COLUMBIA, Mo. – Gardeners love to garden, but don’t overdo it on hot summer days.

During extreme heat, the best time to do garden tasks is early in the morning, said Donna Aufdenberg, University of Missouri Extension horticulture specialist. The second-best time is in the late evening.

“Keep an eye out for any heat stress and heat exhaustion,” said Aufdenberg. “In the heat, I might feel lightheaded, and I know that it’s time to slow down, go inside, drink some water and take a break.”

Protect yourself

• Stay hydrated – always carry a water bottle.
• Use sunscreen.
• Wear sunglasses and a broad-brimmed hat that protects your ears, neck and face.
• Limit tasks to 10-20 minutes at a time. Take frequent breaks. Switch tasks often.
• Know when to quit.

“Not knowing when to quit – I think that’s a problem I have with wanting to get my garden tasks done quickly,” said Aufdenberg. “We’re in a societal mindset of ‘I want it now,’ and that’s what drives me. But it will wait for another day. Hopefully, for a cooler day.”

Signs of heat exhaustion and heatstroke

• Lightheadedness.
• Weakness.
• Nausea.
• Headache.
• Confusion.
• Muscle cramps.
• Excessive sweating.
• Irritability.

Call 911 if heatstroke is suspected

“Don’t wait too long,” said Aufdenberg. “We can all get into a really dangerous spot with our bodies in this heat. Be aware of what’s going on with your body while gardening, and be careful during these high temperatures.”

For more heat-related and other gardening tips, watch the June 26 episode of The Garden Hour, a weekly livestream from MU Integrated Pest Management. Access livestreams and recordings at https://youtube.com/c/muipm/live.