I’m a gardening expert, and even though it’s not a tool, this is the one piece of kit I couldn’t do without

There’s no denying gardening can be hard work. Digging, weeding, mowing, planting and pruning are all tasks that burn plenty of calories, and involve a lot of bending, lifting, squatting, and core strength. This is, of course, why gardening such a superb form of exercise, but sometimes we forget the potential toll it can take on our muscles.

I’m all for exercising without really realizing it, but I’m also for comfort and ease in the garden, which is why I’ve been using a kneeling pad for years now. I’ve been gardening and growing my own produce for over a decade, and although I am nowhere near retirement age, I will still always opt for a spot of comfort whilst I’m working.

Here’s what I love about the garden kneeler I use, and why I genuinely think all gardeners need one in some form or another as part of their essential gardening kit.

Advantages of a garden kneeler

I’ve used all kinds of kneeler cushions over the years, from a simple foam pad to the better multi-functional product I have today. And yes, I have been known to grab an old throw pillow from the couch if there was nothing else to hand. There are so many benefits to using a kneeler, some of which are more obvious than others.

From a practical point of view, they help to keep your clothes less dirty. I’m reluctant to say ‘clean’, because if you’re anything like me there will always be cuttings and compost covering much of your clothing after a day looking after the raised beds. However, kneeling on a pad will help to minimize grass stains on clothes - which are hard to get out - or skin for that matter, and come into their own if the grass or soil you’re kneeling on is wet, as they will completely protect you from the damp and cold.

They provide much needed padding, even for those of us who are lucky enough not to experience joint or knee problems. The ground can be hard and uneven, and long periods kneeling on it without any protection can cause sore joints and back pain. A kneeler helps to reduce discomfort and pressure on the knees, meaning you can tackle those gardening tasks for longer without risking any pain or injury.

Many garden kneelers, including my own, also have handles for support, which helps hugely with stability and getting up safely after a while kneeling down. During long periods of gardening, I also use the handles to stretch my back and do some posture exercises every so often, so keep supple and reduce the risk of any back pain or muscle strain.

Some of the best kneelers on the market are dual or multi purpose - and these are really worth looking at. Kneelers with handles can be turned upside down to create a comfy seat. I also use mine as a step stool on even ground, helping me to reach vining crops or fruit on the apple trees. Many kneelers also come with a pouch for tools and a water bottle, making it so much easier to transport your gardening kit around the yard.

Of course, they are also handy for using within a bed itself, rather than just from the edges. Full disclosure, I have two; a smaller, lighter foam pad that I can move anywhere, and a larger kneeler-come-stool. I use the small foam pad when I need to access the center of a raised bed - often useful if I'm planting out in rows or doing some strategic weeding and I don't want to be bending over for too long.

There are lots of different options of garden kneelers out there, all are lightweight and easy to carry and store. Here are some of my top picks that are all on sale right now.

Shop garden kneelers

FAQs

Are there any disadvantages to garden kneelers?

There really aren't many disadvantages to using a kneeling pad in the garden, however, I would say if you are going to be using it a lot, it is worth investing in a more expensive model to gain benefits from a thicker kneeling pad. It's a good idea to check the type of material covering the cushion pad, too. You don't want it to become slippery if it gets wet, so one with a bit of texture is good. Always have a look a the reviews before you buy to see what others say, and be aware of any that warn about levels of comfort - you need to have a decent amount of padding in the kneeler for it to be beneficial.

If you're looking to stock up on more essential gardening tools, check out our round-up of key items to add to your gardening kit shopping list.