Attention Gardeners

This blog is not specifically about gardening itself but this is important information. The topic of this blog is about the weather conditions. As you all know, it is summer and the temperature keeps getting hotter and hotter. I want everybody to be knowledgeable about what to do in specific weather temperatures to avoid getting heat stroke and/ or heat stress issues.

Before you work outside:

-Check the temperature and forecast- this will give you the proper information about what is going on outside so you will be prepared. Also, you can decide whether it is too hot to work in the garden or maybe there are specific hours you can work in the garden.

-Choose wisely about your clothing- If you decide to work in the garden and it is above 70 degrees wear loose fitting clothing so your body can cool properly. Also, wear light colored clothing because dark colors absorb heat and may cause your body to overheat.

– Check your medicine, some medicine have complications with heat. If your medicine has problems with heat contact your doctor and do according to their suggestion.

During gardening:

-It is highly recommended not to work in your garden in the heat of the day (between 12pm- 3pm) but if you must, PLEASE DO NOT OVERWORK YOURSELF AND TAKE BREAKS IN A COOL PLACE PREFERLY NOT OUTSIDE.

-Have bottles of water and/or Powerade and/or Gatorade on site, these liquids will provide your body the fluids to manage properly and help cool you down.

Know the Symptoms (most common symptoms of heat stress)

Heat Stroke                                                                      

• Hot, dry skin or profuse sweating
• Hallucinations
• Chills
• Throbbing headache
• High body temperature
• Confusion/dizziness
• Slurred speech

Heat exhaustion

• Heavy sweating
• Extreme weakness or fatigue
• Dizziness, confusion
• Nausea
• Clammy, moist skin
• Pale or flushed complexion
• Muscle cramps
• Slightly elevated body temperature
• Fast and shallow breathing