Gardening is an age-old summer pastime. People treasure this quality time spent in the sunshine, using their garden supplies to tend to nature while enjoying the world’s innate beauty. If you’re a gardening enthusiast, however, it’s important not to overlook the importance of protecting yourself while you’re outside. Here’s what you should know.

How to Protect Yourself While Gardening in the Summer

Do:

Monitor your garden supplies.

Take special precautions with your garden supplies if you have kids or pets. It’s easy for children or animals to dig into a package of fertilizer or to grab for the nearest spade out of sheer curiosity. You can avoid any mishaps or accidents by keeping these items out of reach, and separate them from your pet and livestock supplies.

Wear sun protection.

Even on cloudy days, your skin is at risk of sustaining damage from potent ultraviolet rays. Protect yourself from burning, premature signs of aging, and skin cancer by applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen to your face and body. For maximum protection, wear a wide-brim hat, a pair of sunglasses, and work gloves.

Don’t:

Forget to use bug spray.

Coping with mosquitoes is inevitable during summertime. Before you start working, take the time to spray your clothes and exposed skin with a bug repellent spray. Peppermint essential oil is a natural, non-toxic option that also relieves aching joints after a day spent in the sunshine. You might also consider investing in an ultrasonic product if you want to ward off rodents in the garden.  

Ignore signs of heat exhaustion.

It’s easy to get caught up in the activity while you’re wielding your garden supplies and giving your outdoor space a summertime makeover, but it’s vital to monitor yourself for signs of heat exhaustion. If your skin feels cool, you’re sweating heavily, or you feel lightheaded, dizzy, or faint, make your way inside right away. Make sure that you’re in a cool spot, drink plenty of cold water, and take some deep breaths. Seek medical attention if these symptoms don’t resolve within a few minutes.

Gardeners throughout Clermont County, OH, trust Bethel Feed & Supply Pet & Garden Center for all of their outdoor needs. You’ll find a vast selection of high-quality garden supplies, including seeds, gloves, tools, and mulch. You can also stock up on pet accessories and livestock supplies while you’re there. Visit the website to learn more about their products, and call (513) 734-2246 to ask about what’s in stock.