Devin Jacobs
Spending an afternoon in the garden feels like the safest way to unwind. You’d think pulling weeds and planting tomatoes is all peace and pollinators, but what seems like simple digging or watering can sometimes stir up more than just soil. These little routines often go unchecked but might carry hidden health risks. Let’s dig a little deeper and bring them into the light.
Opening Potting Mix Without A Mask
Potting soil doesn’t seem risky, but by tearing open a dry bag, you could release airborne bacteria into the air. Breathing it in can also lead to a severe respiratory infection. It’s most common in bagged mixes and has been tied to Legionnaires’ disease outbreaks in the U.S. and Australia.
Using Raw Manure Around Edible Crops
There’s beauty in building your garden from the ground up, but it’s worth pausing before adding that compost. Without enough time to break down, it may carry harmful bacteria straight into your food beds. This common habit sounds natural, but skipping the wait could lead to serious health concerns.
Tilling Soil In Dusty Spots
Have you ever noticed the dust cloud when you start digging into old soil? That cloud may contain Histoplasma capsulatum spores. This fungus grows in areas with bird or bat droppings and can lead to histoplasmosis, a lung infection that mimics flu symptoms but lasts longer and hits harder.
Leaving Water In Tools And Containers
Leaving a watering can outside with even a little still water invites mosquitoes to breed. Some types are known to spread dengue, turning the leftover puddle into a quiet risk. It doesn’t take much to prevent it—just empty the can and store it upside down after use.
Pulling Poison Ivy Without Gloves
Can you always spot poison ivy? Many gardeners can’t. Even dead vines contain urushiol, the oily allergen that triggers those itchy, blistering rashes. What’s the fix? Wearing gloves does the trick, as it helps protect your skin and prevents spreading the residue to your face or tools.
Using Plastic-Based Mulch Or Fabric
Bagged mulch and plastic-lined weed fabric are common picks in many gardens. However, as they break down in sunlight or get torn during use, they can release microplastics into the soil. Those fragments stick around for decades and may transfer harmful compounds to food crops.
Handling Glyphosate Without Protection
Even weed killers labeled “lite” can come with real risks, especially those containing glyphosate. This common chemical may irritate skin and potentially disrupt hormones, and it’s more easily absorbed through cuts or sweaty skin. Wearing gloves and washing up right after spraying is smart protection.
Keeping Wet Gloves On Too Long
Soaked gloves feel gross for a reason. The dampness creates the perfect conditions for fungi like dermatophytes to grow. These can lead to skin infections such as athlete’s foot or ringworm, especially around the nails. To lower the risk, switch out gloves or let them dry regularly.
Skipping Sunscreen During Garden Chores
Gardening under direct sunlight can quietly damage your skin. Even brief exposure adds up, increasing your risk of sunburn, premature aging, and skin cancer. Many gardeners forget sunscreen because they’re outside “just for a bit,” which is not advisable. Don’t skip it—protect your face and arms every time.
Wearing Garden Shoes Inside The House
You might not see it, but shoes used outside can carry herbicide residue, animal waste, or harmful soil pathogens like Pythium and Phytophthora indoors. It’s not just dirt but an invisible health hazard. Here’s what to do: Set a tray at the door or keep garden shoes outside altogether.