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Allergy-Free Gardening
Reviewed By: Don’t let allergies stop you from enjoying the garden this summer. Millions of people know only too well how exposure to certain plant pollens can trigger a runny nose, itchy eyes and other symptoms. However, you can take steps to reduce these symptoms. By growing certain types of plants and avoiding others, you may reduce the overall levels of pollen in your garden. In addition, you can protect yourself from allergy irritants by wearing the right clothes, gardening at the proper times and in the right places and exercising a little caution. Pollen basics Pollens are tiny grains released by bushes, grasses, trees and other plants. These grains contain the genetic material necessary for plants to reproduce. Many plants release pollen grains into the air during specific times of the year. In most areas of the country, this occurs between spring and fall. Billions of pollen particles can be airborne at any given moment, and some travel from as far away as neighboring states before reaching your back yard. If you have allergies to these pollens, symptoms may be triggered when you inhale the particles from the air or your eyes come into contact with these spores. While there is no way to eliminate pollens from your garden, growing certain types of plants and avoiding others can reduce the amount of such grains in the air. Some plants have very light pollens that travel easily through the air. When these are inhaled, allergy symptoms follow. Plants with small blooms and less color tend to have light, airborne pollens, such as weeds, grasses and some trees. In contrast, other plants have heavier grains that do not travel through the air as easily. Insects carry these pollens from plant to plant, so they are much less likely to be airborne and to cause reactions in allergy sufferers. Bright-colored flowers, flowering shrubs and fruit trees are examples of plants with heavier pollen grains. Plants that are native to a region also are less likely to trigger allergy symptoms. Local insects and birds are more likely to be attracted to these plants, which helps keep airborne pollen levels down. In addition, disease resistant plants are less likely to produce the mildew that can cause allergies. If you must include in your garden plants with light pollen grains that trigger allergies, plant these types away from doors, windows and other high traffic areas of the yard. More tips How and when you garden also impacts how likely you are to experience allergy symptoms. It is important to reduce your body’s exposure to pollen. The fewer opportunities pollen has to contract your skin and nose, the less likely you are to experience allergy symptoms. If you have allergies, wear a hat, gloves and a long-sleeve shirt. In addition, wear glasses and a face mask approved by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). If you have a history of allergies, it might be helpful to take a doctor-recommended antihistamine or other allergy medication prior to gardening. These medications are more effective when taken before symptoms start. Physicians can develop a personalized allergy medication regime based on the patterns of your particular symptoms. However, do not use any drug before consulting with a physician. Try to do your gardening when pollen counts tend to be lowest. Pollen counts are constantly shifting due to factors such as changes in the weather. You can find your area’s pollen count by entering your zip code in an online pollen count tool. However, be aware that pollen forecasts can be inaccurate. These tools rely on reporting stations that may not update data in time to reflect what’s actually happening in your area. In other words, a tool may predict a low pollen count, but winds may pick up suddenly, increasing the pollen count within a few hours. Weather conditions have a great impact on pollen counts. For example, rain showers usually cleanse the air of pollen. However, sudden and brief thunderstorms can actually increase pollen counts. Windy days tend to stir up a lot of pollen. By contrast, pollen counts tend to be lower during late afternoons or evenings, and on cool or cloudy days. As you garden, avoid touching your any part of your face, especially around your nose and eyes. Once you are finished gardening, wash your hands thoroughly and rinse your eyes with cool water. Showering and washing your hair at night can keep any pollen you’ve collected from transferring to your bedding. Other tips for reducing allergy symptoms related to gardening include:
Allergy-friendly plants The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America has created a list of common plants that are less likely to trigger allergy symptoms. The plants are less likely to trigger allergies because many produce flowers and have heavy pollen grains. These include:
For more information about allergies, visit the Allergy & Asthma Basics Center and the Allergies & Asthma message boards.
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