Gardening tools and equipment after a stroke

A lightweight long-handled tool with support cuff used for digging

Stroke Tools

There is a wide range of tools and equipment that may make gardening easier after a stroke.

Gardening tools and aids

These are some of the helpful tools you can find in garden centres, DIY shops or online.

Lightweight tools

Some gardening tools can be quite heavy to handle. Look for lightweight versions where possible.

Extendable / telescopic tools

Tools that extend can be used sitting or standing. They help you avoid overreaching.

Ergonomic tools

You can find ergonomic versions of many garden tools, particularly hand tools. Many of these have handles designed to reduce strain, making them more comfortable to use.

Search for ergonomic garden tools online

You can also buy add on handles that help make the tools you have more ergonomic. These can be combined with arm support cuffs to keep things steady.

Ergonomic easy grip trowel with arm support

General gardening equipment after a stroke

Garden cart with seat. This specialist wheeled item allows you to load up with tools, then work from a seated position
Kneeler seat with handles. Takes pressure off joints when working at ground level and can also be used as a seat.
Lightweight expanding compost bricks. Saves carrying heavy bags of compost
Litter picker. To reduce bending when picking things up
Wheeled garden caddy. May be easier to transport debris than a regular bucket or container.
Garden tool belt. For organizing and transporting smaller tools.
Good quality gardening gloves. Really, an essential for every gardener!

Your tips

"I have limited mobility following a left sided stroke 15 years ago and I walk with the aid of a stick. Consequently I garden a lot using a gardening stool and relatively lightweight hand tools some with longer handles to help with reach."

- Evelyn, Gardening Club member

Digging tools after a stroke

Lightweight long-handled spade. May be the most comfortable type to dig with.
Back saving tool grip. Attach to any long-handled tool to reduce bending required.

Seed sowing & planting out tools after a stroke

A bulb planter used to create a planting hole

Bulb planter. Dig holes for bulbs and smaller plants using less energy than with a spade or trowel. You can find long-handled versions if you want to avoid bending.

Your tips

"I find planting much easier using a bulb planter. Not much strength is needed, and they are lightweight next to some trowels."

- Participant, Thrive Just 30! Initiative

Watering tools after a stroke

Expanding lightweight hose. Lighter to use than a regular hose.
Water butt(s) and standpipes. Place water butts and standpipes at convenient spots around the garden. This reduces how far you need to walk to collect water. Water butts are also good for the environment.
Watering lance. Useful for reaching hanging baskets or wide beds and borders without strain.

Your tips

"I place watering cans strategically around the garden that can be filled with the hose in dry weather and used when needed."

- Evelyn, Gardening Club member

Pruning tools after a stroke

Garden snapper / long-handled pruner. A long handle avoids climbing ladders.
Telescopic loppers. This is a two-handled tool that can help you prune without overreaching.
Cut and hold secateurs. These have a gripping device that locks onto and holds plant stems. They stop pruned material falling to the ground, making it easier to dispose of.

Mowing & edging tools after a stroke

A robot lawn mower going across a green lawn

Lightweight electric or battery-powered lawnmower.
Robot lawn mower. Good for small lawns. The technology has improved, and these can now produce a decent all over mow. As your strength grows, you may feel more able to mow the lawn yourself.
Lightweight edging shears or lawn shears allow you to edge the lawn from a standing position.