Health and Safety in the Organic Garden

Do not be misled into believing that by simply avoiding pesticides and herbicides you avoid health risks. This is not the case. Consider a number of areas of care. Treat fresh manures and mulches carefully. Compost or brew your manures. Label stored chilli, garlic, wormwood, etc., and keep out of reach of children. Lift heavy objects carefully to protect your back. Be careful using your lawn mower and other machinery.

Take care with fresh manures. Disease bacteria may be transmitted into the body. Avoid the risk by wearing a pair of gloves and even a dust mask if the manure is dry. Preferably compost or brew manure in water for 3 - 4 weeks to fertilise later. Brewing manures creates a smelly problem. Cover the brew to avoid flies. Take care when pouring such liquid and keep stored material away from children.

If you make too much garlic, chilli or other natural spray, keep in the fridge for a few weeks. Store labelled and away from children. Use child-proof lids. Avoid inhaling vapours whilst boiling. Ensure adequate ventilation. Wormwood fumes may cause severe diarrhea.

Mulching is a vital part of organic gardening, but take some precautions.

Avoid mulching on a windy day.

Prise open bales of hay with a garden fork in an open well-ventilated area.

Wear a dust mask and goggles.

Secure hair back or wear a hat,

Apply mulch late in the day.

shower and wash your hair afterwards.

Wash clothing separately. Moisten hay bales before spreading to prevent mould spores from arising. This increased a bale's weight. Buy and store bales in a dry condition. A hot bale signifies decomposition is taking place and mould will be worse. The disease 'Farmers Lung' is caused by inhalation of mould spores.

Ensure correct ergonomics when gardening. A four foot squared compost heap is easier to turn than a larger heap. Be careful lifting heavy objects like mulch bales. Break apart the bales or use a wheelbarrow. Bend at the knees and hips when lifting. This takes strain off the back. Kneel on a foam rubber or similar soft cushion when performing back bending work like weeding.

Take care out in a hot climate sun. Wear a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen. Avoid the hottest period of the day. Wear long clothing if possible. Drink plenty of filtered water to avoid dehydration.

Take care when using machinery. Before mowing remove any dangerous objects like stones from the ground. Wear solid boots and long pants. Preferably wear boots all the time in the garden to prevent damage to your feet from wire or sharp objects. Protect ears with earmuffs or ear plugs. Take care when using a ride-on mower. Operate a ride-on going up and down a slope rather than across the slope.

The copyright of the article Health and Safety in the Organic Garden in Organic Gardens is owned by Geoffrey Ian Miller. Permission to republish Health and Safety in the Organic Garden in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

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