Many people enjoy gardening as a hobby because it lets them spend time outside, connect with nature, and see their hard work grow right in front of their eyes. You can grow a food garden, a flower garden, or even plants inside your home. There is something for everyone in gardening. It’s a relaxing break from the stress of everyday life, letting you unplug and enjoy the easy pleasures of taking care of plants. There is more to growing than meets the eye, though, as with anything else. It might not seem dangerous to take care of your plants, but gardening involves hard work, tools, and the outdoors, all of which can be dangerous if not handled properly.
Please read this article to learn some important gardening safety tips that will help you stay safe while still enjoying the beauty of your garden. You’ll learn everything you need to know to grow safely, from how to wear the right clothes to how to use tools and even how to protect yourself from the sun. That being said, let’s go over these safety tips that will make gardening safer and more fun before you grab your trowel and start working.
Dress for the Occasion
Putting on the right clothes is one of the easier ways to stay safe while gardening. Believe me, what you wear does mean more than you think.
- Wear gloves: When you plant, your hands are your most important tools, so keep them safe. Garden gloves can help keep your hands from getting blisters, cuts, and scratches. Also, they keep dirt out from under your nails, which saves you a lot of work when you have to clean up later. Also, gloves make it less likely that you will be exposed to toxins that are bad for you, like fertilizers, which could irritate your skin.
- Proper footwear: When it’s warm outside, flip-flops may look good, but they’re not the best shoes for gardening. Shoes with closed toes, like boots or sturdy sneakers, keep your feet safe from rocks, thorns, and even gardening tools that you might drop. They also help you stay steady when working on areas that aren’t level.
- Long sleeves and pants: Long sleeves and pants can help protect your skin from the sun, bug bites, and plants that are irritating, like poison ivy. Fabrics that are light and airy will help you stay cool while still protecting you.
Stay Hydrated
It may seem like common sense, but it’s very important to drink water, especially if you’re working outside on a hot day. It’s surprising how hard gardening can be on your body, and it’s easy to forget how much time has passed when you’re busy with your plants. It’s easy to become dehydrated quickly, which can cause headaches, dizziness, or heat stress.
Whenever you go outside, make it a habit to bring a water bottle with you. During the day, take breaks in the shade and drink water. It’s better to avoid getting dehydrated in the first place.
Protect Yourself from the Sun
A nice day in the garden can become painful because of a sunburn. Constant exposure to the sun’s UV rays can also make you more likely to get skin cancer. This shouldn’t stop you from gardening; just make sure you follow the right safety steps.
- Apply sunscreen: Put on a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least 30 SPF every two hours, or more often if you become sweaty. Remember to rub your neck, ears, and the backs of your hands.
- Wear a hat: A wide-brimmed hat will keep the sun off your face, ears, and neck. It also keeps you cooler by providing shade.
- Sunglasses: Sunglasses that block UV rays will keep your eyes safe. While gardening, you might not think about it, but your eyes also need to be protected, especially if you’re out in the sun for a long time.
Know Your Tools
If you don’t know how to use them, gardening tools can be scary because they are sharp and heavy. Take a moment to learn how to use each tool correctly before you start your gardening job.
- Inspect tools regularly: Broken or damaged tools can cause accidents. Make sure your tools are in good condition, and replace any that are worn out or rusty. Keep your blades sharp, because old blades can slip and hurt you.
- Use the right tool for the job: It may be tempting to use whatever tool is closest to you, but using the correct tool for each task will make your work easier and safer. For example, don’t use a spade for weeding or a shovel for pruning.
- Store tools safely: When you’re done for the day, store your tools in a dry, safe place, preferably out of the reach of children and pets. Don’t leave tools lying around on the ground where someone could trip over them.
Lift with Care
When you garden, you often have to move heavy things like pots, bags of dirt, and watering cans. If you lift something the wrong way, it can hurt or strain your back and shoulders. To review how to safely lift, here are some tips:
- Bend at your knees, not at your waist.
- As you lift, keep the thing close to your body.
- Use your leg muscles to do most of the work, not your back.
- If an object is too heavy to lift on your own, ask for help or use a wheelbarrow.
Remember that it’s better to take a few extra trips or do things more slowly than to hurt yourself trying to do everything at once.
Watch Out for Pests and Plants
When you’re in the garden, you’re not alone—there are plenty of insects and plants that might bite, sting, or cause allergic reactions. Here’s how to stay safe from them:
- Insects: Wear insect repellent if you’re gardening in areas with mosquitoes, ticks, or other biting insects. Some bugs, like bees, are beneficial to your garden, so try not to disturb them. However, be cautious around wasps or other aggressive insects.
- Poisonous plants: Know what plants in your area might cause skin irritations or worse. Poison ivy, poison oak, and certain ornamental plants can cause rashes or other allergic reactions. Learn to identify these plants so you can avoid them, and if you do come into contact with them, wash your skin with soap and water immediately.
- Animals: Depending on where you live, small animals or reptiles may also be in your garden. Always be cautious when moving rocks, logs, or other hiding spots, as snakes or other critters could be underneath.
Mind Your Posture
When you garden, you probably do the same things over and over, like bending, kneeling, and stretching. If you’re not careful, this can cause aches and pains or even long-term damage over time. You can avoid these problems by paying attention to your posture and taking stops often.
- Alternate tasks: Try to switch between different gardening activities to avoid overworking the same muscles. For example, after 30 minutes of weeding, take a break to water your plants or prune some bushes.
- Use knee pads or a cushion: If you’ll be kneeling a lot, use a soft cushion or knee pads to protect your knees from hard surfaces.
- Stretch: Take a few minutes to stretch before and after gardening. This will keep your muscles loose and lower your risk of getting hurt.
Stay Aware of Your Surroundings
Gardening might feel like a peaceful escape, but it’s still important to stay aware of your surroundings. This is especially true if you’re using power tools or working near other people.
- Be mindful of power tools: When you use electric or gas-powered tools like chainsaws, lawnmowers, or hedge trimmers, make sure you pay attention and follow all safety directions. Stay away from things that could confuse you, and make sure the area is free of people or animals twice before you start.
- Watch for trip hazards: Garden hoses, tools, and uneven ground can all pose a tripping hazard. Keep your work area tidy, and watch where you step.
Listen to Your Body
Last, pay attention to your body. It’s surprising how hard gardening can be, so if you’re tired or sore, stop and rest. Not giving up when you’re tired can cause crashes or injuries, so it’s not worth it.
Gardening should be relaxing and fun, and it can stay that way with just a few low-key safety measures. You can keep your gardening sessions safe and effective by wearing the right clothes, drinking enough water, staying out of the sun, and being careful with the tools you use.
So go outside and have fun in the garden! Take it easy, pay attention to what’s going on around you, and enjoy yourself.
Happy gardening!
