Let’s be real for a second: Gardening is hard on the knees. And the hips. And the back. And, well, you get the point. We love getting our hands dirty in the garden, but sometimes, after a few hours of bending, kneeling, or crouching, our bodies start sending out loud complaints.
But what if I told you there's a simple fix that could make a world of difference? It’s not a magic cure — but a garden stool (or a small bench) is a total game-changer. 💡
You know what I mean, right? That moment when you're trying to pick weeds and your knees start giving you the silent treatment. Or when you're planting a new flower bed, and your hips feel like they've been overworked. A stool or bench can literally save you from feeling like a rusted tin can after a day in the garden.
Here’s why I swear by it, and why you should seriously consider adding one to your garden setup.
I used to think I could tough it out. Kneel on the hard ground, bend here, squat there. But after one too many sore mornings, I started realizing that I needed to make a change. That’s when I got my first garden stool, and let me tell you, it was like a light bulb went off. 💡
Here’s what a stool or small bench does for you:
Reduces strain on your knees: No more pushing yourself to kneel on hard ground. A stool gives you a way to sit comfortably and stay active, without feeling like you need to take a nap after weeding.
Eases pressure on your hips: Instead of bending over constantly, you can use a bench to sit and work from a more neutral position. This helps reduce strain on your hip flexors and lower back.
Provides relief for your back: When you sit, you can work at a higher angle and take some of the pressure off your back. Standing up after an hour or two of gardening doesn’t have to feel like you just ran a marathon.
I’m always looking for things that make my garden time easier, and having the right stool or bench is a must for me now. Here’s what I use (and recommend if you’re looking for something similar):
Foldable garden stool: I’ve got a lightweight stool with a padded seat that folds up easily. It’s great for those quick trips to the garden when I just need a moment to sit and rework my plan.
Small bench with a backrest: For longer stretches of time, I go for a bench with a backrest. It’s sturdy, provides more support for my body, and allows me to sit and do more of the work that involves planting or clipping without the constant strain on my legs.
These stools don’t have to be anything fancy. You’re not sitting on a throne. Just something simple that can help you take a load off without interrupting the flow of your gardening.
A garden stool or bench isn’t just about comfort when sitting — it’s a tool that helps you move better. Here's how I use mine throughout my garden time:
Lift heavy pots or plants: Instead of bending down over and over again, I place things on my stool so I can sit and work more comfortably. No more groaning every time I lift a new plant.
Perfect for weeding: Rather than kneeling for long stretches, I can sit comfortably on my bench and get right to work.
Great for breaks: Let’s face it — we all need a break now and then, and having a place to sit down for a couple of minutes while sipping your water (or, okay, maybe a coffee) really helps keep your energy up.
Gardening should be something that feels good — physically and mentally. By adding a garden stool or small bench to your routine, you can keep the fun in the garden without feeling wiped out at the end of the day. Your knees, hips, and back will thank you for it.
So, next time you’re out there planting or weeding, think about your body. It deserves some love too! You’ll be surprised how such a simple change can transform your gardening experience. And hey, it’s one less reason to moan about how stiff your knees are when you’re heading to bed.
I want to know — what’s your go-to gardening tool or comfort hack? I’m always looking to add something new to my routine. Drop a comment with your favorite!
Until next time,
—Mark