Summer Heat Safety in the Garden
As gardeners begin to work in the depths of summer heat, one very important question may be crossing their minds as they battle sweat, dehydration, and lightheadedness: “How much of this is too much?” As much as we all love doing work in the garden, gardening in the baking sun can often be too much for our bodies, even with the proper precautions. As such, it’s essential to know what those precautions are, to follow them diligently, and to recognize when it’s time to call it a day until cooler temperatures prevail.
Beginning with the basics, simply wearing lightweight clothing and a hat can do wonders for keeping the body cool, but some options will be more beneficial than others. Wide-brimmed hats, for example, will protect your face, ears, neck, and chest. Though seemingly counterintuitive, Long-sleeved clothing and pants will protect you from sunburn and can keep you cooler if they’re lightweight, breathable, and a darker color. If it is particularly bright outside, don’t forget to work to protect your eyes with sunglasses.
Looking toward the rest of that sun protection, a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 will often be sufficient to protect your skin from dangerous UV radiation. However, depending on your time in the garden, this shouldn’t be a one-time application. Especially when sweating or working with water, sunscreen must be reapplied every two hours to remain effective.
Hydration is key. When working in the heat, avoid sugary drinks and opt for pure water or water with electrolytes. Remember not to skimp! Your body burns through fluids fast when sweating, which can lead to dehydration. Hydration should happen before, during, and after gardening. Having a shaded spot nearby for breaks is essential for allowing your body to cool down properly.
What are the signs your body needs a breather?
It's important to recognize the signs of heat exhaustion, as they can be your body's way of telling you to take a break. If you experience lightheadedness, dizziness, unusual fatigue, excessive sweating, a rapid pulse, muscle cramps, or in extreme cases, nausea and confusion, it's time to put the gardening aside for the day. Remember, ignoring these signals can lead to heat exhaustion or life-threatening heat stroke. By being aware of these signs, you can ensure your safety and well-being in the garden.
And don’t forget your other options as a gardener, as well. There is no rule saying work must be done in the heat. Morning and evening work will be just as effective at tackling essential tasks. Elsewhere, planting hardy and heat-tolerant plants in your garden can significantly reduce the maintenance needed during the summer. Mulching a garden, whether ornamental or vegetable, will help cool the ground for plants and retain moisture in the soil longer. Staying on top of weeds as they emerge, and not allowing them to grow large or go to seed, will significantly reduce weed and pest pressure down the line. You and your garden can stay healthy in the summer sun following these tips.
by Anthony Reardon, Horticulture Small Farms Agent, 2025