Organic Gardening Magazine recently had an article about two women who were avid gardeners in search of tools and equipment that fit their bodies and their needs. In 2008, they formed Green Heron Tools which is a garden tool company specializing in women’s tools. I have never tried their tools, but was very interested in hearing about them. I know I have always noticed how awkward a shovel or spade is to me, now I know more of the reason why.
The article discusses the reasons women use tools such as shovels or hoes differently than men do. The center of gravity for a woman is closer to her hips because of her wider pelvis. A man’s center of gravity is higher as they have broader shoulders. Proportionally, women have greater lower-body strength than men, but less upper body strength meaning women rely on the power of their legs for strenuous tasks such as digging.
These women (Ann and Liz) came up with HERShovel which is a shovel/spade combination ergonomically engineered to maximize the power of a woman’s body and make digging easier.
You can read the entire article “Women’s Work” on Organic Gardening Magazine Website. There is even a video called Shoveling Made Easy at the end of the article which demonstrates the correct method for shoveling. You can also learn more about Green Heron Tools at their website.
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