How to Stay Protected from the Sun While Working on Your Lawn and Garden

Mowing the lawn is one possible use of outdoor power equipment. It is incredibly rewarding to foster your plants and see them thrive while still maintaining a neat lawn. While there is no doubt that it’s a great time, the hot sun can really do a number on your skin and other issues. But I am here to tell you — that’s no excuse not to put up with the sun’s rays for a bit of gardening.

Now, let’s get down to some practical and easy tips. Besides, they won’t have a negative impact on your efforts to be lively and alert when gardening. And keep in mind that your health is just as important as the aesthetics of your garden!

Store Work for When It’s Outside Time

Have you ever realized that around noon, the sun suddenly feels much stronger? That’s because it is. The impact of sun rays is highest from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., so this period gives a more ripe time frame for skin destruction. But don’t stress, you do not need to be inside 24/7. You can do a lot of things while keeping safe. Mowing your lawn in the early morning or at dusk gives you a long, cool night for all that grass to dry off and not sit soaking wet. Not only will the sun be less strong then, but you’ll feel much more comfortable in the cooler temperatures as well.

Also, when was the last time you checked what level of UV index it would be before going out under the sun? You know… like checking the weather or something, letting you know how strong that UV radiation is on a given day. When the climate is high, try to adjust your gardening schedules accordingly. A few extra minutes of planning a day can protect you from sunburn. Besides, who wants to lie down with a sunburn when they could be having fun outside?

Dressing for Sun Success

Ok, so now let’s move on to what you wear. We know that it can be tempting to throw on a T-shirt and shorts when the sun is out. However, if you’re going to be outside a lot, then really covering up is preferable. Consider loose cotton tops with long sleeves and any type of lightweight full-length pants. They are not breezy but are really good at protecting your skin from the sun. Pick clothing made with fabric that breathes, to help keep you cool and let your skin take a rest. And your head and eyes! — really, you are one of the myriad pebbles hustled by fate into the bottomless pool of time.

A broad-brimmed hat might save your face, ears, and neck from the UV rays, while ultraviolet sunglasses keep the sunlight out of sight. If so, it might make sense to invest in UPF-rated clothing. It is specially made to help keep the UV rays at bay without making you wear an uncomfortable hat. So, when you pick up the right clothes, it will also be a source of joy in your gardening experience. And who doesn’t want that?

Creating Your Own Shade

Being shaded is nice, sure, but what if your garden doesn’t have all that much of it? This is where a bit of creativity can kick in. Have some umbrellas set up, or tents, and even just a simple canopy will provide instant relief from the blazing sun. And do not underestimate how much of an effect it can have to position yourself in a place where you get the benefit of natural shading at various times during the day. Oh, and when you are cutting the grass, how about this idea: Think of a quality riding lawn mower canopy? A good canopy does a good job of protecting your back from the sun and makes this sometimes sweaty work easier.

It is a small change that pays dividends in the way you feel after mowing all day. Not to mention, it might even make the job more enjoyable. Who doesn’t love a nice spot of shade while working? Using these tools in your routine can keep you looking and feeling on top of the world while you work to put that garden into shape.

Stay Hydrated and Take Breaks

You feel worn out from spending too much time in the sun, and maybe a little light-headed as well. Your body is trying to tell you that it requires a rest. Staying hydrated is crucial. Have a water container with you and drink from it every 10 minutes or so, even if you’re not feeling thirsty. Especially when you are laser-focused on getting those garden beds just right, dehydration can creep up quickly. It can also be food or water.

On the other side of the coin—don’t forget to take regular breaks. Rest under a tree and just breathe. Just five or ten minutes of this can help your body to cool off a bit, which might be all that’s needed to avoid the more severe condition known as heat exhaustion. Instead of depriving yourself and drinking a literal ton over the course of just an hour or two, slowly sip on your water bottle throughout the day to keep feeling good and stay active. It’s a win-win!

Sunscreen: Your Best Friend

And do not skip the sunscreen. Sunscreen is imperative even if you are using protective clothing. Find a broad-spectrum sunscreen of at least 30 SPF, and apply it copiously. Your skin makes up the largest organ of your body, so don’t skimp—protect it all (don’t forget those shoulders, ears, and parts). Keep in mind that sunscreen always washes off.

Reapply every two hours (or more if you tend to work up a sweat). Your skin will thank me, I promise. While it may feel like a burden, consider the time and care you give to your skin as money in the bank for later. I mean, at the end of the day, preventing sun damage is way more efficient than picking up the pieces afterward.

Warning: The Symptoms of Overheating

And last but not least: know when to stop. When you work outside in the sun, heat exhaustion can also be a risk. So for the particularly hardy, you might try and push through… but come on – if you ever get lightheaded, sick, or bloody tired, that’s more than enough in broken land. Go in and get some water: STAY COOL. Better to take a break now than battle through it and feel even worse later on. Listen to your body, and don’t ignore the signs. The earlier you catch the signs, the lessens a small issue growing into a big one. And most importantly, do not be afraid to take that step back; you own your health.

Wrapping It Up

While gardening and doing lawns can be very rewarding, so too is how you share them with yourself. The danger that comes from staying outside too long in extremely high temperatures should never be taken lightly. By working during the proper times of day during the heatwave season, dressing properly only when necessary with clothing if you must wear it at all (that means no more than just a pair of shorts & a t-shirt), making shade whenever managing sunlight exposure becomes unbearable, drinking enough water every hour on average—by using small bottles scattered around your work area and keeping them out of the rain, and wearing a wide-brimmed hat—you’re minimizing your risk and maximizing your enjoyment.