Gardeners Can Beat Allergies, Doctor Says

Gardening is "all roses" for everyone, according to an allergy specialist at Temple University.

Getting out and working with plants and flowers can mean sneezing, watery eyes, runny noses and an inability to breathe freely. Seasonal allergic rhinitis, or hay fever, affects more than 35 million people in the U.S., according to a release from Temple.

Dr. Stephen Kelsen, had tips for a sneeze-and-wheeze-free experience.

Wear gloves, goggles or sunglasses when mowing or raking, because they can stir pollen and mold spores.

Keep grass mowed as short as possible to decrease pollen production.

Avoid rubbing your eyes and nose when you've been around pollen-producers. Wash your hands and even rinse your face and eyes if you're out for an extended time.

Have separate clothes for gardening and keep them away from your living area.

Leave all tools and other materials outside.

Take allergy medications well before starting chores in the yard.

Avoid gardening from 5 to 10 a.m. Pollen levels are usually at their highest at this time.