Gardening is a wonderful hobby that can bring joy, relaxation, and beauty to your life.

But it can also pose some risks to your health and safety if you are not careful. Here are some tips to help you enjoy your gardening without hurting yourself or others.

Protect your skin

One of the most common problems that gardeners face is skin irritation or infection from plants, insects, or chemicals. To prevent this, you should always wear gloves when handling soil, compost, fertilisers, pesticides, or any plants that may have thorns, sap, or allergens.

You should also wear long sleeves, trousers, and shoes to cover your skin from scratches, bites, or sunburns (wear sunscreen!). If you do get injured, wash the wound with soap and water and apply a bandage or antiseptic cream. Seek medical attention if the wound is deep, infected, or does not heal.

Protect your eyes

Your eyes are also vulnerable to damage from gardening activities. You should wear sunglasses or goggles to shield your eyes from dust, debris, or flying objects. You should also avoid rubbing your eyes with dirty hands or gloves, as this can introduce bacteria or foreign bodies into your eyes.

If you do get something in your eye, rinse it with clean water and blink several times. Do not use any eye drops or ointments without consulting a doctor. If you experience pain, redness, swelling, or vision loss, see an eye specialist immediately.

Protect your back

Another common complaint among gardeners is back pain or injury from lifting, bending, or twisting. To avoid this, you should always warm up before gardening and stretch your muscles afterwards. You should also use proper lifting techniques, such as bending your knees, keeping your back straight, and holding heavy objects close to your body.

You should also use tools that are ergonomic, lightweight, and adjustable to suit your height and posture. You should also take frequent breaks and change positions to avoid overstraining your back. If you do experience back pain, rest, apply ice or heat, and take painkillers if needed. If the pain persists or worsens, see a doctor or a physiotherapist.

Protect your ears

Gardening can also be noisy, especially if you use power tools such as lawn mowers, hedge trimmers, or leaf blowers. These tools can produce sounds that are above the safe level of 85 decibels, which can damage your hearing over time. To protect your ears, you should wear ear plugs or ear muffs when using power tools.

You should also limit the duration and frequency of using these tools, and choose quieter models if possible. You should also check your hearing regularly and see an audiologist if you notice any signs of hearing loss, such as difficulty hearing conversations, ringing in the ears, or sensitivity to loud sounds.

Protect your lungs

Gardening can also expose you to dust, pollen, mould, or chemicals that can irritate your lungs and cause respiratory problems. To protect your lungs, you should wear a mask or a respirator when working with dusty or powdery substances, such as soil, compost, or fertilisers. You should also avoid inhaling fumes or vapours from pesticides, paints, or solvents.

You should also work in a well-ventilated area and avoid smoking or burning anything in your garden. You should also monitor your breathing and see a doctor if you experience any symptoms of respiratory distress, such as coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, or chest pain.

Enjoy your gardening

Gardening can be a rewarding and enjoyable activity, but it can also pose some hazards to your health and safety. By following these tips, you can reduce the risks and maximise the benefits of gardening. Remember to always be careful, use the right tools and equipment, and seek help if you need it. Happy gardening!