By Laura Johnson
Fayette County Master Gardener

Arthur is a pain! Literally. He hampers your movements and makes you stiff and sore. The bad news is that once he is here; he is here to stay. The good news is there are many wonderful tools to help us keep gardening with Arthur.

I’ve been gardening with Arthur for a few years. One of my favorite tools is my garden cart from “Carts Vermont”. I can move big heavy loads of dirt, mulch, rocks and garden debris, with little effort. It is made of wood with big hard rubber bicycle wheels and is balanced to distribute the load. It even has a back gate so that I can dump the contents. I have had mine for at least 30 years. It looks rough, but works just fine.

Next favorite is my tool caddy. It has a metal grid with openings to put the handles of your shovel, hoe, rake, and etc. It has numerous pockets on both sides for seeds, pruners, a pair of glasses, and a bottle of water and what ever else you may need. I added a hook to hang a picking bucket and also have a collapsible bag for garden waste. Nice sturdy wheels and a handle on each side. One trip to the garden and I have it all.

Since I discovered that wheels are my friend, I have been looking for a wheeled sprayer. I found one last year in the “Gardeners Edge” catalog. As you pull it, it PUMPS ITSELF! All you have to do is gently squeeze the trigger. How wonderful is that?

Ratchet pruners are must for arthritic hands. No strain on those weak joints. And check into those fairly new ergonomic hand tools with the green bent handle. I have one of the towels and it is really easier for me to use. Both of these can be found in Lee Valley’s catalog or web site.
These tools are not cheap, but they make gardening with Arthur easier.

Gardening is excellent cardio, strength and toning for your body. And you don’t even realize you are exercising. You are just puttering around, outside in the fresh air and sunshine. Listening to the birds, talking to your plants, and making plans for the future.