Hot Couture: Protective clothing for the organic gardener

Clothing is just as important a tool as a hoe or a rake.

Every gardener understands the importance of using good tools, but sometimes we ignore the obvious.  One of the most important tools for the gardener is to dress appropriately for your surroundings.  My farm is extremely sunny, hot, muggy, and buggy--each of which requires special consideration.

For years, I teased my garden maven aunt about her garden attire:  long pants, long sleeves, and large hat.  In the intervening years, I have discovered her wisdom.  So, here's my recommendations for safe and stylish garden attire:

Sun protection

An umbrella on the tractor provides both
shade and a break from the heat.

Skin cancer is a primary concern from sun exposure which means hats, long sleeves, and long pants.  Cotton is the primary fabric because of its breathability and washability.  Pull-on work pants from WalMart were a real bargain at $9.  They're 100% cotton, and very washable.  Yes, they wrinkle, but they're sturdy.  I wash work clothes in hot water, so, buy a size larger to allow for shrinkage.  No-nonsense athletic socks are cushioned, wash well, and the cuff maintains its elasticity well enough to function as a tick gaiter.  A good buy at $1 per pair.  Tank tops are very comfortable under the long-sleeve shirt and can cost as little as $3.  Cast-off long-sleeved dress shirts are a great choice, too.  While I inherit my son's, you could check your local thrift store for attractive yet functional choices.  I prefer poplin over oxford cloth.  Good shoes are essential, too.  I found rain boots on sale at Tractor Supply similar to these for use in the early spring or on wet days.  Other days, I use sneakers I inherited from my daughter.  Some day, I do want to acquire some brogans.

Exposed areas like the face and neck should be treated with sunblock (I use Neutrogena).  Use an SPF-rated balm on your lips, too!

Your skin isn't the only thing that needs sun protection:  don't neglect to protect your eyes with UV-rated sunglasses!  I was fortunate enough to find clip-ons that fit my "work" prescription glasses for $3 at Dollar General.  They are a big help on sunny days.

Heat protection

An old dress shirt, socks, an athletic shirt and cotton pants protect me from the sun.

There's virtually no shade here on the farm, so I must create my own by wearing a wide-brimmed cotton or straw hat.  Choose one that has a fabric band which can absorb sweat.

Long-sleeved, cotton clothing is somewhat loose-fitting (but not dangerously floppy) for air circulation.  Be sure the cuffs and collar fit well.

An athletic shirt adds another absorbent layer.

Practically speaking, I work about an hour before I take a water- and cooling-break in a shady spot or even inside.  While inside I hydrate with cool water and usually eat a cold fruit snack.  I try to do hand-gardening early or late and save tractor-work for the heat of the day.

I stuff my pants legs into the sock cuffs to create tick and chigger "gaiters."
I spray the socks and pants with insect repellent.

Environmental protection

One of my biggest concerns is insects.  Summer-before-last, I had a mild anaphylactic reaction to ant bites and now keep an Epi-pen handy (we're 30 minutes from the closest emergency room).  I also developed a severe secondary infection from a tick bite (no Lyme or Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, thank goodness) and now fear the little arachnids.  Consequently, I wear long sleeves and long pants in light colors so that most insects show easily.  I also wear white socks and stuff the bottoms of my pant legs into the socks as a kind of "gaiter."  As I've said before, I don't mess around with insect protection:  I spray my clothing with 100% Deet before going outside.  Home Depot has Repel 100 for a reasonable price of $9.

I also wear leather gloves (from Tractor Supply) to protect from rose thorns and irritating plants like the beautiful-yet-invasive Virginia creeper.

For working around the tractor, don't forget ear protection!  I enjoy my Elvex Ultra-Sonic ear muffs (about $25) because I can put earbuds underneath and listen to books from Audible (currently Craig Johnson's Walt Longmire series).  This means I have to switch to a ball cap, which makes sunscreen even more important.

Hats and caps provide shade.  Sunglasses protect my eyes.
Leather gloves protect my hands from poisonous plants and animals.

Taking care

Once I return inside, all outdoor clothing goes straight into the washer on hot.  I shower with a mild, moisturizing soap like Dove for sensitive skin.  Dove for sensitive skin cleans gently without the irritating fragrance and is available at Drugstore.com.

My absolute favorite lotion is J. R. Watkins Baby Lotion!  It's super-moisturizing without being greasy and a great value at $9.  I slather it on then enjoy ice water or lemonade and a good book.

So, take good care of yourself!

What's growing in your Savory garden?

Nancy