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<center>Reviewed 5/16/2024</center>
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<h2>Garden safety</h2>

Gardening is great! It can burn calories, strengthen muscles and relieve stress. But before you get digging in the dirt, make sure to put safety in your garden toolkit. Scroll on to find out how.

CHOOSE THE RIGHT CLOTHES

The right gear includes: 
<ul>
 <li>Sturdy, closed-toe footwear to protect your feet from thorny twigs, bug bites and sharp tools.</li>
 <li>Long-sleeved shirts and long pants to protect yourself from sun exposure.</li>
 <li>Gloves to guard your hands from germs, cuts, punctures and irritation.</li>
 <li>A wide-brimmed hat to shade your face and neck.</li>
</ul>
USE CAUTION WITH CHEMICALS
&nbsp;

Read the warning labels and instructions before using any pesticides or herbicides. 

PRACTICE GOOD POSTURE

Switch tasks about every 15 minutes to prevent muscle overuse. Avoid awkward twisting and stretching, which can lead to muscle and back problems. 

BE SAFE WITH TOOLS

Select tools that are a good match for your strength, size and ability. Put tools in their place when not in use. Don&rsquo;t place them on the ground where they can be stepped on. 

STAY COOL AND HYDRATED

Stay hydrated, and always keep water nearby. On hot days, store your water in the shade and take frequent rest-and-refresh breaks. 

PRACTICE SUN SAFETY

These tips can help you avoid sunburn.
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Sources
<ul>
 <li>American Academy of Dermatology. "How to Prevent Skin Problems While Gardening." <a target="_blank" href="https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-secrets/routine/prevent-skin-problems-gardening">https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-secrets/routine/prevent-skin-problems-gardening</a>.</li>
 <li>American Academy of Pediatrics. "Playing Outside in the Yard: 8 Tips to Keep it Fun &amp; Safe for Kids." <a target="_blank" href="https://www.healthychildren.org/English/safety-prevention/at-home/Pages/Backyard-Safety.aspx">https://www.healthychildren.org/English/safety-prevention/at-home/Pages/Backyard-Safety.aspx</a>.</li>
 <li> American Society for Surgery of the Hand. "Gardening Safety." <a target="_blank" href="https://www.assh.org/handcare/safety/gardening#google_vignette"> https://www.assh.org/handcare/safety/gardening#google_vignette</a>.</li>
 <li>Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "Warning Signs and Symptoms of Heat-Related Illness." <a target="_blank" href="https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat/warning.html"> https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat/warning.html</a>.</li>
 <li>The Foundation for Fresh Produce. "About the Buzz: Gardening Can Improve Your Health?" <a target="_blank" href="https://www.fruitsandveggies.org/stories/atb-for-032311">https://www.fruitsandveggies.org/stories/atb-for-032311</a>.</li>
 <li>Skin Cancer Foundation. "All About Sunscreen." <a target="_blank" href="https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-prevention/sun-protection/sunscreen/">https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-prevention/sun-protection/sunscreen/</a>.</li>
 <li>Virginia Cooperative Extension. "Hand Tools Safety: Lawn Care Training Guide Hand Tool Care and Safe Use." <a target="_blank" href="https://www.pubs.ext.vt.edu/content/pubs_ext_vt_edu/en/BSE/BSE-51/BSE-51.html">https://www.pubs.ext.vt.edu/content/pubs_ext_vt_edu/en/BSE/BSE-51/BSE-51.html</a>.</li>
</ul>

Garden safety

Great gardening depends on more than just seeds and shovels. Take a look at how you could grow into safer gardening practices.