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By: Mike Cullen on Thu Apr 24, 2008

Allergy-free gardening isn’t a contradiction! This spring, as American gardeners turn their hoes to tilling the garden, sowing seeds, planting bulbs, there’s a significant amount of us who endure the deeply unpleasant side-effects of pollen allergies while gardening, and many of us would love to plant the perfect low allergy garden. For anyone with a seasonal allergy, itchy and dry eyes, sneezing fits, congestion, and even skin reactions can turn a green thumb blue. I’ve found that the following methods will effectively allergy-proof your garden, and I hope that these great tips for allergy relief will be helpful for you, too.

Monitor Pollen Levels
Days when there’s a lot of moisture in the air (rainy days, after it rains), less wind, and the sky is overcast are typically lower in pollen than not. Many local evening news programs will broadcast pollen counts, or you can find it in a local newspaper. If you’re unable to find this information, go to the National Allergy Bureau website for up-to-date statistics on pollen counts in most major American cities.

If you already see an allergist, consult him or her on the best time of day to plant and work in the garden, to avoid high pollen counts. Given that many will have patients with similar allergies, as well as his or her medical training, you’ll get some solid advice and can plan a schedule.

Pick Plants Carefully
As a gardener with allergies, you’ll have to be very cautious about just what plants you’ll be putting in your garden or landscape. Thankfully, with a bit of research, you can pick appropriate plants and minimize any symptoms and prevent allergic reactions.

There are many plants that either produce very little pollen or less irritating pollen, and can still add beauty to your garden. There are many appropriate and beautiful plants that you can add to your garden.

Safe Plants for Allergy Sufferers
Cacti
Cherry
Dahlia
Daisy
Geranium
Hibiscus
Iris
Magnolia
Roses
Snapdragon
Tulip

On the flip side, there are many highly-allergenic plants that you should avoid. Some of these you might not even be aware that you’re allergic to, or produce large amounts of pollen.

Plants for Allergy Sufferers to Avoid
Ash
Cedar
Cottonwood
Maple
Oak
Pine
Saltgrass
Timothy
Willow

One of the beneficial side-effects to being an allergic gardener is that you’ll have extensive knowledge about your garden, plants and their science!

Cover Yourself!
At all points when you’re gardening, and even after, make sure you don’t touch your eyes or face. Microscopic pollen can affix itself to your hand or glove, and by touching your face or eyes, you’re greatly increasing the likelihood of a severe allergic reaction.

Wear a mask to prevent inhaling any harmful spores. Keep your tools and gardening clothes outside. This will stop pollen from getting indoors. Wash yourself after gardening, and scrub thoroughly. Shower and wash your hair, as pollen can affix itself in your hair, aggravating you for many hours afterwards.

Get Tested, Consult a Pro
Skin testing is by far the simplest and easiest way to find out exactly which plants will cause you the pain and aggravation of an allergic reaction. If you don’t already have one, contact a local allergist or immunologist’s office to set-up an appointment for skin testing. The allergist will be able to consult you on any lifestyle changes you might need to make, prescribe medication that will help reduce or minimize the negative effects of allergic reactions, and alert you of any other treatment options you might have.