When you walk outside in spring, you’ll find a blanket of yellow over every surface. Airborne pollen causes sneezing, itching, watery eyes and more, which can deter people with allergy sensitivities from participating in outdoor activities like gardening.
Humans need pollen to survive, though. Most of the food we eat is made possible by pollinators. So, despite how many people are allergic to it, it’s ultimately beneficial and is not going anywhere. However, you can fight back against your allergy symptoms by creating a garden designed to be both stress- and allergy-free.
Why Hypoallergenic Gardens Are Important
Allergies affect over 50 million Americans at some point throughout each year. Seasonal and year-round allergies don’t just affect humans, though. A hypoallergenic garden can benefit both you and your pet. For example, dogs can also display symptoms like watery eyes and itching when in contact with pollen, similar to allergic reactions from humans. It may seem impossible to avoid an abundance of pollen, but even in peak season, you can still enjoy the outdoors.
You shouldn’t feel like you have to give up gardening because of your allergies. While you cannot eliminate pollen, you can lessen the hold that allergens have over you with the right plants. Hypoallergenic or low-pollen plants can help you achieve the garden of your dreams.
Tips for Creating an Allergy-Proof Garden
Creating a beautiful garden isn’t limited to people without allergies. Follow these tips to nurture a garden that cares for you as much as you care for it.
1. Watch What You’re Planting
Not all pollen counts are the same. Some plants give off more pollen than others, so it’s important to know which plants are the most allergy-friendly before you start creating your garden.
You should avoid wind-pollinated plants for the most part. And it’s best to stick with plants with both male and female parts in the same flower so the pollen doesn’t have to travel far.
Some of the most allergy-friendly plants are ones you wouldn’t expect:
- Hypoallergenic flowers: Flowers such as roses, tulips and carnations have low pollen counts, making them excellent additions.
- Succulent plants: If the conditions are right, you might want to make an entirely succulent garden, since they have no pollen.
- Certain trees: Magnolias and crepe myrtles are charming in gardens and are safe for allergy-sensitive households.
- Sunflower variations: With sticky, heavy pollen that’s difficult to carry through the air, variations like Apricot Twist and The Joker are great for people with allergies.
By gardening with plants that don’t give off as much pollen, or those that can pollinate themselves, you’ll minimize the risk of allergies affecting people in your household.
Fragrant plants are another point of concern. While plants give off a lovely aroma, some allergy sufferers are allergic to smells. If you have a family member who’s sensitive to scents, make sure you choose less-fragrant varieties of flowers for your garden, such as dahlias or sunflowers.
2. Pick the Best Fertilizer for Your Garden
Fertilizers come in many varieties and brands. Don’t assume all fertilizers are equal, though — some could have components that can irritate skin and cause allergic reactions in your family members. Allergic reactions can vary from mild irritation to trouble breathing, so it’s essential to handle chemicals and fertilizers cautiously.
If you want to know what’s in your fertilizer and minimize your risk of chemical allergic reactions, you should try composting. Creating your own fertilizer is both a fun way to get your household involved with gardening and a way to give back to the environment by switching to an eco-friendly fertilizer alternative.
3. Use Time to Your Advantage
Who said you have to garden in the mornings? If you’re particularly sensitive to pollen, wait until late in the day, when pollen levels are lowest, before you attempt to care for your plants. Pollen levels rise in the morning, so make sure you shut your windows overnight.
Keep watch on pollen counts in your area every morning. If pollen seems high that day, it might be best to stay indoors and enlist the help of a family member. Knowing pollen levels and making a plan ahead of time will save you the stress of provoking your allergies.
Make Your Garden an Oasis for Allergy Sufferers
Gardens require plenty of maintenance, and allergy-proof gardens are no different. With regular care and checking for mold, which can also exacerbate allergy symptoms, you’ll have a hypoallergenic garden to be proud of.
By planting the proper flora and optimizing your gardening schedule, you can reduce the grip pollen has on your household and keep your family free from allergy symptoms throughout the year.
Bio:
Jane is an environmental writer and the founder and editor-in-chief of Environment.co where she covers sustainability and eco-friendly living.