Spring across the US means gardening time! For those with seasonal allergies gardening, or even being outdoors at all, can seem daunting. However, with a few precautions you can enjoy gardening with allergies in Texas and across the country.

BEST TIMES TO GARDEN

Cloudy and windless days are usually when pollen levels are lowest. If you can, scheduled your outdoor gardening time for these days. You can also track pollen counts and garden on days when the counts are much lower. Your local weather station or aaaai.org are good places to look for pollen counts. 

CLOTHING

Consider wearing a mask while you garden, especially if you’re pruning trees and bushes.  You’ll be up close and personal with pollen then.  Leave your gardening clothes & shoes outside if possible.  As soon as you’re done with yard work take a shower. This will remove any pollen that has gotten in your hair or on your skin.

PLANTS TO CONSIDER

According to aaaai.org, “

Certain flowers, trees and grasses are better suited for the gardens of people with outdoor allergies. So if you’re gardening with allergies consider the following plants.

These include:
•    Cactus
•    Cherry tree
•    Dahlia
•    Daisy
•    Geranium
•    Hibiscus
•    Iris
•    Magnolia
•    Roses
•    Snapdragon
•    Tulip”

PLANTS TO AVOID

This is a good place to start.  Plants to avoid include: Ash
•    Cedar
•    Cottonwood
•    Maple
•    Oak
•    Johnson grass
•    Rye grass
•    Timothy grass

If you’re uncertain about your allergies and don’t know what you’re allergic to, a skin test can help. With this new knowledge you can be prepared to garden to your heart’s content!

Contact our office today to set up an appointment and make this spring your best allergy friendly gardening year ever!