Gardening burns calories, has therapeutic qualities, and is good for your overall health and wellness. But, like any other exercise, there is risk of injury, and you may have a few aches and pains after using muscles you don’t normally use in other aspects of your life.
 
Back pain is one of the most common physical complaints associated with gardening, but there are steps you can take to help avoid this issue and ensure your gardening experience will be enjoyable and comfortable.
 
To get you started, here are five ways you can protect your back while gardening.
 
1. Use the right tools.
 
Using the right tools will help get the job done faster and with lower risk of injury. A wheelbarrow or garden cart can help you transport bags of soil, long-handled gardening tools allow you to stand while you dig or hoe, a gardening bench provides a comfy spot to sit while you pull weeds, and a potting bench will help you limit bending, stooping and reaching by allowing you to comfortably prune potted plants or transplant seedlings while standing. If you plan on spending a lot of time at your gardening bench, you may also want to invest in a stool or a cushioned anti-fatigue mat to take even more strain off your back and joints.
 
2. Build or buy raised garden beds.
 
Raised garden beds that are just a few inches off the ground are good for your plants, but tending them will require just as much bending, stooping and squatting as tending an in-ground garden. To reduce the risk of aches, pains and back injuries, build or purchase garden beds that are about as high as your hip or waist. Keep in mind that you will save a lot of money on potting soil if you choose raised garden beds that are on legs rather than garden beds that will need to be filled from the ground up.
 
3. Lift and bend properly.
 
Even with raised garden beds and all the right tools, you cannot completely avoid lifting and bending when gardening. Visit your favorite gardening or home improvement website to find videos showing proper bending and lifting techniques to avoid back injuries while gardening.
 
4. Stretch.
 
Stretching and warming up your muscles is always a good idea, even when your upcoming activity is a low-impact exercise like gardening. Take a few minutes to stretch or walk around the block to loosen up your back and warm up your muscles before you grab your shovel. To further reduce the risk of back pain after gardening, incorporate stretching or yoga into your daily activities. This will help increase flexibility and strengthen your back and core.
 
5. Do not, under any circumstances, do the twist while gardening.
 
Twisting to grab the trowel you left a few plants down the row or the pot you set down behind you significantly increases the chance of back pain during or after gardening. This seemingly innocuous movement is one of the most common causes of gardening-related back pain and injuries. So, control your urge to do the twist while working in your garden, and take the extra step or two required to turn around and properly lift that pot without hurting yourself.

 AimeeJo Davis-Varela is a member of The Davis Group and a freelance writer specializing in real estate, sustainable home improvement, eco-friendly landscaping, green living and travel writing. She is also the owner of Mind Your Manors, which provides second home management services.

This custom home for sale near downtown Ojai exudes traditional charm with a wrap-around porch, formal entry, brick fireplace, wainscoting, crown molding, built-ins, formal living and dining rooms, butler’s pantry, and four bedrooms – each with walk-in closet and en suite bathroom.

It is clear as you meander through this exceptional home that every detail was attended to, including designing elegant spaces both for entertaining and for comfortable everyday living.

The large kitchen with two islands, two pantries, breakfast bar, breakfast nook and a desk for managing the household is ideal for someone who loves to cook, while the covered patio is perfect for outdoor living and entertaining.

Gorgeous mountain and valley views stretch to the East End, and you are only about a 10-minute bike ride from the weekly farmers market, shops, restaurants and activities in the downtown village.

This stunning home offers much too much to list, so call now to schedule a tour to see all this home has to offer.

Beckett is a six-year-old, neutered, tan Lhasa Apso (approximately 23 lbs). He came to the Humane Society of Ventura County recently from another rescue organization.  Beckett is a very sweet dog who just wants to be by your side and will make a wonderful family dog. Beckett enjoys going for walks and playing in the play yards. Beckett has met other dogs and doesn't seem to mind them; he also doesn't seem to mind cats. He will need exercise, training, and lots of love. He will also need a family who will take him for regular grooming sessions, as his coat grows long and fluffy. If you want to meet this little fluffy boy, come down to the shelter and ask for Beckett.
 
Included with every dog adoption will be the first DHLPP shot of the series, a rabies vaccine, a medical exam good for up to three days from participating veterinarians, implanting an identification microchip (registration extra), spay or neuter surgery, if necessary, as well as a collar, ID tag, and a leash. For dog adoptions, a yard check will be performed prior to adoption. In addition to adequate fencing and shelter, those wishing to adopt a pet must provide either proof of ownership of the residence or a rental agreement for that address indicating that pets are allowed. If you are interested in learning more about adoptions, please contact the Humane Society of Ventura County at (805)646-6505.

#adoptadog #adoptdontshop #adoptdontbuy #rescuedog #rescuedogs #ojai #ventura #805

This custom, ranch-style home on five acres is minutes from downtown Ojai, Lake Casitas, schools, the Ojai Valley Trail, dining and shopping.

The main house offers four bedrooms, three bathrooms, and an open floor plan with a formal living room with fireplace, formal and casual dining, family room with fireplace, and remodeled kitchen with granite counters, stainless steel appliances and two breakfast bars.

The spacious master suite features large closets, en suite bathroom and private patio.

Additional features include newer carpet, newer paint and alarm system. French doors lead to covered outdoor entertaining areas, while a long, wide driveway enhances privacy and provides ample guest parking.

A separate two bedroom, one bathroom guest house with a one-car garage is perfect for long-term guests or for use as a rental.

The flat, usable land surrounding this elegant country home offers ample space for horse facilities, a swimming pool, a tennis court and more.

This Ojai horse property is in escrow, but if you are looking for your dream home, there are plenty more for Nora to show you!

Call Nora today to start looking for your next home or to sell your current home!

Stop by 1577 Kenewa Street in Ojai this Sunday between 1:00 and 4:00pm to tour this five-bedroom, eight-bathroom house with a two-bedroom guest house,

I hope to see you there!

Blaze is a seven-year-old, neutered, tan Chihuahua. He came to the Humane Society recently through no fault of his own. Blaze came to the shelter with his sister Sugar and the two enjoy each other’s company. You can often find them curled up together in one of our dog play yards, enjoying the sunshine. Blaze has a go-get-um attitude and enjoys his walks. This little guy can sure zoom around and is always excited to see you. Blaze does have a slight limp due to a past leg injury, but it doesn’t slow him down at all. Blaze doesn’t seem to mind other dogs, but we don’t know how he is with children or cats.

Included with every dog adoption will be the first DHLPP shot of the series, a rabies vaccine, a medical exam good for up to three days from participating veterinarians, implanting an identification microchip (registration extra), spay or neuter surgery, if necessary, as well as a collar, ID tag, and a leash. For dog adoptions, a yard check will be performed prior to adoption. In addition to adequate fencing and shelter, those wishing to adopt a pet must provide either proof of ownership of the residence or a rental agreement for that address indicating that pets are allowed. If you are interested in learning more about adoptions, please contact the Humane Society of Ventura County at (805)646-6505.

#adoptadog #adoptdontshop #adoptdontbuy #rescuedog #rescuedogs

This three-bedroom, two-bathroom bungalow sits on approximately .29 acres of flat, versatile land with a gated entry, large carport, mature trees and landscaping, garden area, fruit trees, and a dog run.

The separately fenced backyard has plenty of space for outdoor entertaining against the backdrop of gorgeous mountain and vineyard views. In the front yard, a majestic redwood stands over the wood deck, while a vine-covered arbor invites guests into your home.

Step through the gate in the back fence to hit the Ojai Valley Trail for an evening stroll or to head to Ojai or the beach on your bike. Or, head across the street to the Oak View Library or Oak View Park and Recreation Center.

This versatile property also offers an easy commute to Ventura and is just a short drive or bike ride away from shops, restaurants, salons, a local coffeehouse, schools, markets, and the post office.

With this price and location, it is sure to sell quickly, so don’t miss the chance to see it! Call Nora today to schedule a showing.

Normally, we like to do a post for new listings, and then another post when they go into escrow, but this Ojai home went into escrow so quickly, we didn't have time to do both!

It might be too late for this one, but we would love to help you find something similar!

Here's a little bit about this Ojai home that went from new listing to in escrow almost immediately:

 
This three-bedroom, two-bathroom home on a spacious corner lot is ideally located close to all that Ojai has to offer.

Walk or bike to public and private schools, the weekly farmers market, Ojai Valley Trail, parks, Vons, restaurants and shops, banks, pharmacies, the hardware store, and the downtown village area.

Sellers recently replaced the forced heating unit and ductwork, added air conditioning, replaced the sewer waste line to the street, and upgraded to copper plumbing throughout the house.

The roof was replaced in March 2019.

This home also offers a laundry room, tile floors, lots of natural light, ceiling fans, two-car garage, mature trees and landscaping with sprinklers, mountain views, extra storage, and a covered patio for outdoor entertaining.

With this prime location and price, this was one of the best buys in Ojai and went into escrow quickly, but there are still plenty of other Ojai homes for sale that we would love to show you.

Give Nora a call today to find your dream home!