Gardening is a great way to get your mind off everyday stresses. However, it can also be a very physical activity, so it is important to protect yourself in the process.
Getting your soil in tip top shape, protecting your back and wearing the right clothes are all vital steps to ensure you are safe while gardening. Hopefully these tips will help you enjoy your time spent in the garden without the worry of being injured or causing damage to yourself.
Getting Your Soil in Shape
Getting your soil in shape is the foundation for tip top gardening. Without it, plants won’t thrive, and your garden will be a struggle to grow.
Soil is made up of mineral particles formed from the natural breakdown of rock, air and organic material. These particles vary in size and shape, and determine the texture of the soil, whether it’s clay, sandy or loam.
To figure out which kind of soil you have, grab a handful of dry soil and squeeze it softly in your fist. If it forms a tight ball and feels gritty or slippery to the touch, it’s predominantly clay.
The right mix of organic matter will improve the texture and structure of your soil. Compost, aged manure and mulches are all excellent sources of this vital ingredient.
Protecting Your Back
Back pain is one of the most common complaints among gardeners. Over enthusiastic digging, bending and twisting can add strain to your spine as you work on your garden.
A few simple techniques can help you avoid developing back problems while gardening. Start each day with a few minutes of light stretching and warm-up exercises.
When bending or lifting heavy items, such as pots and bushes, use your legs instead of your back to keep weight off your spine. When using a wheeled bench, try to move in small steps, rather than leaning over or bending at your waist.
It’s also important to avoid bending at your hip or squatting for long periods of time. These positions can put unnecessary strain on your low back. Taking breaks throughout your day and drinking lots of water can also help to protect your back while gardening. It’s also a good idea to get your back checked by a doctor before you start working outside.
Wearing the Right Clothes
If you want to get the most out of your gardening, make sure that you wear the right clothes. Whether you are planning to do some serious work or just need to water your plants, wearing the right clothing can help to keep you safe and comfortable while you enjoy your time in the garden.
It is important to choose the right type of gardening shirt for your needs. These shirts should be durable, quick-drying, and moisture-wicking so that they will not stain easily from dirt and grass.
Likewise, you should choose sturdy shoes or work boots that will protect your feet from sprains and sharp objects. This will also keep you from hurting your ankles.
When it comes to your clothing, it is also a good idea to choose loose and comfortable pants that allow you to bend and squat easily while you are working in the garden. Avoid tight elastics and belts that have metal buckles as they tend to tear into your skin while you bend.
Staying Safe
Gardening can be a great way to get physical activity, beautify the community and grow nutritious fruits and vegetables. However, it is important to ensure that your gardening activities are safe to prevent injury and illness.
A lot of accidents occur when people are doing gardening work, especially if they’re not fully aware of the dangers. Fortunately, many of the risks are easy to avoid.
Wear a hat, sunscreen and protective clothing as you work in the garden. Also, drink plenty of water.
Protect your hands and fingers from cuts, soil, insect bites and skin irritants by wearing gloves with rubber coating. Consider getting a tetanus vaccination if you’ve never had it before, as gardeners are prone to injuries that lead to tetanus infections.
Keep children well clear of the garden and any machinery, including lawnmowers, hedge trimmers or sprayers. They should be taught about the potential hazards and not allowed to operate them unless they are fully supervised.