17 Mar Gardening Safety Tips

With the warmer weather coming in slowly but surely, flowers are blooming and it is time to start fixing up the garden!

Before going headfirst into gardening this season, make sure you are prepared with proper tips and tricks to enhance your safety in the garden!

Working in your garden can be a great place to use your creativity while enjoying the outdoors and getting some physical activity. One of the first steps to safety in the garden is dressing to protect. Harmful sources such as lawn pests, harsh chemicals, sharp equipment, and too much sun can cause damage to your health and safety. To prevent damage, it is important to wear safety goggles, sturdy shoes, long pants, and gloves while gardening in harmful conditions.  Using insect repellent will also help in deterring any pests that can carry diseases, such as mosquitoes and ticks.

Working in the sun may also be dangerous for people that do not know their limits. Even being in the sun for short periods of time in high temperatures can cause serious issues in your health.  Make sure to drink plenty of fluids and avoid drinks that contain alcohol or large amounts of sugar as these will aid in dehydration.

Gardening can be tough on your body, so make sure to take frequent breaks to ensure you are not overworking yourself. Gardeners with arthritis should be using tools that are easier to grasp and match their ability. It has been shown that some physical activity by people with arthritis may increase energy and decrease pain and stiffness, so gardening may be the perfect start!

Be aware of heat-related illness signs, such as very high body temperature, headache, rapid pulse, nausea, confusion, or dizziness. If you experience any of these signs, immediately take a break in a shaded area and drink more water.

Remember to have fun in the garden this spring, but don’t forget to put your safety first!

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