Allergy-Friendly Gardening: How To Prepare

Cultivate a vibrant, allergy-friendly garden by choosing low-pollen plants and practicing mindful lawn care so you can enjoy outdoor spaces comfortably and peacefully.

For 25.7% of adults in the U.S. with seasonal allergies,¹ allergens pose a significant challenge to enjoying the outdoors. As the seasons shift and we start to think about planting our gardens, there are certain proactive measures and strategies you can take to limit pollen exposure this spring.

Minimize pollen exposure

Gardening during pollen season demands thoughtful planning and awareness to shield yourself from allergens. Pollen is typically released by trees in spring, grasses in summer and weeds in fall. By checking the daily pollen forecast, you can better schedule your gardening activities and take appropriate precautions. Ideal times for gardening are generally windless, cloudy days or early mornings when pollen levels tend to be lower.

When working in the garden, it’s important to wear protective gear to minimize pollen exposure. Equip yourself with a NIOSH-approved face mask, a hat, sunglasses, gloves and a long-sleeve shirt. Sunglasses and a hat not only shield your eyes, but also help prevent pollen from settling in your hair. Additionally, consider drying your clothes indoors to avoid pollen accumulation on laundry left outside.

Maintaining good hygiene practices is equally important. While outside, avoid touching your eyes and make it a point to wash your hands thoroughly before doing so indoors. Once you’re done, promptly shower, wash your hair and change into clean clothes to remove any lingering allergens.

To maintain a pollen-free indoor environment, it’s also a good idea to keep your windows closed while mowing the lawn and for a few hours afterward.

Choose allergy-friendly plants

To minimize outdoor allergies, consider choosing low-pollen producing plants for your garden, such as female trees and shrubs, as they do not release pollen and can capture it from other sources.

Grasses

If possible, opt for the following grass species:
 

• St. Augustine grass
• Female cultivars of buffalo grass
• Male-sterile hybrid Bermuda grasses

Avoid these grass species, which can be problematic for allergens:
 

• Bermuda grass
• Johnson grass
• Kentucky bluegrass
• Orchard grass
• Sweet vernal grass
• Timothy grass

Flowering plants and shrubs

The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America has deemed the below flowering plants and shrubs allergy-friendly:

Flowering plants:
 

• Orchid
• Cactus
• Daffodil
• Geranium
• Iris
• Pansy
• Petunia
• Tulip
• Zinnia
• Snapdragon

Shrubs:
 

• Azalea
• Hibiscus
• Hydrangea
• Viburnum
• Female English yew, wax myrtle and pittosporum

Using the Ogren Plan Allergy Scale (OPALS), which has a plant/allergy 1-10 numerical ranking system, can also help you identify suitable plants for an allergy-friendly garden. A rating of 1 indicates the best option for allergy sufferers, while a ranking of 10 should be avoided. Incorporating more plants ranked between one and three will create a more comfortable outdoor space.

Additionally, native plants often pose fewer allergy risks since they are more accustomed to the local environment and generally produce less pollen. Choose well-adapted, native plants with low allergy rankings to help reduce allergic reactions.

Another idea: consider using rock or gravel mulch instead of bark, as this reduces mold spores in the garden.

Lawn care tips

A well-maintained lawn is less susceptible to weeds, pests and diseases, and reduces thatch buildup. Healthy lawns develop strong root systems, which are vital for overall vitality.

Mowing your grass regularly to a height of approximately 2 inches can help reduce pollen circulation in the air. Additionally, proper hydration is crucial for lawn care. Typically, your landscaping requires about an inch of water each week, factoring in any natural rainfall. However, this may vary depending on local climate conditions, recent weather patterns and the specific plants in your garden. Remember that overwatering can cause issues such as drowning plants and promoting shallow root systems.

To achieve effective watering, thoroughly soak the root zone and allow the soil to dry out before the next session. Watering in the morning minimizes evaporation and lowers the risk of lawn diseases, ensuring the grass is dry by evening. If you notice visible footprints on the grass, it's time to water again.

Happy gardening

With these proactive measures, outdoor spaces can become more comfortable for those sensitive to allergies. By implementing these strategies and being mindful of plant selections, you can create a more allergy-friendly garden and enjoy your outdoor spaces with greater ease and comfort.

Sources:

1. Diagnosed Allergic Conditions in Adults: United States. CDC. 2021.