During the summer months, gardening is great way to wind down and can also be an incredibly rewarding pastime.
Growing your own vegetables and beautiful plants can do wonders for your mental health, but if the weather is warm, there are a few risks that gardeners should be aware of and avoid if possible.
That's according to one gardening expert who has explained some of the problems that can arise for the green-fingered among us during the summer months, both in terms of physical health and the garden itself.
Shannen Godwin from bulb and plant retailer J. Parker's says that a certain time window during hot days is the 'worst' for getting out and tending to your space.
She recommends staying inside during the hours of 11am-2pm, as this is when the UV tends to be the highest, which can be damaging to your skin if you're exposed for too long without the right protection.
MailOnline reports that gardeners should consult an hour-by-hour forecast on days they plan to get out and do some work, and the safest condition is when the UV is at four or below.
Another problem that gardeners may face in the summer is forgetting to drink water when spending hours outdoors.
And this can lead to dehydration or even sunstroke, Shannen has warned.
"Most people know about sunburn, but only a few are aware of sunstroke and also neglect the dangers of dehydration. Keen gardeners must adjust how and when they work in their gardens during hot summer days," Shannen explained.
According to the NHS, symptoms of sunstroke include dizziness, feeling or being sick, high temperatures or headaches.
Finally, it's not just our bodies that can suffer due to gardening in the summer, but the green outdoor spaces themselves too.
That's why it's best to water plants early in the morning if possible, when it's not as warm, because the high temperatures mean that water evaporates quickly and the greenery won't get the full benefits.
In order to stay as safe as possible whilst tending to your garden, there are a couple of things that you should be doing.
These include staying in the shade wherever possible, wearing suncream with a high SPF and taking regular breaks to ensure you aren't exposed to the sun for too long.
You should also sip water regularly and avoid wearing clothing that exposes a lot of your skin.
Long but light trousers are recommended, as well as a hat and a top that covers your shoulders. Not only will this protect you from the sun, but it also minimises the risk of insect bites as well.
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