There’s nothing like a relaxing afternoon in the garden. But hot weather makes you sweat, and moist hands blister easily. Then there’s the occasional scratch or bug bite that can really make you uncomfortable. Here’s what to do…
When your hands get sweaty from working with a shovel, hoe or pruner, rub your palms with some soil to help keep them dry and blister-free.
Soothe the sting and stop infection: It’s not unusual to get a scrape…a scratch…a nick…a gash…or an insect bite while working outside. However, you don’t want to run into your house to tend to every little abrasion. The answer is to keep a small spray bottle of full-strength white vinegar and a few adhesive bandages in your garden tote. Spritz the minor wound with the vinegar—which will help prevent it from becoming infected—then cover the boo-boo with a bandage until you go indoors and can clean and dress it properly.
Bonus sweet secret to help your hands: After gardening, add one teaspoon of sugar to your soapy lather, and wash your hands with it. The sugar acts as an abrasive to clean away grass and garden stains.
More help in the garden…
- The No-Fail Shade Garden
- Stretch the Right Muscles Before You Garden
- How to Choose the Best Garden Hose
