Getting Yourself Ready To Garden

With a forecast of temperatures in the 60's and overnight lows in the 40's, here comes gardening season. And here comes the aches and pains of being idle during the winter. The Master Gardener program at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Oneida County has some tips to minimize those sore muscles.

Just like baseball players have spring training and runners stretch before they run, warming up before starting work in the garden or flower bed in a wise decision. You don't have to do wind sprints or jumping jacks, just some simple things to start the blood circulating.

Spend at least 10 minutes walking briskly around the yard or getting all of the equipment and supplies you will need into one area. Stop gardening before you get fatigued. When muscles become fatigued they are more likely to be injured. Plan your gardening for several short sessions rather than one long one. Don't stretch and reach, use ergonomic principles while gardening. "Essentially this means using correct body positioning as well as avoiding repetitive motions."

The Center for Disease Control offers some great tips on healthy gardening; including the proper clothing, working with fertilizers and chemicals and protecting yourself from the sun and heat. All your gardening questions can be answered at CCE's Horticulture Hot Line at 736-3394. It's open on Wednesdays and Fridays from 9 a.m. until noon.

SOURCE: Holly Wise Cornell Cooperative Extension Oneida County