Sowing seeds of safety: Stay healthy and injury-free when working outdoors

The University of Kentucky Public Relations and Strategic Communications Office provides a weekly health column available for use and reprint by news media. This week’s column is by Amy Aldenderfer, agriculture Extension agent in the University of Kentucky College of Agriculture, Food and Environment.

LEXINGTON, Ky. (March 23, 2026) — The first day of spring is around the corner, and many Kentuckians are itching to get outside after a long winter. From front yard landscaping to backyard gardens, patio planters to farm fields, warmer weather brings out everyone’s inner gardener, ready to jump in and get their hands dirty. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or planting your very first seeds, a little preparation can prevent a lot of problems. Keep these tips in mind before you head out and dig in.

Self-care before yard care. People don’t often think of gardening and yardwork as exercise, but it can be as intense as any workout. It’s tempting to go outside on the first nice day and try to do an entire season’s work on a single Saturday. Remember to pace yourself, take frequent breaks, hydrate and wear sunscreen. Dress in moisture-wicking layers as well as long pants and sleeves to protect against scrapes, insect bites and the dreaded poison ivy. Remember to stretch and refuel after a long day — gardening is hard work.

Safety starts at your fingertips. Wearing gloves while working outside is crucial. Not only do they protect against cuts and scrapes, they keep the harmful bacteria and other contaminants found in dirt out of open wounds. Tetanus is a serious, potentially fatal disease that can occur when the bacterium Clostridium tetani, commonly found in dirt, gets into an open wound. Tetanus boosters are recommended every 10 years. If you can’t remember when you last had a booster, it’s probably time for one. Keep your tools sharp and in good working order and be sure to give them a good scrub after use. Additionally, always wear eye and ear protection when working with power tools, never use a ladder without a spotter and keep your cell phone within reach in the event of an accident.

Weed out the risks. Weeds aren’t just a nuisance; they can be dangerous. Poison ivy exposure can range from an itchy rash to swelling and trouble breathing. In addition to gloves and long sleeves, use a specialized protective lotion to keep the oil from penetrating the skin. Even the moisture from regular lotion can act as a temporary barrier. Poison ivy isn’t the only threat; many common weeds found in gardens are toxic. The oil from the invasive poison hemlock, for example, can find its way from an ungloved hand to your face and mouth. Gloves, along with frequent handwashing, can help mitigate the risks.

Be aware of your surroundings. It’s the season of buzzing bees and singing birds, but also ticks, spiders and snakes. Woodpiles, leaves and dark corners can hide some potentially dangerous critters who don’t like to be surprised. Thoroughly check tall weeds, woodpiles and flowerbeds before you dig in. Look for signs such as shed skins, trails or webs. Always wear gloves, boots and use long-handled tools to avoid direct contact with hidden creatures.

Take extra care with pesticides and other chemicals. Bugs are the bane of every gardener and farmer. Pesticides, when used correctly and safely, can keep your plants happy and healthy. Read the labels very carefully, wear protective clothing and gear, and apply only as directed. After application, keep kids and pets away from the treated area until it dries. Follow the directions for storage and keep it far from the reach of kids.

Spring projects are a great way to reconnect with the outdoors while also building muscle strength and cardio endurance. When you take the extra time to prepare and protect yourself, you can keep the joy in the dirt — without the hurt.