Gardener’s Start Your Engines!

I don’t know about you, but this year I feel like the old lawn mower who has been sitting for a couple of winters.  I’m off to a slow gardening start partially due to the rain and physically just slower. I have had a chance to start and of course, I over did it the one day that was nice. I paid for it in total body stiffness and nerve pain to my arm/hand.  Gardening is a passion for me and when it’s time to start, my mind says full force ahead. My body was having a brief moment of “I feel great,” and I thought I could get away with it, oh no! My chronic pain and nerve damage to my right arm/hand, said “dream on!” It’s been two years of setbacks in my life. This spring I’m going to hurdle this obstacle and get more creative and strategize how it can be done.  I will not give up my passion for gardening. Last year, I had to be happy with just a few pots of flowers and some tomato plants because I still had surgery to go through.  This year I’m ready to handle a little more, even though I failed at first attempt, I have come up with a plan. I will be patient and know that I have to do it slower, not all day, maybe just a couple of hours a day and take breaks.  I have to think about body mechanics; I’m using a table to bring the plants and pots to my level. My gardening tools are in a caddy on the table.  I am using my husband and son to lift and carry my bags of soil and mulch to the appropriate places.  I have my soaker hoses strategically placed so no more pulling the hose around or carrying the watering can.  My kids have agreed to help with weeding and picking the fruits and vegetables. With just this little bit of planning and help from the family, we all benefit.  I get to garden, and the family will have helped produce healthy foods for our table. My body gets the benefit of exercise; my hand gets therapy from the different textures and use of gardening tools.   What’s been holding you back?  Get a plan and go for it, your body and mind will thank you.