You work hard to have a lovely garden full of interesting edible and inedible plants. Your child most likely finds your garden area interesting. Where you see beautiful plants, she sees colorful berries that look similar to food she eats inside the house. Even your gardening tools may hold a fascination for your child. When gardening, pay close attention to keeping your garden safe for your child.
Significance
You may have child safety latches in your house and gates on the staircases but fail to consider the safety of your garden area or the potential dangers located there. According to the National Library of Medicine website Tox Town, the second most common cause of poisoning in children is from plants. Tox Town states that the United States is home to over 700 poisonous plant varieties. In addition to plants, many chemicals you use in the garden are potentially hazardous to children.
Benefits
Having an awareness of the dangers that lurk in your garden makes you more likely to take the necessary actions to keep your child safe. It is possible to enjoy your garden with your family and keep dangerous chemicals and poisonous plants away from children. When your garden area is safe, you and your family can eat the vegetables, water the plants and work together without excessive worry.
Common Hazards
Look carefully at your garden and determine potential hazards. Put pesticides, fertilizers and other chemicals in a locked cabinet. Children watch you use the spray bottles and shake granule-filled containers and may attempt to repeat your actions. Never pour a garden chemical into a food container or bottle as your child may mistake the chemical for soda or food. Be aware of water features in your garden, and fence the area to keep your child safe from drowning.
Tool Safety
In addition to chemicals and water, your sharp gardening tools hold potential danger for your child. Consider the shovels, trowels, rakes, razor blades and scissors as sources of injury rather than just simple tools. An article in Reader's Digest suggests hanging up small tools on a pegboard to keep sharp objects out of reach. Never leave tools lying in the garden area. Store your larger tools in a specially designed storage container or hang from a sturdy hook. Teach your child that your gardening tools are off limits.
Considerations
Planting and tending to a garden can be an activity you and your child enjoy together. Research plants using your local gardening extension service and avoid planting poisonous plants. Never spray chemicals on your garden when your child is present. Have the poison control center number programmed into all phones and posted in your kitchen. Train your children to stay out of the garden unless you are present, and never leave your young child unsupervised outside.
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