Gardening is generally a healthy activity; however, there is one aspect that is often overlooked if you want get a great garden workout - go old school!  By opting to use manual garden tools instead of their gasoline or electric replacements, you get the benefit of burned calories.  The following are some suggestion to help you get started.

In the Garden

Many of us who grow vegetable gardens leave enough space to get the tiller through the garden.  This may save some time and labor, but a hoe is a much better option.  The hoe is perhaps the most ancient gardening tool.  They are mentioned in ancient documents like the Code of Hammurabi and the Book of Isaiah dating back at least 4,000 years!  Aside from the health benefits, hoeing allows gardeners to pack rows closer together, and it also allows you to ditch your greenhouse gas producing tiller for a greener approach.

In the Yard

I always laugh when I see someone on a huge riding lawnmower mowing a yard the size of a postage stamp.  It's is a much healthier option to use a push mower, and for the adventurous, reel mowers are a greener alternative.  You can burn up to 500 calories per hour while mowing!

Some other suggestions:

• Use a rake instead of a leaf blower.
• Use hand clippers instead of electric hedge clippers.
• Water with a watering can instead of with a garden hose.

These are just a few steps that you can take to make your gardening activities both healthier and greener.  Just remember to practice safe gardening.  Always wear the proper protective gear, and use proper techniques.