So, you’re finally going to get down and dirty with some intense garden work after putting it off for weeks or months. The task doesn’t have to be colossal or unmanageable when you have the proper gear. Another factor that affects this project’s ease and accessibility is your outfit.
You have to wear the appropriate clothing that can protect you from dirt and dust, as well as little insects in your garden. Nonetheless, while it serves as a barrier against natural elements, it should also allow you to move around freely to ensure that you can accomplish your goals for the day.
Here are the essential things you should wear for a day of intense garden work:
1. Close-Toed Footwear
The footwear you use for heavy gardening or landscaping should provide adequate protection for your feet.
If you’re using a mower, you definitely don’t want to make your toes open and vulnerable to the blades. That’s why you must find close-toed shoes when you’re out in the garden.
Some gardeners suggest wearing foam clog shoes, which can be cleaned with ease. This type of footwear may be sufficient for light gardening and watering your plants.
However, it may not be sturdy enough for intense garden work like mowing the lawn or digging and mulching.
It is highly-recommended that you choose sturdy close-toed footwear like hiking shoes. These provide ample cushioning for your feet while still being breathable and waterproof. They are, after all, built for rough terrain and long hikes, so you’re sure to be comfortable and protected.
Aside from wearing proper footwear and safety gear, here are other things you can do to prevent injuries while working with tools in your garden:
- Lift Properly – A strained back is a typical problem for gardeners, whether professionals or hobbyists, because they often neglect to use the appropriate muscles when lifting heavy objects like pots, plants and wheelbarrows. Always lift with your legs and practice proper technique.
- Get Immunized – Immunizations are essential when you’re a professional landscaper or someone who’s just really passionate about maintaining your garden. You can get tetanus from bacteria that live in soil, saliva, dust and manure. It’s better to keep yourself safe than regret not being up-to-date on your vaccinations.
- Drink Lots of Water – As long as you’re out and about, you should keep yourself hydrated to replace the water that’s expelled by your body through sweat. You don’t want to suffer from breathlessness, dizziness, nausea and, in extreme scenarios, loss of consciousness.
2. Cotton Shirt and Pants
You must keep your arms protected by wearing long-sleeved shirts when you do manual work. Not only will it act as a barrier against flying debris when mowing, but it will also shield your skin against the harmful UV rays of the sun.
Similarly, you ought to wear trousers to protect your legs. Choose cotton as the material of choice because it’s breathable and keeps moisture away from the body. It also isn’t as heavy when it gets wet, unlike denim or wool.
Remember to choose clothes that fit snugly to your form. Loose-fitting shirts and pants have a higher likelihood of getting caught by the lawnmower and other gardening tools, thus increasing the risk of injuries.
3. Overalls
Overalls add another layer of protection for your body against debris and other possible harmful elements that you may face while in the garden.
Plus, it also extends the life of the garments beneath by acting as a shield for them as well. It can add warmth to the body, too, which is beneficial if you need to do work in winter.
4. Gloves
Don’t neglect to protect your hands when working in your garden, especially when you’re handling power tools. Gloves can minimize the risk of developing blisters or getting cut on your hands and fingers.
This accessory also has the added benefit of boosting your grip strength when handling tools. This minimizes the risk of injuries in the field.
5. Protective Gear
Invest in protective gear like goggles or sunglasses to shield your eyes from the sun and flying debris. Earplugs are valuable accessories to mitigate eardrum damage from the noise of loud mowers.
Also, a face mask will prevent irritation caused by particles that find their way into your nose and mouth.
Conclusion
Garden work is a physically-demanding task. Aside from having the right tools, wearing appropriate clothing can help you finish the project faster.
Wear sturdy footwear like hiking shoes to protect your feet as well as cotton pants, shirts and overalls for your body. Don’t forget to buy gloves and other protective gear if you’ll be exposed to flying debris due to mowing.
