I’m a green-fingered expert – this is the EXACT time of day you should avoid doing your gardening

As the weather improves day upon day in the UK, many may rush to their garden to get it in good nick, but one expert has revealed the time of day you should avoid.

Shannen Godwin, a gardening expert at UK-based bulb and plant retailer J.Parker’s, has said that while gardening can help with both your physical and mental health, it does come with some risks. 

One of those being the UV levels on the time of day you decide to venture out. She recommends that gardeners make checking the local hour-by-hour forecast via MetOffice a habit.

Shannen adds that the best time to do your gardening is when the UV index is below 4, which is less risky.

However the worst time to start weeding and sorting out your green space are between the hours of 11am and 2pm. 

She says that this is because these are the times when the UV index regularly reaches high or very high ratings.

Gardeners can often forget to drink while gardening which can lead to dehydration and they are also at risk of sunstroke, which is where the body overheats.

Symptoms of heat stroke include dizziness, tiredness, a headache, feeling or being sick, a high temperature, being very thirsty, and feeling weak, according to the NHS. 

‘Most people know about sunburn,’ Shannen says, ‘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. 

‘There is a lot gardeners can do to keep their garden looking great without putting their own health at risk.’

But your plants may also thank you for watering them earlier or later in the day, as water evaporates faster during the hottest hours, meaning the plants don’t benefit as much. 

Gardeners can often forget to drink while gardening which can lead to dehydration and they are also at risk of sunstroke, which is where the body overheats (stock image)

But if you cannot avoid going out during the sun’s strongest hours, then Shannen says you should make an effort to work in the shade as much as possible.

You should also be wearing suncream when outside which should be at least SPF 30 but Shannen recommends using SPF 60.

If you are working in direct sunlight, gardeners should stay hydrated and take a short break every 15 to 20 minutes in the shade.

If you are a nature lover who can spend hours tidying up plants without even realising, then Shannen says that you should set an alarm for every 30 minutes to take a break.

She says you should use this break to take sips of water to prevent dehydration and reapply sun cream if necessary. 

While it may seem tempting to slip into tank tops and shorts on those hotter days, it may put you more at risk of sun damage and even insect bites and stings as you are exposing more skin.   

It is recommended that gardeners wear long, but light trousers and a top that covers at least their shoulders, while sun hats are another helpful piece of gardening gear.