Summer Time Gardening Safety

Did you know that good gardeners have their own set of rules that they abide by for the best yield of produce and the safest gardening experience?

If you're new to gardening, heed these wise words when growing veggies, herbs and fruits this summer.

If it's not in use, store it away - This means shovels, wheelbarrows, rakes and gardening shears. Tools that are left scattered about can pose a risk to the passerby who may accidentally trip and fall over them. Also, tools that are left out in the rain will develop rust over time. Take a few minutes to tidy up after a day of toiling in the garden beds. Not only is this safer, but your garden will look a lot neater, too!

Replace rusty fencing - Lots of people put up low critter fences to keep rabbits and other varmints away from their veggie gardens. Over time, this fencing can rust. If someone accidentally scratches themselves on the fence, this can pose a risk. So be a safe gardener, and get rid of that rusty fencing.

Don't pick veggies after a rain, or when it's dewy out - The air becomes moist after the sun goes down, and everything is covered in dew in the morning. This is the worst time to pick vegetables because wetness transmits mold, bacteria and viruses. Wait until the sun has been shining on your garden for a while to dry everything out, before heading in to harvest.

Use proper form when bending and reaching to pick vegetables and tend your crops - It's easy to strain your muscles if you reach too far while standing in an awkward position. Remember to bend your knees when leaning forward, and keep your tummy pulled in so as to avoid straining your back while gardening.

Avoid using chemical sprays on your garden - This includes pest control. Most garden pests can be kept under control either by planting strongly scented herbs nearby your veggie plants, or by simply picking the beetles off the plants. Another option is to knock off garden bugs with a spray of the hose.

Keep the neighborhood dogs and cats away - Another source of disease and contamination of your plants is cat and dog feces. If your neighbors allow their cats to roam freely, let them know that the animal is urinating and defecating into your family's food supply. Most people with any ounce of sympathy will understand!

See you tomorrow to discover another frugal way to have fun this summer!
Your happy WAHM, Stephanie Gilbert

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