Allergens make gardening a much more difficult chore

Monday, April 2, 2007
Jon Forrest puts bricks around a tree at his Bradley Street home.

SIKESTON -- Those who suffer from seasonal allergies and love to garden can still enjoy their hobby this spring simply by making a few adjustments.

More than 35 million Americans are affected by allergens, or airborne pollens and molds, which commonly trigger allergy symptoms like watery eyes and sneezing.

"It's something that everyone's contending with, but it might be one of those things that if you tip the people on what's going to be blooming then it can help," said Donna Aufdenburg, University of Missouri Extension horticulture specialist for Southeast Missouri.

According to pollen.com, pollen counts for cedar/juniper, maple and elm trees are high right now in the Sikeston area.

Shirley McCall, owner of Garden Lane Nursery in Sikeston, said she battles allergies every spring.

McCall suggested wearing gloves, masks and protective eyewear to limit exposure to allergens.

"When you're through (gardening), and you go in, get those clothes off and take a shower to help get the pollen off. That's the best thing you can do," McCall said, adding she also receives an allergy shot from her doctor prior to the season.

But there are preventive measures gardeners can take before getting into their flower beds or gardens.

"Know your allergens. Tree pollen is what is going on now. Grass pollen is in the late spring, and weed pollen is highest in late summer," Aufdenburg said. And there's a difference between plants that are wind-pollinated and those that are insect-pollinated, Aufdenburg said.

"If you have allergies, you want insect-pollinated plants because the ones pollinated by wind cause more allergies," Aufdenburg said.

Pollen on wind-pollinated plants is easily blown; insect pollen is more heavily granuled and harder to inhale or to be blown by the wind, Aufdenburg said.

"Insect-pollinated plants are those with large, showy, colorful flowers, which are used to attract insects, whereas a wind-pollinated plant usually has smaller, inconspicuous flowers," Aufdenburg explained.

David Trinklein, a University of Missouri horticulturalist, said to choose low allergen-producing plants when establishing a new garden or to replace others in your landscape.

Most of the herbaceous ornamentals that are planted are relatively nonoffensive as allergens. Examples include petunia, pansy, geranium, salvia and rose, Trinklein said.

Avoid plants like mints, rosemary and those with heavy scents because the stronger the smell, the more it can cause symptoms of allergies, Aufdenburg said.

Also, avoid plants from the aster, or ragweed, family which include mums, daisies and marigolds. Others to avoid are Sweet Williams, carnations and dandelions, Aufdenburg suggested.

"Basically, avoid blooming bulbs," Aufdenburg said.

Beware of molds from compost and bark mulches. Consider using gravel instead. Avoid hedges that can trap dust, pollen and mold. Keep existing ones thinned for air flow.

Trees are especially bad since they produce pollen in such large quantities, Trinklein said.

Major tree offenders include cedar, cottonwood, mulberry, oak and walnut, he said. Their blooming season is relatively short and the best idea is to limit outdoor activity during that time.

Avoid spring gardening in the afternoon when pollen counts are at their highest levels. In the fall, the pollen count is higher in the morning.

Aufdenburg recommended gardening after heavy rains because rain cleanses the air of the pollen. Avoid times when there's been prolonged dryness in the springtime, and keep in mind sudden temperature drops will lower pollen levels, she said.

"When we go from 80 degrees to 60 this week, we might have a dramatic decrease in pollen," Aufdenburg said.

Use water soluble fertilizers rather than granular fertilizers, Aufdenburg suggested.

Other tips include keeping weeds trimmed, not hanging bed sheets or other laundry outdoors during high pollen periods and washing any pet that might be outside while doing chores.

Anyone who has a question of whether a plant has pollen can contact Aufdenburg at (573) 238-2420.

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