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Staying safe in the garden
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Gardening is like skiing, every year, folks get all giddy and rarin' to go and head out with big plans on opening day. The day after, they can barely hobble to the bathroom for more bandaids and ibuprofen. Some will be sporting stitches and puncture wounds. One or two a black eye. I don't want to be sitting here with my refreshing vodka cocktail, wagging my finger, saying, "I told ya so."
Safety and good work habits are lauded for a reason, folks. Here's a list of what you need and how one should proceed in the garden -this isn't a long list, but an important list, so take note.
- get a tetanus shot. Tetanus is soil borne.
- sharpen all your tools. A sharp tool is an efficient tool and one that hopefully will not rip you to shreds when you impale yourself on it
- sunscreen, make it a sweatproof one
- decent hat, and don't forget to cover the back of your neck
- good gloves
- sturdy shoes (not the cutesy clogs you will slip out of as you jump on the shovel to get some real leverage. You know who you are)
- notice when you are tired, probably just a few hours into this marathon. Start cleaning up and putting your tools away before you can't lift your head off the lawn.
- crack open that beer and sit back and admire your accomplishments. Now you will be able to do the rest when you are ready.
It is incredibly helpful to quit BEFORE you are exhausted. Cleaning up can take as long as the actual chores and the time should be taken into consideration. Be aware, too, that when you start to tire, you often get sloppy and lose strenght/grip. This is when accidents are likely to occur.
Now, suit up, sharpen up, and get out there and garden.
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