If you have a green thumb, chances are you have (or could soon have) what's known as "gardener's knee," the inflammation of the kneecap after hours spent kneeling in the soil, plucking up weeds or planting seeds. Modern garden or not, it's a problem that can plague even the toughest of landscapers.
'Gardener's knee, or as the doctors call it, prepatellar bursitis, is what happens when that little fluid-filled sac in front of your kneecap decides it's had enough of your gardening shenanigans and gets all inflamed,' says Gerardo Loayza, founder and CEO at BACQYARD.
It's pesky, painful, and a big problem for your summer plans. But, as it turns out, just one helpful $15 to $40 gardening tool can save the day — a garden knee pad.
9 actually chic garden knee pads
Price: $15
At just $15, this chic white, terracotta, and tan garden kneeler is undoubtedly the best bargain of them all. The tote handle is convenient for carrying and the outer canvas material safely shields the cushion inside. Customers are quite pleased; the pad boasts a 4.6/5 star rating across 10 reviews.
Price: $35
Japanese design is minimalist, simple, and most importantly, thoughtful. Such is the case with the Niwaki Kneeler, a durable, well-designed garden kneeler with deep padding and a removable, waterproof, and machine washable cover. Combine that with the handle for easy transport, plus the stunning $35 price tag, and you have yourself a quality buy.
Price: $46
For the uninitiated, Terrain is Anthropologie's new garden imprint and it's every bit as chic and whimsical as Anthro itself. Exhibit A: this memory foam kneeling pad decorated with a "circa-1810 watercolor illustration by Caroline Maria Applebee, chosen from the Royal Horticultural Society Lindley Collections." And don't worry about damaging the print in the elements — the pad's exterior is neoprene which cleans and dries easily.
Price: $39
Was: $78
I bet you didn't know that Mackenzie-Childs instantly recognizable courtly check pattern came in a garden kneeler, too. This plush, memory foam pad is every bit as chic as its teapot counterparts — and if you buy now, you can get an enticing $40 off.
Price: $18.96
The HappyPicnic kneeling pad doesn't boast a fun or unique design, but it is available in three other solid colors, in addition to grey: blue, pink, and olive green. This pad is extra thick for extra protection — if you already have knee problems or just need some added comfort, this minimalist option could be the one for you. It's also waterproof with a removable cover. Amazon customers gave it 4.7 stars for durability and 5 stars for ease to clean.
Price: $42
For something simple and almost rustic in theme, try this kneeler from designer Sophie Conran, known for her modern farmhouse aesthetic. Twin layers of memory foam wrap around a lightweight EVA foam center safely shielded from the ground by a "100% cotton heavyweight ticking fabric." Perhaps avoid this option if you often work on wet ground; otherwise, though, shop on.
Price: $19.99
If the lovely green design of the Colwelt kneeling pad weren't enough, this $20 purchase also comes complete with a garden trowel and a pair of matching garden gloves. Sadly, there is only one review ... but it's a five star. So we'll take it!
Price: $34.95
From an aesthetic perspective, my draw toward this kneeler was its mossy color and design, which almost camouflages the pad in the grass. That might make it hard to see ... but then again, perhaps that's what you'd prefer.
Price: $33
Was: $22.99
Looking for something a bit more affordable? Try this kneeler from QVC. It's reversible, so you can switch to a different side when you tire of the other, and it's on sale — 30% off, in fact.
What is a garden knee pad or garden kneeler?
A garden knee pad is a handy piece of memory foam covered in canvas, cotton, or another durable material that plant lovers can use under knee while working in the garden. Such tools 'help spread out all that pressure you put on your knees,' while also keeping your knees dry and protected 'from any sneaky rocks or twigs that might be lying in wait,' Gerardo says. As a result, you can plant, pull, and pluck comfortably and for longer — and with a reduced threat of inflammation over time.
You could use also traditional knee pads for this — the kind that wrap around your leg, more associated with sports and biking — but we're focusing today on the kind you can pick up and carry from garden bed to garden bed. Such options are a bit more sleek and stylish than traditional knee pads (although Gerardo has tried this pair and this pair to successful results), and might prove slightly more comfortable if you dislike the feel of Velcro on your skin.
After a bit of digging, I've managed to track down nine stylish options, all of which should improve an otherwise painful gardening experience. I selected each piece for aesthetics first and foremost but of course made sure to spend some time digging into customer reviews and materials, as well. Goodbye gardener's knee, hello comfort!
