personal list of garden tools for bad backs that I use on the daily.

I was a gymnast for nearly 12 years and at the ripe age of 41 I have already started to feel the wrath of the abuse to my body, and even in recent years.. my back! I tend to use the “toe throw” when at all possible to avoid bending over. Even an hour in the garden could lay me up for an entire day if I’m not careful.

Gardening traditionally required a lot of bending when digging, pulling out weeds, planting, and watering plants. There is also some lifting to be done as well. As a result, it is not a comfortable experience for people with bad backs. But things have most definitely changed to cater to all those that fear being laid up with a sore back. Today, even people with bad backs can enjoy gardening and the upkeep that is required to have a successful flower or vegetable garden. 

This is possible thanks to some pretty common tools. These tools have made gardening for me easy by reducing bending and straining. If you’re looking for a tool that goes easy on your back, here are my top recommendations. 

Hose Wand for garden watering

Hose wands are wand-like equipment for watering plants. Water runs through the wand to a sprinkler head, where it sprays out in a rain-like downpour to water plants. Gardeners can use this tool without bending, making it handy for people with bad backs. Yes, you could always use a hose nozzle sprayer, but those tend to give way too much force of water and displace the soil causing a huge mess. Have you ever sprayed a plant with a high-pressure water hose? The poor thing looks like it just went through a hurricane!

At the base of most hose wands is a rubberized or wooden handle. Depending on which hose wand you choose, these handles may have a built-in shut-off valve, or you may need to connect a shut-off valve.

Orbit 58674Z 10 Pattern Front Trigger Turret Wand vs. Green Mount Watering Wand

Compared to Green Mount, Orbit has a broader reach and application. For example, you can change the angle of the head to aim the water correctly. Also, you don’t have to push the trigger to keep the water flowing continuously.

On the other hand, Green Mount is longer than Orbit. It features a better build quality thanks to its sturdy aluminum structure. In addition, the watering head’s 661 holes provide a delicate, gentle spray, allowing for a fine and light spray. 

The Green Mount wand should be on your shortlist if you’re looking for a medium-length wand. However, Orbit will suit you better if you have to spray odd places where an adjustable head comes in handy. 

Wheeled plant dolly for gardening

A wheeled dolly reduces the time, energy, and money needed to care for plants. The added movement of a robust plant caddy keeps your home or garden in good shape. 

Wheeled planter caddies make it simple to transfer your plants to the best location throughout the day. Instead of lifting large potted plants from one site to another, using a plant dolly helps relieve your back.

LITADA Acacia Wood Plant Caddy vs. Alladinbox Plant Caddy

The LITADA  plant dolly maintains your heavy planter in place and adds to your area and garden design. Due to it’s 360-degree rotating casters, you can move heavy crops and large vases.

The four lockable caster wheels in the LITADA caddy keep your flower pot in position and prevent it from moving. The same can’t be said about the wheels in Alladinbox. The casters also protect wood floors, concrete, and carpet from damage, making the dolly ideal for both outdoor and indoor use.

The Alladinbox tool helps keep a  back safe with a robust plant caddy that is easy to move around.  For uses in the home, workplace, shop, or garden, the interlocking slats in the Alladinbox offer drainage and extra strength.

Foldable Wheelbarrow

The folding wheelbarrow is handy for transporting your garden waste, garbage, tools, and other items. It may fold, but it has a heavy-duty steel frame and uses waterproof polyester fabric.

Wheelbarrows are workhorses that assist you in moving hefty cargo across the yard, making it easier for your back. However, lifting loads onto the wheelbarrow may strain your back.

Gorilla Carts GCR-4 4Cu vs. Gorilla Carts GOR4PS Poly Garden Dump Cart

The Gorilla Carts GCR- 4 and Poly Yard Cart are engineered to make hauling considerably more manageable and comfortable than a traditional wheelbarrow. The Gorilla Poly Garden Cart also has an innovative quick-release dumping system that allows it to be loaded and emptied fast and effortlessly. 

The Gorilla Carts GCR-4 has a hauling capability of 300 lbs, while Gorilla Carts GOR4PS can handle up to 600 pounds. On the other hand, the GCR-4 cart has a lower center of gravity than the GOR4PS, making it better in incredible stability and maneuverability.

The GOR4PS balanced 4-wheel design allows it to handle effortlessly on rough terrain even when fully loaded, giving it an excellent alternative to the classic wheelbarrow. 

The Poly Garden Dump Cart features an upgraded frame style that allows it to be quicker and simpler to assemble than the GCR-4.

Long-handled steel weed-puller

Leaning over to pull up every invasive plant is time-consuming and physically demanding. That’s why steel weed pullers are adored; their long handles make bending unnecessary. 

The handle of their stand-up weeder is slanted more for ergonomic ease and optimum leverage, reducing back strain. After you’ve driven the weeder into the ground, gripping and raising it at its base, the foot pedal aids in pulling the weed loose.

Comparison between two steel weed puller tools

Grampa’s Weeder- The Original Stand Up Weed Puller Tool with Long Handle vs. CobraHead Original Weeder & Cultivator Garden Hand Tool

Grampa’s weeders are ideal for people who have children or dogs and those who just care about the environment.

Some gardeners prefer the CobraHead tool because it plows through any soil with its curved head. It also has a more convenient universal grip than the Grampa’s weeder and can be used with either hand.

 

 

Short-handled utility shovel for gardening

Shovels and spades are typical garden equipment for digging and general ground preparation. Short-handed shovels are closer to the ground and suitable for bad backs.

Rhino USA Folding Survival Shovel  vs. Bond LH015 Mini D Handle Shovel

Rhino’s shovelhead can be used for both shoveling and cutting. This is because it has a sawtooth edge for cutting. This edge makes it ideal for off-roading, hiking, gardening, and other outdoor activities. 

The compact design of the Rhino allows you to use the entire 23″ long extended shovel while also collapsing it to 9″ when not in use.  The small shape of the little d-handle Bond shovel makes it ideal for various tasks. It’s designed for efficient moving and lifting as it’s lightweight making it easier to use than the Rhino shovel.

The Bond shovel also has a pleasant soft non-slip grip and heat-treated heads that are rust-resistant, making it more durable. In addition, the sharpened edges of the bond shovel save time and effort when breaking up stubborn dirt.

Seats and stools for gardening

Sitting on a garden stool is enough to alleviate aches, pains, and difficulties. This is because sitting on a stool or a seat promotes active sitting, strengthening the core and back muscles.

Gorilla Grip Extra Thick Water Resistant Comfortable Kneeling Pad vs. TomCare Garden Kneeler Seat

The Gorilla Grip is lightweight and has a built-in handle. It also features a pad built to withstand rocks, rubble, and wetness. Furthermore, the pad is water-resistant. It absorbs very little water and dries rapidly.

The TomCare kneeler is convenient to store due to its foldable nature. It is also lightweight and takes up little room. The foam cushion on the TomCare kneeler can make it comfier than the Gorilla Grip and helps avoid injuries.