County Connection- Advice from the Heartland

Garden Columns- Marion County
Steve Mayer, Purdue Extension Educator, Horticulture

Hot Summer Tips for Gardeners

Doing a few simple things this summer can go a long way to help keep gardeners safe and healthy, as well as improve the environment.

Protect Yourself from the Sun

Too much of the sun's ultraviolet (UV) radiation can cause immediate discomfort like sunburn as well as long-term consequences such as skin cancer and cataracts. Very high UV radiation levels can damage skin in less than 10 minutes.

Consider the following tips to help reduce your risk of negative health effects from the sun:

• Minimize exposure to the sun from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Use a sunscreen (SPF 15 or higher) on exposed areas.
• Apply sunscreen every two hours when gardening vigorously.
• Wear a wide-brimmed hat and tightly woven, full-length clothing.
• Use sunglasses with UV-protection.
• Seek shade whenever possible.

Avoid the Heat

Hot weather can be more than just uncomfortable; it can be deadly. Heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke can occur. The National Weather Service initiates alert procedures with a Heat Index, based on temperature and humidity, when potentially dangerous conditions exist.

When a heat wave occurs, think about these safety tips:

• Slow down. Reduce, eliminate or reschedule strenuous activities.
• Take frequent breaks in the shade or in an air-conditioned building.
• Drink plenty of water or other non-alcoholic fluids to maintain hydration (consult your physician if you are on a fluid-restricted diet).
• Avoid sunburn; it makes heat dissipation more difficult.
• Dress for summer. Wear lightweight clothing.
• Avoid overeating foods such as proteins that increase metabolic heat production; they also increase water loss.
• Avoid drinking beverages with alcohol or caffeine that speed fluid loss.
• Do not take salt tablets unless specified by a physician.

Consider Air Quality

Air pollution not only affects the environment, but can also affect your health.

Four pollutants are measured in central Indiana to determine air quality: carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, fine particulates and ozone. It is not uncommon for air quality in the Indianapolis area to be considered "unhealthy for sensitive groups" of people.

Follow the daily EPA Air Quality Index (AQI) to determine if and when it is important to protect yourself from unhealthy air. Then plan your outdoor activities accordingly.

Ozone is a concern in the Indianapolis area. Those with pre-existing lung problems like asthma are especially sensitive to the health effects of ozone. However, even healthy adults involved in moderate or strenuous outdoor activities can experience the unhealthy effects of ozone. High ozone levels can limit the ability to take a deep breath, and it can cause coughing, throat irritation and breathing discomfort.

Things that you can do as a gardener to reduce ozone, especially on ozone action days, include the following:

• Mow your lawn after 6 p.m.
• Do not fill gas tanks until after dusk.
• Avoid spilling fuel when filling engines, and tighten gas caps securely.
• Keep engines tuned up, and limit engine idling.
• Use garden chemicals in ways that keep evaporation to a minimum.
• Use water-based rather than oil-based paints and solvents.

Remember the Environment

A new EPA Web site is available to learn more about summer tips that can help reduce pollution and improve the environment. Go online to: http://www.epa.gov/epahome/hi-summer.htm

The Web site pulls together information about specific summer activities related to the following topics: conserving and protecting our water resources, environmentally friendly gardening and boating, mosquito control, using pesticides safely, summer tips in and around the house, travel and commuting, air quality and how you can help, additional information on protecting yourself from the sun, and resources for kids and students.

Questions

Q. Where can I find information on the strength of the sun's ultraviolet (UV) radiation?

A. The UV Index developed by the National Weather Service and the EPA predicts the next day's ultraviolet radiation levels in cities across the United States, including Indianapolis. The daily forecast, along with other information, is available online at the Climate Prediction Center.

Q. Is there a place online where I can find heat index forecasts?

A. The National Weather Service has a Heat Wave page that includes links to forecasts and warnings, as well as additional information such as the heat index chart, alert procedures, how heat affects the body, and recognition and prevention of heat-related disorders. Go to the Heat Wave page for more information.

Q. Where can I find daily air quality forecasts?

A. You can monitor the air quality across the United States, including cities in Indiana, at the EPA Web site.

It also includes links to Indiana Web sites like the Air Quality Monitoring Web page.

Pollen and mold spore counts are available from The Weather Channel.

For more information:

Steve Mayer is Extension Educator-Horticulture with Purdue Extension-Marion County. He coordinates the Master Gardener program in Marion County.

To contact a Master Gardener,
call (317) 275-9292, or e-mail: extension@purdue.edu

Garden Flowers Fruits & Vegetables Lawn Care Landscape Plants Insects, Pests, & Diseases Indoor Plants

GardenTIPS Home Master Gardeners County Connection Extension Publications Garden Calendar
Kids' Corner Programs/Products Subscribe/Newsletter

The information contained in this web site is specific to the state of Indiana and may not apply in other states.

EEO Statement 1-888-EXT-INFO Purdue Cooperative Extension Service

Updated on June 1, 2007 Copyright, Purdue University, 2002

Contact Us extension@purdue.edu