Use These 4 Tips in Your Garden
START SLOW Taking care of plants of any size uses a lot of different muscles. If you’ve been sedentary most of the winter, maybe start with a few plants instead of the entire garden. This will let you build up your strength over time without stressing too many of your muscles at once. USE PROPER TECHNIQUES The same body mechanics that are considered good form in exercise routines apply to gardening. While working with small plants, be sure to squat or kneel, bending your knees rather than your back. Also, be sure to switch up your activities, even if that means just taking a minute to stroll around the garden. This will prevent repetitive-motion injuries.
USE TOOLS From standard wheelbarrows to cushioned kneelers, there are many helpful gardening tools out there that can make the work easier. You can even look into installing a raised bed in your garden, removing the need to squat or kneel. For those suffering from arthritis, there are gardening tools with ergonomic grips available. Whether you’ve got a green thumb or are trying your hand at gardening for the first time, these tips can help keep you in the yard and out of pain. If you don’t feel you have the strength or balance to keep up with the work, please come see us. We’d love to help you return to the activity you love!
While April showers can lend a helping hand, those May flowers aren’t going to plant themselves! For gardening enthusiasts out there, now is the month to get busy. Unfortunately, digging, fertilizing, seeding, and pruning can put a lot of strain on your lower back and other muscles. Thankfully, there are ways to minimize this risk. STRETCH BEFOREHAND Gardening requires flexibility, balance, and core strength. In a lot of ways, it’s comparable to
yoga. And, just like yoga, it’s important to properly warm up your body before a routine. Taking the time to stretch can go a
long way toward preventing injury.
Sudoku
Mint Pea Soup
Ingredients • 3 pearl onions, diced • 3 tablespoons olive oil • 6 cups fresh or frozen peas • 5 cups vegetable stock • 3/4 cup fresh mint, plus more for garnish • 1 tablespoon agave nectar
• Juice of 1 lemon • Salt to taste • Pistachios for garnish
Instructions 1. Place pot on stove over medium heat. Add olive oil. Add onions and cook until translucent. 2. Add peas and stock. Cook until peas are just tender and still bright green. Remove from stove and allow mixture to cool for 5 minutes. 3. Put the mixture in a blender. As you blend, add mint, agave, lemon juice, and salt. 4. Once blended, pour into a bowl, garnish with mint and pistachios, and serve! This soup can be served hot or chilled depending on the weather and your preference.
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