How to avoid Lumbago !
By dianebulley
1 comment
Learn to dig the (W)right way. From the Wright Encyclopaedia of Gardening by Walter P.Wright (bless him) first published in 1933.
This method takes a few hours to master. I have used it for years. Its much quicker than conventional digging. People stop by my plot and watch me, fascinated.
All you have to remember is LEFT HAND PALM DOWN (if you are right handed). Take thin slices of soil, the depth of the spade, about 2" wide each time.
The shank of the spade is NOT gripped tightly, but held lightly with the left hand palm downward.
A slight twist of both wrists that surprises the beginner, the laden spade is raised a few inches from the ground, by levering the handle backwards with the right hand.
A slight twist of both wrists discharges the soil from the laden spade.
If left handed, reverse this procedure.
This method saves pain, hot water bottles, and trips to the Medical Centre.
12 Sep, 2011
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Gardening with friends since
9 Aug, 2009
Diane how lovely, I have this book and although old it's almost like a bible to me..Full of old but practical and informative advice and notes. Most of it still very relevant today.
It also shows how varieties have progressed, some more exotic veg you won't find in this book
The quote that 'That the digger should have both spade and fork made of good steel' makes me smile. I can just imagine him saying this in a very upper class english voice.
I love the snippets of poems he quotes in the Roses section.
12 Sep, 2011