As a gardener living in South Africa, there are many threats to getting the job done that one may or may not realise.
With summer here, the bright, warm and dry weather presents an ideal environment for DIY gardeners to get digging, weeding and planting.
As a South African, you are all too familiar with the temperatures rising over 30 degrees on many days and the pain of the result of being in the sun for too long.
If you are planning to get in some holiday gardening, you are encouraged to take into consideration some of these tips to stay safe in the garden during summer.
Block it:
“CANSA reminds all South Africans to be SunSmart throughout the year and especially during Summer, as skin cancer remains one of the most common cancers.” (http://www.cansa.org.za/be-sunsmart/)
Any sunscreen that is printed with the CANSA Seal of Recognition logo is a go-to sunscreen as it has been approved by CANSA.
However, even though you have the sunscreen it should be applied correctly to ensure you are properly covered. It’s important to know what SPF to use for your skin, such as fragrance free for sensitive skin or SPF 30+ for those with fair skin or people with melasma. An SPF 15 or higher can be used by those with a darker complexion. No matter what skin type or shade, sunscreen must be used. One should also note that it needs to be applied 20 minutes before going outside and should be reapplied at least every two to three hours, and more frequently if you take a dip in the pool whilst doing your gardening. http://www.skincancer.org/prevention/sun-protection/sunscreen/choosing
Protect it:
When it comes to sun protection, the application of sunscreen is just not enough, especially if you are going to be in the sun, gardening for hours.
Wearing a large brimmed hat that covers the face and neck will help keep you from getting harmful sun burn.
Sunglasses are also a must. Preferably choose sunglasses with a high UV grading. Your eyes are also affected by the sun rays and long term exposure can be damaging to one’s eye sight.
Cover it up:
Ladies and gents, please do not garden in your bikini, board shorts or speedo. You should be properly dressed with a light long sleeve shirt that covers your arms and shoulders, light long pants to cover your legs and of course, gardening gloves to protect your hands.
Keeping it clean:
Despite protecting your hands from the sun, gardening gloves also help prevent nail breakage, dirt and bacteria from collecting under the nail – especially when digging in soil where animal faeces may be buried- and blisters which can be a result of the friction from pulling out weeds or breaking branches. They also prevent cuts and prevent splinters. http://www.monitor.co.ug/Magazines/HomesandProperty/Why-you-need-gardening-gloves/689858-3059182-kubw5tz/index.html
See it:
Strategically placing solar lanterns/solar lights around the garden will help illuminate gorgeous flowers you want to show off to visitors. It also helps with creating light outdoors for when walking out in the garden or ensuring one is able to see around the garden should there be unwanted visitors on the property, without using electricity, but rather solar power.
Even though gardening is to be enjoyed, it is always important to stay safe and put your health first.
Tip facts sourced from cansa.org; skincancer.org; monitor.co.ug and information provided from the team at Granny Mouse Country House & Spa.
