Gardening Air Quality Guide

Gardening Activity AQI Thresholds

Exertion Level by Gardening Task

Light Tasks (Minimal Exertion)

• Activities: Watering with hose, light pruning, harvesting, deadheading
• Safe up to: AQI 150 for most people
• Breathing rate: 1.5-2x resting
• Duration: Can be done for extended periods when AQI allows

Moderate Tasks (Moderate Exertion)

• Activities: Weeding, raking, planting, using push mower
• Safe up to: AQI 100
• AQI 101-150: Reduce duration by half, take frequent breaks
• Breathing rate: 2-3x resting

Heavy Tasks (High Exertion)

• Activities: Digging, tilling, hauling mulch/soil, chopping wood
• Safe up to: AQI 75
• AQI 76-100: Reduce pace significantly
• AQI 101+: Postpone to better air quality day
• Breathing rate: 3-5x resting

Task Modifications by AQI Level

AQI 51-100 (Moderate): Minor Adjustments

• All gardening tasks acceptable
• Take 5-minute break every 20-30 minutes
• Slow pace on heavy tasks like digging
• Stay well hydrated
• Watch for any respiratory discomfort

AQI 101-150 (Unhealthy for Sensitive): Significant Limits

• Stick to light tasks: watering, light pruning, harvesting
• No digging, tilling, or heavy hauling
• Limit outdoor time to 30-45 minutes
• Wear N95 mask if doing any dust-raising activities
• Come inside if you feel any symptoms

AQI 151+ (Unhealthy): Minimal Activity

• Only critical tasks: watering dying plants, harvesting ripe produce
• 15 minutes maximum outside
• Wear N95 mask mandatory
• Most gardening can wait for better air quality

Mask Recommendations for Gardening

When Masks Are Useful

• AQI 101-150 with light tasks: N95 provides good protection
• Dust-raising activities: Protects from both pollution and garden dust
• Wildfire smoke: Essential even for light gardening
• Near roads: Helps block traffic pollution

Mask Best Practices for Gardening

• Use N95 or KN95 masks - surgical masks inadequate
• Ensure proper fit around nose and chin
• Replace every 3-4 gardening sessions
• Remove and take break if breathing becomes difficult
• Not practical for heavy exertion tasks even with good AQI

Best Times for Gardening

Early Morning (6 AM - 9 AM)

Optimal choice: Lowest AQI, coolest temperatures, plants benefit from morning watering. Best time for any gardening task. Ozone levels at minimum.

Late Morning (9 AM - 11 AM)

Still good: AQI starting to rise but typically still acceptable. Good for moderate tasks. Check current levels before starting heavy work.

Midday (11 AM - 3 PM)

Avoid when possible: Peak ozone formation. AQI typically 20-40 points higher than morning. Hot temperatures add stress. Only light tasks if necessary.

Late Afternoon/Evening (5 PM - Dusk)

Second best option: Ozone decreasing, temperatures cooling. Good alternative if morning not possible. Plants appreciate evening watering too.

Alternative Indoor Gardening

Indoor Options During Poor Air Quality

• Houseplant care: Repotting, pruning, cleaning leaves
• Seed starting: Perfect indoor activity
• Garden planning: Design beds, order seeds, research plants
• Tool maintenance: Clean, sharpen, organize tools indoors
• Greenhouse work: If you have greenhouse, work inside

Planning Activities

• Create garden journal entries
• Research new plants for next season
• Plan crop rotation
• Order supplies online
• Watch gardening tutorials

Best Cities for Outdoor Gardening

Excellent Year-Round Growing (AQI Below 35)

• Seattle, WA - Pacific Northwest paradise for gardeners
• Portland, OR - Year-round growing season, clean air
• San Diego, CA - Mediterranean climate, good air quality
• Santa Barbara, CA - Coastal air, excellent growing conditions

Good Most of Year (AQI 35-50)

• Raleigh, NC - Four seasons, generally clean air
• Richmond, VA - Good air quality for southern garden
• Minneapolis, MN - Short but intense growing season, clean air
• Burlington, VT - Mountain air quality

Seasonal Challenges (Monitor AQI)

• Los Angeles, CA - Great winter/spring, summer ozone concerns
• Phoenix, AZ - Winter gardening excellent, avoid summer
• Denver, CO - Summer great, winter inversions
• Salt Lake City, UT - Watch for winter air quality issues

Health Risks by Gardening Activity

Additional Considerations for Gardeners

• Ground-level exposure: Pollutants settle at soil level where you work
• Dust stirring: Gardening activities raise dust that mixes with pollutants
• Extended exposure: Garden sessions often 1-3 hours
• Near roads: Many gardens in urban/suburban areas near traffic

Safety Checklist for Gardeners

Special Considerations

Gardeners with Asthma or COPD

• Garden only when AQI is below 100
• Always have rescue inhaler accessible in garden
• Use preventive medication before gardening when AQI is 51-100
• Wear N95 mask for any dust-raising activities
• Stop immediately if wheezing or shortness of breath occurs

Older Adults

• More susceptible to air pollution effects
• Avoid gardening when AQI exceeds 100
• Take more frequent breaks than younger gardeners
• Focus on light tasks on moderate air quality days
• Garden with partner who can help if symptoms develop

Pregnant Gardeners

• Avoid gardening when AQI exceeds 100
• Stick to light tasks to avoid overexertion
• Take frequent breaks and stay hydrated
• Consider asking others to handle heavy tasks during poor air quality