Don’t Let Gardening Bloom Your Allergies: Tips for Allergy-Free Gardening

May is one of the last months best suited for spring gardening, making it a popular time for people in Scottsdale, Arizona, to plant their heat-tolerant vegetables and other crops.

However, May is also the prime time for allergy season! With this year’s allergies causing some of the worst yet, gardeners will have difficulty balancing planting with allergies. If you’re struggling with spring allergies in Scottsdale, you’re not alone—local pollen counts are especially high this time of year.

Arizona also hosts some other challenges for gardeners, including its dry climate and influx of pollen and dust. The good news is that with some allergy symptom proactivity and management, avid gardeners can continue to tend to their plants in peace. That’s where expert care at Sinus & Allergy Wellness Center in Scottsdale can make all the difference.

Common Allergens in Arizona Gardens and How They Can Impact Our Health

It may be surprising, but many plants in the area can cause allergy flare-ups, including:

• Russian Thistle: A tumbleweed that can cause skin rashes and other reactions.
• African Sumac: Can trigger frequent sneezing in sensitive individuals.
• Feather Palm & Desert Fan Palm: Produce significant pollen, leading to nearby allergy symptoms.
• Cottonwood Tree: Though less common, allergic reactions to this tree can be severe.
• Desert Broom: Plumes spread easily by wind, causing widespread reactions.
• Arizona Sycamore: A moderate allergen that can cause severe symptoms.
• Chinese Elm: Its windborne pollen can affect many residents.
• Arizona Ash: Often affects people who are also allergic to olive tree pollen.
• Hackberry, Juniper, Mesquite, and Bermuda Grass: All known to trigger common symptoms like nasal inflammation, sneezing, and congestion.

Allergy-Friendly Plants for Arizona Gardens

To reduce the risk of flare-ups, opt for low-pollen or female plants, which don’t release pollen into the air.

Recommended allergy-friendly plants include:

• Desert Marigold
• Red Yucca
• Salvia
• Globe Mallow
• Female Palo Verde trees

Tips for Gardeners to Stay Smart During Allergy Season

Start by consulting a Scottsdale allergy specialist—like the providers at Sinus & Allergy Wellness Center in Scottsdale, Arizona—for a personalized treatment plan. Your provider may recommend:

Over-the-counter (OTC) Medications

These are helpful for mild to moderate allergy symptoms. Dr. Gergits recommends:

• Cetirizine (generic Allertec from Costco)
• Fluticasone (Costco’s generic AllerFlo)

He advises starting both 2–3 weeks before peak allergy seasons for best results.

Prescription Medications

For more persistent allergies, prescription antihistamines, corticosteroids, and other medications can offer long-term relief.

Immunotherapy

Allergy immunotherapy, including sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT), helps desensitize your immune system over time.

Lifestyle Tips to Garden Without Allergies

• Time your gardening sessions: Aim for early mornings or after rain.
• Wear protective gear: Masks, gloves, and sunglasses help.
• Use efficient irrigation to reduce dust.
• Choose low-allergen mulch: Gravel works better than organic.
• Keep the garden clean: Remove weeds, leaves, and pollen-heavy debris.
• Be strategic: Keep pollen-heavy plants away from windows and walkways.
• Shower and change clothes immediately after gardening.

How Sinus & Allergy Wellness Center Can Help Your Gardening Game

If you notice allergies interfering with your end-of-season gardening sessions, consider seeking professional help. Sinus & Allergy Wellness Center in Scottsdale, Arizona has a trusted team dedicated to helping residents manage allergies—indoors and outdoors. From allergy testing to customized immunotherapy, we offer complete solutions for Scottsdale allergy relief.

Schedule an appointment today to get your personalized allergy care plan from a Scottsdale specialist and breathe easy this season.