5 Tips for Safe Gardening in the Heat

Gardening in summertime’s high heat can put people at risk of heat sickness which, in extremes, can lead to unconsciousness, brain damage, and even death. Heat sickness can be prevented by recognizing its symptoms, working outside in the morning or evening, staying well hydrated, and taking breaks.

Are you a die-hard gardener? Outside rain or shine, deadheading roses, spraying aphids, pulling up dollar weeds? Then this article is for you.

Summertime in southeast states like Florida, where humidity and heat produce a dangerous brew, is a season when you need to be smart about your gardening activities. Why? Because of heat sickness that can sneak up on you and do some serious damage.

What Does Heat Sickness Look Like?

There are three levels of heat sickness: heat stress, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke.
When heat stress sets in, it produces fatigue and muscle cramps. As soon as you notice these symptoms, you should intentionally cool down by sitting in a shady area or going inside for a break. Drink water or sports drinks with electrolytes to rehydrate yourself.

If you push through the fatigue and cramps and keep working, you’re setting yourself up for phase two: heat exhaustion. This presents as a headache, nausea, and dizziness in addition to the cramps and fatigue.

The third and most dangerous stage of heat sickness is heat stroke. This manifests as vomiting, shallow breathing, and a racing heart. Your temperature could be 104, and you may have stopped sweating.

If you don’t pay attention and address these symptoms immediately, heat stroke can lead to unconsciousness and damage to your brain, muscles, and vital organs. If you’re having heat stroke or think you might be, call for medical help. While waiting for help to arrive, cool down in an air-conditioned place, in front of a fan, or in a cool shower or bath. Drink water.

Heat sickness should be taken seriously. However, it’s possible to garden in heat and humidity safely. Below are tips for working outside safely in summer temperatures.

Tips for Safe Summer Gardening

1. Work outside during the cooler parts of the day. Florida landscaping services generally advise watering before ten a.m. and after four p.m. At Floralawn, we also advise homeowner to garden before ten and after four.
2. Drink, drink, drink. Water, that is. Water directs heat away from internal organs and takes heat through the bloodstream to the skin. There heat is released as sweat and the body gets cooled.
3. Protective clothing. Remember your grandma’s voice and wear a hat. Wet a rag or small towel and wear it around your neck. The hat and the damp towel will keep you cooler.
4. Take breaks. Be deliberate about stopping regularly to rest in the shade or to go inside for 15 minutes. This gives your body’s thermostat time to reset.
5. Know the signs of heat sickness and be aware of your body sensations. Pay attention to how you’re feeling throughout the day and whether or not you’re sweating. If you notice signs of heat sickness, stop immediately and take care of yourself.

Following these tips will ensure a summer garden well-tended by a healthy gardener.
Being a central Florida commercial landscaping company, we see many homeowners out gardening in the summer time. We want all of you to stay healthy and happy!