Even if you don’t own an acre, a small yard, patio or a balcony can provide ample opportunity to dig, plant, and weed. Although your workout will be more limited if you garden on a balcony or patio, you can harvest a fantastic crop of nutritious vegetables in a small space.

Keep these tips in mind:

To prevent muscle soreness, back pain, and repetitive strain injuries, warm up before starting and cool down after you are finished by walking and stretching.

• Use steady, smooth motions to avoid injury.
• Protect yourself from the sun by wearing sunscreen, long-sleeved shirts and pants, and a wide-brimmed hat.
• Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated, especially if the temperature and humidity are high.
• When picking up tools or lifting bags of soil, bend your knees and keep your back straight.