Pain-Free Gardening Dayton OH

Dirty work shouldn't ruin your body. The right tools and technique make digging more comfortable. Here are a few tips for perfecting your form.

Local Companies

Marvin Gardens LLC
(937) 222-2859
234 Warren St
Dayton, OH
Chamberlain Produce & Garden Center
(937) 268-8556
1530 N Gettysburg Ave
Dayton, OH
West Memory Gardens
(937) 866-4135
6722 Hemple Rd
Dayton, OH
Christmas Trees Unlimited
(937) 431-0026
2727 Fairfield Commons Blvd
Dayton, OH
Knollwood Garden Center
(937) 426-0861
3766 Dayton Xenia Rd
Dayton, OH
Deal's Landscape Service Inc
(937) 426-2118
3454 Dayton Xenia Rd
Dayton, OH
Dayton Hydroponics
(937) 859-3999
3856 Miamisburg Centerville Rd
Dayton, OH
David Listerman & Associates
(937) 426-6301
2440 Dayton Xenia Rd Ste C
Dayton, OH
Buckeye Lawn & Landscaping Co
(937) 885-4048
2109 E Social Row Rd
Dayton, OH
Siebenthaler's Garden Center
(937) 427-4110
2074 Beaver Valley Rd
Dayton, OH

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Dirty work shouldn’t ruin your body. The right tools and technique make digging more comfortable. Here are a few tips for perfecting your form:



Dig when the soil is wrung-out-sponge most. If it’s sopping wet, wait. If it’s bone dry, irrigate.


Use a well-made tool that’s sized to your body and right for the task. Although you can shovel with a spade or spade with a shovel, the proper tool will be easier on your body.


Your digging tool should be sharp enough to cut you. If you are digging all day, work like a butcher: sharpen your blade frequently.


Drive your blade straight down (using your weight), not at an angle (using your muscle).

Take thin slices of earth, no more than an inch or two thick. You’ll produce a thin unstable flake that falls apart easily. Thick shovelfuls produce large clods that require you to slash and bash them. That’s unnecessary work.


Never look over your shoulder to see how much spading you have left to do. Just keep pecking away!



Read about the four main kinds of digging tools



Read past weeks’ tips



Do you have a tip or trick to share with other gardeners? E-mail edit@hortmag.com  or post it in the Co-Horts’ Forum. Your tip could be featured in a future e-newsletter!

From Horticulture Magazine

Featured Local Company

Marvin Gardens LLC

(937) 222-2859
234 Warren St
Dayton, OH