Gardening is a favourite pastime among many, offering beautiful surroundings and homegrown rewards.
However, whether you’re a new or experienced gardener alike, remembering safety guidelines when tending your garden is essential to enjoying it fully and seeing plants flourish.
Our latest blog shares handy advice on how to build your perfect outdoor haven without compromising safety – planting techniques, bloom care tips and how to protect against common hazards are just some of our backyard safety tips – read on for our top backyard safety tips!
Wear Protective Clothing
Gardening can be hard work, so it’s essential that your skin and eyes are protected from the elements.
Always wear gloves when handling tools with sharp thorns; long-sleeved shirts and trousers provide additional protection from scratches, bites and stings while working among shrubs or bushes; don’t forget your eye protection; investing in gardening goggles will stop squinting while safeguarding vision from debris!
Be Wary of Potential Hazards
Before beginning any task, thoroughly assess the area for potential hazards such as sharp objects, exposed nails or hidden dangers that could cause injury. If something poses a threat, take time to make it safe before commencing with work.
Keep a First Aid Kit Handy
Prepare for anything in the garden! Be ready for accidents by stocking up on basic first aid supplies such as bandages and antiseptic cream – they could come in handy if you cut yourself or experience an allergic reaction to plant sap. Additionally, don’t forget insect repellent as bugs can ruin even the most beautiful outdoor spaces!
Utilise Tools Wisely
Tools are essential in caring for a garden, but misusing them could result in injury. Always read instructions carefully prior to operating any machinery and use only gardening-specific tools when operating machines or employing hand tools. Make sure power tools are unplugged after each use and don’t overload electrical sockets when not needed.
Keep Children and Pets Away From Hazardous Areas
When caring for children or pets in your garden, be sure to mark off areas as off limits. Avoid any hazards like hazardous chemicals or sharp objects and machinery which might harm them. When using pesticides, wear a mask while storing them safely away from curious hands.
Tree Lopping & Pruning
Even healthy trees can be dangerous. When pruning or lopping them, wear protective clothing and work slowly – don’t attempt to climb without safety gear and read up on correct techniques before beginning this job – if in doubt seek professional assistance! Tree lopping can be hazardous; doing it incorrectly could result in property damage or bodily injury to yourself and/or others.
Wear Sun Protection
Gardening can be an enjoyable way to spend your outdoor time, but it is essential that you protect yourself from sun damage by wearing sun protection such as a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen with an SPF rating of at least 30 when gardening for any extended period of time.
Attract Beneficial Insects
Attracting beneficial insects such as ladybugs and lacewings is essential to keeping your garden pest-free, and inviting these beneficial bugs into your outdoor space by planting flowers such as marigolds, cosmos and sunflowers will do just that.
No matter the skill of a gardener, taking proper precautions is paramount to making gardening enjoyable for both you and your garden. From wearing protective clothing when operating machinery to applying sunscreen when spending time outside – keeping an eye on safety tips will help make gardening an enjoyable experience for everyone.