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As a busy parent, it’s easy to forget about the dangers that can lurk in a backyard or garden for children. Snakes, bugs, poisonous plants and pesticides are just a few of the things you need to watch out for during the summertime, and it’s important to teach your child how to stay safe when they’re outdoors.
Preparing your lawn and garden for summer can be a big job if you have a large area, so it’s best to start with a good plan before jumping in. Being knowledgeable about everything from the plants to the fertilizer you use can help prevent accidents and keep everyone in the family safe and happy, including your pets.
Here are a few of the best tips on prepping your home and garden for maximum safety.
Go natural
Gardening is a popular pastime for many people, and even if you aren’t growing veggies or just have a simple landscape to take care of, you’ll still want things to look nice and grow healthy. However, using pesticides is one way to make your pets sick, and they can also be a danger to your children, especially if they are young. The safest way to handle pests in the garden is to use insecticidal oils, mulching, and diatomaceous earth to keep them at bay. If you are growing a vegetable garden, avoid using pesticides to keep your food safe for your entire family.
Put away your tools
Keeping the exterior of your home safe means remembering to put away all your tools and anything that might pose a danger should you child be exposed to it such as antifreeze, windshield wiper fluid, or even a hammer and nails. If you don’t have a garage, consider buying a stand-alone shed to put in the backyard that will hold all the things you use to keep your home and automobiles in shape. The great thing about a shed is that it can be locked.
Know your plants
Being knowledgeable about the types of plants that grow around your house is the best way to keep everyone safe, so do some research to make sure none of them are toxic to children or pets. You can start here for a list of dangerous plants where dogs are concerned. If you have a toddler who is curious and likes to taste everything, consider installing fencing or wire around garden beds.
Teach your children about garden safety
It’s imperative that you teach your children about staying safe outdoors, whether they’re in the backyard or riding their bikes. Talk to them about how to identify toxic plants, what to do should they encounter a snake or other dangerous animal, and the correct way to handle an accident if someone gets hurt. Preparing your kids for their environment can help prevent injury, or help them face it should one occur.
Keep bugs at bay
Outdoor play in the summertime can be hampered by bugs, especially if you live in certain areas of the U.S. Keep your kids bite-free and potentially disease-free by using natural bug spray to repel biting insects. It’s also a good idea to never leave standing water around, such as in a baby pool, as it attracts mosquitoes.
Making sure your home and lawn are safe places for your family is important during the warm weather months, so talk to your loved ones about your plans and make sure everyone is on the same page. Make a list of tasks before you get started and cross off each thing as you accomplish it so you’ll stay organized.