by Russ Grayson, January 2010, updated December 2020.
Australia’s community gardens are booming, but with more people digging in comes the need for smart safety practices. The good news? A lack of reported accidents shows gardeners are already using common sense and thoughtfulness – the foundation of safe gardening.
COMMON SENSE GARDEN SAFETY is based on the safe gardening guidelines written by the author of this article and published in the Carrs Park Community Garden – Gardeners’ Guide and in the book, Seed To Seed, published by the Seed Savers Network.
Our community gardens must be maintained in a condition conducive to their safe use by gardeners and to visits by non-gardeners.
One way to ensure that new gardeners acquire knowledge about gardening safely is for it to be included as an introductory workshop.
Garden safety is very much about common sense and thinking about what we do. Garden safety is simple.
Safety is simple
Maintain your garden in a condition that’s welcoming and hazard-free. Regular checks prevent most issues.
Avoid sunburn and dehydration
Wear a hat and lightweight long sleeves/trousers if you burn easily.
Apply sunscreen; drink water regularly during long sess
Caring for children
Avoid toxic/thorny/irritating plants (e.g., castor oil bush, oleander).
Label hot plants like chillis with visual warnings.
Cover water features (ponds, watercrops) with weldmesh – lets plants grow through but keeps kids safe.
Supervise young children closely.
Smart storage
Designate a storage zone.
Stack heavy items low, light items high; keep neat and stable.
Store only what you’ll use – no junkyard vibe.
Keep paths and gathering spots clear.
Handling materials safely
Organic pest controls
Make botanical sprays (e.g., chilli) under experienced guidance.
Wear gloves; avoid eyes/cuts. Wash hands after.
Treat organic like any chemical – with respect.
Creatures in the garden
Don’t pick up bugs, spiders, snakes, or lizards.
Check buckets/cans before lifting (redback spiders hide there).
Protect chooks from foxes with buried wire fencing.
Tool safety essentials
Tools are essential but can be dangerous if mishandled. Transport smart: If carrying multiple tools → Use wheelbarrow/bucket/basket
Using long-handled tools (spades, forks, rakes):
Check behind/beside you before swinging.
Place aside thoughtfully:
Lean against something (tines down).
OR push blade into soil (upright, visible).
Never leave across paths or in long grass.
Carry in hand, not over shoulder.
Construction safety
Get advice for sturdy, safe structures.
Build level paths and strong bed edges (avoid sharp/broken materials).
Mark excavations with tape/barriers.
Lifting: Bend knees, not back.
Everyday precautions
Must-haves:
First aid kit in shed.
Group first aid training.
Why it matters
Safe gardens are happy gardens. They build trust, reduce insurance headaches, and let everyone focus on the joy of growing food and community.
Pro tip: Add safety to your member agreement and review quarterly during clean-up days.
