Don't be fooled by the low humidity and cool fall temperatures
Fall is a wonderful time for the desert gardener, especially those of you who live in higher elevations, and are experiencing the cool (and cold, sometimes) temperatures.
But don’t be fooled by the pleasant weather. There are factors outside that can affect your health and welfare.
- Drink lots of fluids. Most of us who choose to live in the desert love the low humidity. Even on warm days the temperature feels cooler because of the lower humidity. And on cooler days, it feels warmer for the same reason. Don’t be fooled into thinking that since you don’t feel perspiration that it’s not happening. Because of the low humidity, perspiration is wicked or evaporated away from your body so quickly that you may feel you are not losing fluid. Since we don’t feel overheated or “sweaty,” we sometimes don’t think to replenish the fluids that we are losing. This is especially true at higher elevations. When you are working outside, always have plenty of fluid available and remember to drink often. Water is best.
- Wear a hat. Because of the low humidity, and other factors, ultraviolet and other harmful solar radiation tends to be stronger in the desert. Wearing a hat that also shades your ears and the back of your neck is the best idea. Also, we lose most of our body heat through our head. In cooler weather, wear a hat that will also keep your head warm.
- Gloves. Scratches from prickly desert plants can become infected and cause much discomfort. Wear a good pair of gloves. Leather gloves are great, and there are also some gloves made from synthetic fabrics that can protect your hands and wrists. Gloves will also help to prevent hand blisters when you are using larger tools like shovels, rakes and hoes.
- Long-sleeved shirts or blouses. You can always roll the sleeves up if it gets too hot. This will protect your arms from sunburn and possible skin cancer.
- Shoes. Wear comfortable, but sturdy shoes. Gardeners do a lot of walking, squatting, and contorting in their daily chores, and it pays to have good, comfortable shoes. Also, you’ll want sturdy soles as well. If you’ve ever used a shovel you know about that already.
- Eat. A lot of gardeners get so wrapped up in their garden that they forget to eat. Make sure you take a break to eat something nutritious while you're working.
- Rest. Take a few minutes every so often to sit down and review your work, watch the birds, day dream, or just be.
- Wash. Not just your hands and face but the rest of you. Take a shower or a bath after working in the garden. Not only will this help to soothe sore muscles, but it will wash pollen, air-borne dust particles, and other debris from your body.
The copyright of the article The Desert Gardener in Desert Gardens is owned by Robert Dailey. Permission to republish The Desert Gardener must be granted by the author in writing.
