10 Ergonomic Tools that Make Gardening Nearly Painless

Gardening is relaxing for the mind, but is straining for the body. From crouching down to digging, it’s only natural to feel sore the day after. Thankfully, there are ergonomic gardening tools available that provide some ease for your knees, back, and wrists. Check out these smart shovels, diggers, carts, and so on so you can garden with ease. 

Trim and shape your plants to perfection with the FELCO 10 Ergonomic Pruner. Featuring a forged aluminum rotating handle with non-slip plastic grips, the pruner allows fingers to move naturally, thereby reducing hand fatigue and blisters—and requires up to 30% less effort than conventional models. Available on Amazon; $70.

The Radius Weeder highlights a natural grip handle designed to provide more leverage with less wrist stress. The weeder features an aluminum/magnesium blade with sharp tip and edges to make weeding a breeze. The tool is designed to be both lightweight and strong. Available on Amazon; $20.31.

This comfy padded garden kneeler does it all: pampers achy knees, helps ease back stress, and even flips over to become a padded bench. The kneeler is designed so that you use your arm strength to lower and raise yourself, reducing strain on your knees and back, and is wider than competitors to provide extra comfort. It weighs just nine pounds and comes in green or purple. Available on Gardener’s Supply Company; $54.95.

The Bionic Gardening Gloves were designed by an orthopedic hand surgeon to improve comfort, especially for arthritic and sensitive hands, without interfering with motion. A patented pad relief system helps even the surface of your hand for comfort and absorbing vibrations while silicone fingertips provide a firm grip. Available on Amazon; $34.50, available in men and women sizes.

Save your knees and back with the Fiskars 4-Claw Weeder. The 34-inch pole means you don’t have to bend down and kneel to yank weeds from the yard. Place the head over the weeds and let the serrated, stainless-steel claw permanently remove the invasive plants. Available at The Home Depot; $36.99.

This 41-inch ergonomic gardening shovel by Radius Garden is designed to relieve arm, hand and wrist stress. Its patented O-handle provides more gripping surface, room for both hands, and extra leverage. While the smaller shovel head means less heavy lifting and easier digging. Available at The Home Depot; $37.79

These lightweight, stainless steel Peta Easi-Grip gardening tools are ideal for people who have difficulty reaching or bending. The soft, PVC vinyl grips are non-slip and set at a right angle, keeping the hand in a natural position to prevent wrist strain. The set includes a 31″ long reach hoe; 32″ cultivator; 34″ trowel; and 32″ fork.  Available on Amazon; $189.95.

Sit comfortably on this four-wheeled garden scoot for jobs that usually require stooping or squatting.  For freedom of movement, the contoured old-fashioned, tractor-style seat features height adjustment and swivel. A handy tool shelf beneath the seat plus a sturdy bucket basket means you can keep supplies within easy reach. Available on Gardener’s Supply Company; $99.95.

Water your garden in ease with the Drumm One Touch Water Wand. You no longer have to lug heavy watering cans or balance on ladders to reach hanging baskets with this long wand. Designed with comfort in mind, the aluminum wand is lightweight and easy to carry. With its one-touch control valve you can turn it on and off with just your thumb, meaning no more squeezing or clutching. Available on Amazon; $26.99.

The Radius Garden Ergonomic Transplanter is super light—weighing just under eight ounces—but super strong, with a durable thermoplastic handle and aluminum/magnesium alloy blade. The grip is designed to match the curve in the palm of your hand, and the radius grip maximizes the gardener’s power and comfort while minimizing stress. Available on Amazon; $15.99.