CAES Newswire

 College of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences UGA Cooperative Extension
Menu
Published on 07/27/16

It's harvest time, and it's hot: ways to protect yourself from heat stress in the garden

By Becky Griffin

Summer heat can be dangerous, especially with the heat and humidity that we are experiencing this summer.

The best way to stay safe from heat exposure might be to stay indoors, but that’s not an option for gardeners. Those cherry tomatoes aren’t going to harvest themselves.

While heat stress can be a real concern for those working in gardens, there are some strategies that can help keep gardeners safe.

Know yourself. Know the symptoms.

Heat stress is defined as any situation where the human body is unable to cool itself by sweating. This can lead to several conditions, including heat rash, heat cramps, heat exhaustion and the medical emergency known as heat stroke.

A rapid and strong pulse; a body temperature over 103 degrees Fahrenheit; hot, red skin; and possible unconsciousness indicate heat stroke. Call 911 if you or someone you’re working with exhibits these symptoms.

Many regulars at community gardens — especially the elderly and children — are more susceptible to heat stress and need to be especially careful when working outdoors. Pregnant women, people suffering from heart disease and high blood pressure, people who’ve just moved from a cooler climate and those using certain medications also face greater risks from the heat, said Certified Safety Professional Millard Griffin, who has managed worker safety on a range of outdoor projects for Environmental Resources Management.

“It’s preferable to work with another gardener so that you can monitor each other,” Griffin said. “If you notice extreme sweating, dizziness, nausea or muscle cramps, stop working. Head indoors, hydrate and cool down.”

Strategies for staying safe

  • Acclimatize to the heat. Work a limited amount of time outdoors and gradually increase your amount of time in the heat.
  • Avoid the peak heat periods of the day. Get your work done early in the morning or late in the day. Avoid the hours between 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. when daytime temperatures are likely to peak.
  • Take frequent breaks in a cool area. Taking breaks in an air-conditioned area is preferable, but a shady area will work.
  • Limit exposure to direct sunlight when possible. Plan your workday to take advantage of shaded areas.
  • Drink plenty of water. Take a water break at least every hour, and drink cool water. Also, drink water before working in the garden. Hydration is key.
  • Avoid caffeinated beverages and alcohol. These are diuretics and cause your body to lose water.
  • Wear light-colored, loose-fitting clothing and a hat. Use sunscreen to protect against ultraviolet rays on all exposed skin.

For more information about recognizing heat stress, exhaustion and heat stroke, visitcdc.gov/extremeheat/warning.html.

Becky Griffin is a community and school garden coordinator with UGA Extension.

Authors:
Becky Griffin
Experts/Sources:
Becky Griffin
Gavin Shytle CAES News
Gavin Shytle changes the game with UGA Grounds Crew 10/01/24
It’s a special moment to step inside Sanford Stadium and walk across that sprawling green field between the hedges. While the grass beneath your feet may not always be your first thought at the Freshman Welcome or Commencement, it is for Gavin Shytle. Keeping the turf safe, healthy, and aesthetically pleasing is the sworn duty of Shytle and his fellow turfgrass management majors. Before athletes even hit the ground running, he makes sure the ground is prepped for them.
Although it may not fit the traditional image of a well-kept lawn, this landscape is the result of careful planning and a deep commitment to ecological stewardship. CAES News
Done with mowing? How to transform your lawn into a native, perennial landscape 09/12/24 Emily Cabrera
On a tour of her Blairsville, Georgia, home, Becky Griffin navigates a swaying maze of perennial grasses interspersed with pussy willows, switchgrass and boneset. Although it may not fit the traditional image of a well-kept lawn, this landscape is the result of careful planning and a deep commitment to ecological stewardship. As a native plant enthusiast and coordinator of the Great Southeast Pollinator Census, Griffin hand-selected each of these native plants for the countless ecological services they provide year-round.
Master Gardener Carrots CAES News
Celebrating 45 years of Georgia Master Gardeners 09/03/24 Sheri Dorn
The Georgia Master Gardener Extension Volunteer program is celebrating its 45th anniversary with signature events throughout 2024, culminating in the Georgia Master Gardener Association’s annual conference Oct. 4-5. Hosted on the University of Georgia Griffin campus, the event’s theme is “Think Globally, Grow Locally” and will feature research tours, presentations and workshops hosted by Master Gardeners.
College student counts pollinators for the Great Southeast Pollinator Census. CAES News
Protect pollinators by joining the Great Southeast Pollinator Census Aug. 23-24 07/31/24 Emily Cabrera
As summer draws to a close, nature enthusiasts, gardeners and residents across the Southeast are gearing up for an exciting citizen science project – the 2024 Great Southeast Pollinator Census. Scheduled for Aug. 23-24, this annual event invites participants from Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Florida to join forces in counting pollinators, collecting valuable data that helps researchers, farmers and policymakers understand pollinator populations and their impact on agriculture.
Poison ivy in a forested area. CAES News
Detect and protect: Expert tips to identify and control poison ivy 07/18/24 Mark Czarnota
Poison ivy is a common poisonous plant in Georgia and is infamous for causing allergic reactions for as many as 50 million Americans annually. To manage it effectively and safely, it's important to understand its traits and use the right control methods to deal with this troublesome plant. Mark Czarnota, an associate professor in the University of Georgia Department of Horticulture, provides helpful tips to distinguish poison ivy from common look-alikes and shares several ways to control the irritating plant.
Water deeply to ensure that the moisture penetrates deeply into the root growth below. Once or twice a week is enough for most plants. CAES News
Even in a heat wave, don't overwater your plants 07/01/24 Timothy Daly
Now that summer is officially upon us, temperatures are up and areas of Georgia are experiencing abnormally dry conditions, you may be worried about how your yard is doing. Proper watering is key to helping your plants thrive. Excessive watering is one of the leading causes of issues in the home landscape. Yes, this issue can be a problem even during prolonged dry spells. A condition known as root rot develops, and marigolds, verbenas, hollies, boxwoods, azaleas and rhododendrons are some of the most sensitive.