Gardening in the heat
With the high temperatures and high humidity lately, it is important to take care while working outside. Here are some sensible tips to keep in mind during the hot weather.
Do your heaviest work such as weeding early in the morning, as early in the day, or even in the evening. It’s good for both you and the plants. Take a cue from South American and Mediterranean countries where a siesta time from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sit in the shade, relax and enjoy your garden, listen to the birds, and watch the butterflies. The weeds will still be there waiting for you once the day cools down.
Slow down and pace yourself, keep hydrated, drink plenty of cool water while outside. Don’t forget your sunscreen. Wear a hat that shades not only your face but your ears and neck as well. Tie a wet bandanna around your neck or even a wet cotton dish towel over the nape of your neck.
Go inside if you feel yourself getting dizzy or overheated. Take a cool shower or spray yourself with the garden hose. Heat stress can cause muscle cramps and fatigue. Your body is telling you it has had enough. Heat Exhaustion adds headache, nausea, and dizziness to the cramps and fatigue.
Ignoring these symptoms can quickly lead to heatstroke. Heat Stroke can be fatal. If you stop sweating, are vomiting, have a body temperature of 104, have a racing heartbeat and rapid, shallow breathing, cool down immediately, and seek medical help. Don’t pour ice cold water on your head or you could go into shock. Heatstroke if left untreated could lead to unconsciousness and can damage your heart, kidneys, brain, and muscles.
Hot weather is tough on plants and people too. You can’t take care of your garden if you don’t take care of yourself so when the thermometer starts to sizzle, head inside during the hottest part of the day. Taken from the “Farmer’s Almanac”. Remember to stay cool.
