Spring has sprung: how gardening affects allergies
(COLORADO SPRINGS) — Spring is here, and while many people are excited to begin planting their gardens, the season also means allergies for many.
As the growing season is underway in Southern Colorado, so are the sniffles that come with it. Rick’s Nursery Center in Colorado Springs says there are certain plants you should avoid in your yard and garden if you have allergies.
“There’s a lot of grasses that will affect your allergies. There are trees, there’s plenty of trees that produce pollen,” said Daniel Hopper, the owner of Rick’s Nursery Center.
Melting snow and high winds offer hydration for trees and plants, which is also kicking allergy season into high gear. Many in Colorado Springs are already feeling the effects of it. Sneezing, wheezing, runny noses, and itchy eyes are starting to take their toll on people across the city.
“That will just feed those trees and allow them to bloom all that stronger, or at least that pollen. I think the pollen counts are going to go a little wild here over the next couple of weeks,” said Eric Caplan with Colorado ENT & Allergy.
Caplan added that windy temperatures are not a friend of those with allergies.
“Then that wind kicks up. So that wind will hit our eyes. It’ll carry that pollen. And that’s why we get those eye symptoms, those nose symptoms. And we’re itchy and scratchy,” said Caplan.
Hopper said knowing what you’re allergic to is the best way to control flare-ups, especially if you plan on buying plants for your home.
“If you have hay fever, allergies, then it’s worth researching or looking into what your triggers are. You know, obviously avoiding planting those,” he said.
The beautiful weather has also gotten many people excited to work on their garden and landscaping projects, but some plants can cause worse reactions than others.
“If you have allergies. So typically, with gardening type of plants, vegetables, those don’t typically trigger allergies,” said Hopper.
It’s important to make sure you have the right medication, and if you’re unsure, you can always speak to a pharmacist.
“If you’re doing your landscape type plants, there’s quite a few that… can impact your allergies. And then anything that’s blooming that you have indoors is really going to set your allergies off,” said Hopper.
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