Be safe and healthy in the garden this spring, friends. I say this because a few days ago I received the annual prepare-for-spring announcement from my community garden organizer. The subject line was “Gardening in the time of COVID-19.” It gave general information about the cancellation of a city-wide Gardeners’ Gathering due to the virus, the definitely-having-but-still-unscheduled opening meeting for our group of gardeners and an invitation to get into our garden plots as a way to get some fresh air.

A few weeks before that I had received a forwarded email from a colleague that, in a nutshell, explained that international plant buyers were requesting that Italian nursery growers provide documentation that their plants are coronavirus-free. An absurd request, certainly, fueled by uncertainty.

While COVID-19 is not carried by plants or soil, there are other fairly common issues of concern that the garden presents such as bugs, bites and burns. Instituting some general “best practices” as you walk through and dig in your garden—and more importantly, after you garden—can go a long way in keeping you healthy enough to garden another day.

Tips for Staying Healthy While Gardening

Glove up!

Limit direct contact of your hands (and skin in general) with the soil, humus, amendments, fertilizers and especially compost and composted manures. Soils and manures can contain microorganisms from animal droppings, while amendments and fertilizers may contain elements that shouldn’t be consumed (even if accidentally!). I’m guilty of not wearing gloves 100% of the time, especially when removing small weeds. Gloves seem like a barrier to truly gripping small weeds. If that’s the case, weed smarter—use a tool to loosen the soil and then sift the soil with your (gloved) hands.

Pants and sleeves.

It’s not your favorite thing to wear long pants and sleeves in the depths of August, I know that. But covering your skin—your body’s largest organ—can help prevent damage caused by the sun, protect from insect bites and protect you from scratches and rashes that could develop from touching plants (I get a major rash if my arms are close to tomato leaves!). Tuck those pant legs into your boots or socks and you can help keep ticks away, too. And don’t forget a brimmed hat!

Sunscreen.

Lather up with a healthy dose of sunscreen like you were going to the beach, my friends. And don’t forget the bridge of your nose and the tops of your hands and ears. Apply as directed—which usually is at least a half hour or more before going out into the sun.

Permethrin-treated clothing.

I’ve heard good things about using the permethrin insecticide to protect oneself from all sorts of biting and stinging insects. Having it chemically embedded into clothing seems like a great idea. Since I two ticks bit me last summer, I plan on purchasing a couple of pairs of treated pants. I wouldn’t wish Lyme disease on my worst enemy.

Drink to your health!

The sun is no joke. It’s easy to get overheated, especially if you’re wearing a big-brimmed hat. Drink plenty of water or liquids with electrolytes to replenish any water lost from your body through the sweating process.