There are a lot of great reasons to get in the garden! It increases vitamin D and calcium levels, which is great for your bones and your immune system, it can increase your mood, and it provides you with exercise.
Unfortunately, working in the yard can also be intimidating, especially if you’re a beginner. Not only can it be overwhelming to figure out what to plant, how to plant it, and where, but many gardeners don’t know or understand all the safety considerations they should consider while they’re in the yard.
Make the most of your time in your flower beds and ensure you can continue planting and pruning for many years to come by following these tips.
Be Mindful of Chemical Use
Chemicals can be a convenient way to take care of weeds and pests in the yard, but using them can come with consequences.
For example, paraquat is a commonly used herbicide, but it can literally kill you if it’s ingested. Other herbicides, pesticides, and fungicides aren’t quite as dangerous as that, but they can cause irritation and swelling. They can be especially dangerous to pets and young children.
Assess very carefully whether you want to use chemicals, and if so, which ones. If you’re worried about exposing yourself, pets, or children, consider looking for more natural ways to control your garden.
Wear the Right Shoes
Most people pay close attention to their footwear when running or walking, but you should think carefully about your footwear in the garden too!
It’s important to be comfortable, but it’s important to make sure you’re able to stay steady on your feet. The ground in your garden can be soft and uneven, which can cause you to fall, especially if you’re wearing the wrong shoes.
There are many types of gardening shoes to choose from, but in general, it’s a good idea to choose shoes that prevent your feet from sliding around. They should have a back and they should cover your toes too. Not only will they protect your feet from being poked by sticks and debris, fully enclosed shoes can also keep your feet from getting dirty.
Bend and Stretch
How you bend in the garden can make or break your back. If you always bend with your back, you’re going to find yourself in a lot of pain. Try and bend with your knees if you can.
Stretching is important too! It’s easy to overextend your legs or your arms and pull muscles you didn’t even know you had. Take the time to stretch your legs and arms, and make time to stretch your wrists, fingers, feet, ankles, and toes. When you do, you’ll find you’re a lot more flexible, and you’ll prevent yourself from injury, even after a long afternoon in the garden.
Rethink What You Want to Plant
Figuring out what to plant in your yard can be a lot of fun! Unfortunately, many gardeners discover in the future that what they planted wasn’t such a good idea after all.
Different kinds of plants can cause various problems. Some spread, and before you know it, your whole yard is covered, while others can exacerbate allergies. Some plants are poisonous to pets, while others may look beautiful, but they can be poisonous to humans, which makes them especially dangerous to young children.
Just a few of the worst plants to grow in your yard include:
- Tansy is poisonous to people and livestock
- Trumpet vines are aggressive spreaders
- Leyland cypress trees are easily blown over
- Female ginkgo biloba trees have acrid smelling fruit
Always Wash Up After You’re Done
It may seem like a no-brainer, but it’s extremely important to wash up after you have been working in the yard, even if you were wearing gloves. Dirt, pests, and other things hiding in your yard can end up under your fingernails and they can cling to your clothes. When you’re done in the yard, it’s a good idea to wash your hands and change your clothes, including your socks.
If you have trouble with allergies, you might want to hop in the shower. It can wash all the allergens out of your hair and off your skin so they don’t continue to bother you in the house.
Working in the garden can be a lot of fun, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t without its risks. Armed with these tips, you can head out into your garden and work safely so you can enjoy every minute you spend outside.