Green-thumbs – protect your assets on World Naked Gardening Day

Year round warm weather makes the Territory a perfect place for a bit of naked gardening, but there are some things to watch out for – aside from the neighbours. Nude green thumbs need to take extra precautions in the garden.

Charles Darwin University Horticulture Team Leader Tania Paul said anyone shedding their kit as part of the global event on Saturday, 5 May, should stick to watering and some light pruning.

People should still wear minimum protection of thongs – on their feet – to guard against soil-borne bacterial infection, a hat and sunscreen. Anyone handling soil in any way should wear gloves to protect against melioidosis or Nightcliff Gardener’s disease.

“The dry season may be on its way, but the sun can still burn you and melioidosis may still be present in the soil; gardeners should not expose themselves to unnecessary risks,” Ms Paul said.

“Also, definitely no chainsawing or using pesticides in the nude. Your sensitive bits are most likely to absorb any chemicals and nobody wants that. So you need to kit up if you are going to do any spraying.”

Ms Paul said people in the tropical Top End should watch out for certain plants and critters if they planned to ditch the threads for the day.

“Perhaps avoid some of the more spiky plants in your garden; some grevilleas and mango trees have a nasty sap that can burn the skin; and spear grass is rather itchy,” she said.

“And, lastly, beware the ginger ants, green ants and paper wasps.”