When it comes to staying safe when gardening, having the right clothing is just as important as having the right tools. With the right clothes you’ll not only stay comfortable but will be protected from minor injuries and mishaps too.
So before you start any garden project, whether large or small, take a moment to think about what you are wearing. Here are some clothing items you might want to invest in:
Hat
A good hat is a gardener’s friend. It will keep you warm in winter and protect you from sunburn during warmer months. Choose a hat that provides good protection without obstructing your view. You might want to avoid very large brims or tassels which could get caught on twigs and branches. When undertaking larger structural jobs in the garden, it’s wise to invest in a hardhat to protect you from falling debris.
Gloves
Whether you are weeding, digging or pruning, a pair of gardening gloves will protect your hands not only from the elements but from scratches and scrapes as well. And when handling plants, gloves will protect you from insect bites as well as the irritation and rashes that some plants can cause. It’s a good idea to have two pairs of gardening gloves – a thicker pair for heavy duty work and a thinner pair for when you need to be more nimble fingered – such as when handling seedlings.
Trousers
Trousers take a lot of wear and tear when gardening so you won’t want to wear your best pair when gardening. Good gardening trousers are made from material that is easy to move around in but that also dries quickly if it gets wet. You might want to add knee protectors if you spend a lot of time kneeling in the garden. And if the weather is particularly wet, you could also wear waterproofs over the top of your trousers to keep the moisture away from your skin.
Layers
It’s easy to get overheated when gardening. Even on a cool day you can soon build up a sweat once you get to work. It’s therefore a good idea to wear layers when gardening so that you can add or remove a layer as you get hotter or colder. You’ll find lightweight base layers in walking and outdoor shops which are specifically designed to move sweat away from your skin, keeping you comfortable.
Footwear
Think carefully about footwear, even if you are only planning to do some light gardening. Every year people sustain foot injuries caused by garden tools because they weren’t wearing the correct footwear. The ideal gardening shoes are robust, waterproof and breathable and will keep sweaty, soggy feet at bay.
Keep your gardening clothes clean and dry in between gardening sessions and your gear will serve you well for many years to come.
For more garden advice, visit: www.bbc.co.uk/gardening
