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
Here’s why I think every gardener, no matter their age, should invest in this essential
![Overhead Shot of Woman Digging in a Vegetable Garden](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/dbv4HejPGjhxcDkbr5zb5g-415-80.jpg)
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
The advantages of this model are it is super lightweight and I love the addition of the bags and holders for all your tools and snacks.
This kneeling pad in a stylish print, with matching gloves and a trowel would make a lovely gift.
For a low-cost kneeling pad, you won't find better than this. It is super thick for added comfort.
Super simple to use as a kneeler or as a seat, this model has two detachable tool holders and an additional foam pad.
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.
Sign up to the Homes & Gardens newsletter
Design expertise in your inbox – from inspiring decorating ideas and beautiful celebrity homes to practical gardening advice and shopping round-ups.
Rachel is a gardening writer, flower grower and floral designer. Her journalism career began on Country Living magazine, sparking a love of container gardening and wild planting. After more than a decade writing for and editing a range of consumer, business and special interest titles, Rachel became editor of floral art magazine The Flower Arranger. She then trained and worked as a floral designer and stylist in London for six years, before moving to York and joining the Homes & Gardens team. Her love of gardening has endured throughout, and she now grows an abundance of vegetables and flowers on her rambling Yorkshire plot.
-
How to light a yard for winter – 5 elegant and practical methods from lighting experts
It's not obvious how to light a yard for winter. I spoke to lighting experts for 5 foolproof methods to light up your garden on the darkest winter night
By Alex David Published
-
How to winterize a garage like a pro in 7 simple steps
Prep your garage for the winter with our expert guide
By Seraphina Di Mizzurati Published
-
Standing mowers vs riding mowers – a mowing expert reveals which is best
Standing mowers vs riding mowers is a heated debate among landscapers. I spoke to a landscaping expert to find out if standing mowers really are the best
By Alex David Published
-
Leaf blowers vs leaf vacuums – which is best for your yard, and should you bother with either?
It's not obvious which is best between leaf blowers v leaf vaccums. As a product tester, this is all you need to know about these controversial yard tools
By Alex David Published
-
Pruning jasmine in late summer will ensure your plants bloom better than ever next year
Timing is critical when pruning summer-flowering climbers
By Thomas Rutter Published
-
Weber vs Traeger – which pellet grill should I buy? Advice from a product tester
They're two titans of the grilling game, but who comes out on top between Weber vs Traeger? As a product tester, this is all you need to know about the brands
By Alex David Published
-
Bougainvillea in miniature – with a little patience, anyone can grow these vibrant plants in bonsai form
Growing bougainvillea bonsai trees can add impact to even the smallest of spaces
By Thomas Rutter Published
-
10 low maintenance, drought tolerant plants – for a beautiful and undemanding landscape
Expert plant picks for a thriving dry garden, that will make life easier and more colorful
By Jacky Parker Published
-
How to grow eastern redbuds – the cherished native tree with striking spring blooms
Adaptable and reliable, eastern redbuds are tough trees that will not disappoint
By Thomas Rutter Published
-
Seed storage mistakes – expert advice to help you avoid costly and accidental errors
7 expert tips that will guarantee success when you are harvesting and storing seeds
By Jacky Parker Published