Top Tips to Stay Cool While Gardening

Lying around the beach on a sunny day may feel great, but this is also the season of planting, weeding, and harvesting, and the beating sun may not feel so welcome, as necessary as it is to your plants.

You may also have a different perception of temperature or your body may have difficulty regulating temperature due to hormonal shifts like menopause, or other conditions such as chronic traumatic brain injury or spinal cord injuries, or temporary changes such as pregnancy. Don't let the heat keep you away from your beloved plants! Here's how you can keep your cool while tending to your green space.

Garden During Cooler Times

The simplest way to beat the heat is to garden during the cooler parts of the day. Early mornings and late evenings are the best times to be outside because the sun is less intense, and the temperatures are lower. If you have a flexible schedule, try adjusting your gardening routine to these times.

Shady Solutions

Shade can be a lifesaver when gardening in the heat. Using an umbrella that you can stick into the ground is a fantastic idea. It provides shade exactly where you need it and can be moved around as you work.

Hydration is Key

I've found I drink plenty when I'm inside but forget when I'm outside. It's not convenient to carry around a water bottle and my hands are frequently messy. A pop top water bottle can help so you're not touching where you drink from, and a carabiner to attach the water bottle to your clothing or gear or to a fence can be helpful. I also have started using Redmond Real Salt Re-Lyte Hydration to help stay hydrated (I have a dedicated water bottle that I scoop into so I don't have to wash it daily, or realistically I would not bring it out with me on a daily basis). When I was young and played sports I would drink gatorade at times but have since then read the label and won't be drinking that again!

Dressing Smart

The clothes you wear can make a significant difference in how cool you feel. Opt for lightweight, breathable fabrics. I was recently looking into a cooling vest and found arm sleeves as well, as potential solutions. As much as I love that there's a world naked gardening day (who comes up with this stuff?) I don't actually think gardening in your skivvies is going to keep you cool enough. You can also wet your clothing to help keep you cool (water yourself before your plants!), but that's not going to be comfortable for everyone.

I have not tried either of these but was looking at this cooling vest and these arm sleeves, just to give you an idea of what's out there that's inexpensive and has good reviews.

With these tips, you can enjoy your gardening time without the heat getting the best of you. Stay cool, stay happy, and keep growing!