Protect yourself

• Take extra precautions around potting mix, fertilizers and pesticides and keep them off your skin and out of your lungs. Masks and gloves should be used at all times.
• Spray or dust your plants on a day with no wind.
• Ensure any reusable containers or applicators are well rinsed out before storage and reuse.
• Be extra wary of pesticides and poisons on plants when there are small children and pets around. Ensure you follow label instructions regarding 'withholding times'. Make sure these chemicals are stored in a locked cupboard.
• Always read labels before use and follow manufacturer guidelines
• Use organic sprays where possible.
• Make sure you know how to use your tools properly, and keep them well-maintained.
• Protect your feet with good quality footwear.
• Don't leave tools lying around for others to tread on or play with.
• Watch out for spiders, wasps, bees and citrus bugs.
• Regularly check the health of large trees so that they don't drop heavy branches suddenly.
• Be careful on paths in shady areas. Remove moss so they don't become slippery.

Protect your skin

• Prevent sunburn by avoiding the hot midday sun, wearing a broad-brimmed hat, long sleeves and sunscreen when you're out in the garden.
• Protect your hands with good quality gardening gloves. Be careful of rose thorns and other prickles, and others, such as bouganvillea and palm thorns, which often cause reactions.
• Some decorative grasses, such as pampas grass, have sharp edges that can cause painful cuts
• Take note of any rashes you notice after gardening. It might be an allergy to a new plant, fertilizer or potting mix, and you should see your doctor if rashes persist.

Protect your muscles

• Start with some gentle, painless stretches to warm up before you start. Pay particular attention to your back.
• Change position often and don't forget to keep stretching while you work. Take regular breaks, and don't bend over those weeds for too long!
• Bend your knees when lifting and don't strain to lift heavy objects. Know your limits and get help if you need to. Invest in a wheelbarrow to help you shift heavy loads.
• Use tools that are the correct size for your body weight
• Use a mobile platform to move heavy pots.
• Keep your body at the right height for your work so you don't have to bend, twist or reach too much. Try a step-ladder for pruning higher branches, and a padded kneeling stool with handles to make it easier to get up when you're working at ground level.
• Vary your tasks so you're mixing heavy and light work. Make sure big projects are spread over a season instead of one back-breaking weekend.
• Cool down with a gentle walk, some stretches, and a nice hot shower to relieve sore muscles.