Work Safety Equipment & Gear

If you find yourself letting the weeds grow to knee height because it's easier to pull them, wonder if it is possible to hire a gardening-aid dog to fetch pruners and trowels, or secretly plan a raised bed garden; then a garden stool or kneeler bench is the ideal accompaniment. Garden seats and kneelers are very handy and reduce the stress and strain on ankles, knees, hips, and the back when doing tasks low to the ground.

Some seats and kneelers also have the added function of lending support when rising from a kneeling or sitting position, too. Garden seats and kneelers are particularly helpful for people who have difficulty bending, those with varicose veins or arthritis, those that can't stand for lengthy periods, or have weakness in their legs. Young or older, garden stools and kneelers also prevent sore knees from kneeling on hard surfaces and keep your clothes clean by avoiding soil and grass stains.

No more kneeling, squatting, or stooping. Now gardening chores can be done with sitting ease. Some garden stools even have wheels to scoot along.

Points to consider:

- If possible, try out the kneeler/seat before you buy it. Some have width restrictions and all have weight maximums

- Garden seats and kneelers must be sturdy! Some are more unstable than others. Look for ones with good handgrips and a wide base for extra stability

- Always place stools and kneelers on flat, solid ground and test the stability before using. Hard surfaces such as garden paths, sidewalks, and drives are the most stable surfaces and the best places to use garden stools and kneelers

- Most garden seats and kneelers are shipped folded flat and have to be assembled before using them

- Be careful when getting up from the kneeling position if you have circulation problems (and your feet have gone asleep). Use the side supports for extra assistance

- If the kneeling pad is only one-sided, use stickers to identify which way is up

- Do not use the kneeler/seat as a stepladder