Gardening Weather Index
What is the Gardening Weather Index?
The Gardening Weather Index evaluates ideal weather conditions for performing gardening and garden maintenance work safely, efficiently, and pleasantly. This index considers air temperature (extremes can make work uncomfortable or dangerous, especially during intensive physical tasks), precipitation (rain can make soil muddy and difficult to work, but can also be a good time for certain tasks like planting), relative humidity (which affects thermal comfort and plant water evaporation rate), and wind speed (strong winds can spread seeds, chemicals, and make working with tools dangerous). Ideal conditions allow gardeners to work comfortably for extended periods, while adverse conditions may require adjustments to work schedules, use of additional protective equipment, or postponement of specific tasks to more favorable times.
How is the Gardening Weather Index calculated?
- Air temperature: Temperatures between 15-25°C (59-77°F) are ideal and increase the index, allowing comfortable work. Temperatures below 10°C (50°F) or above 30°C (86°F) reduce the index due to discomfort and risk of hypothermia or heatstroke during physical work.
- Precipitation: Light rain may be acceptable for certain tasks like planting, but moderate to heavy rain reduces the index, making soil muddy, making work difficult, and making work uncomfortable. Dry conditions score highest.
- Humidity: Moderate humidity (40-70%) is ideal and increases the index, positively affecting thermal comfort and plant water evaporation rate. Very high humidity (above 80%) reduces the index, making work uncomfortable.
- Wind speed: Light winds (up to 15 km/h or 9 mph) are ideal and increase the index. Strong winds (above 25 km/h or 15 mph) reduce the index, spreading seeds and chemicals, making work with tools dangerous, and making precise tasks difficult.
Understanding the Gardening Weather Index Scale (0-10)
Gardening Weather Index: Top Cities Comparison
| City | Country | Today | Tomorrow | Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tokyo | Japan | 9 / 10 Excellent | 6 / 10 Good | -3 |
| Osaka | Japan | 9 / 10 Excellent | 10 / 10 Excellent | +1 |
| Kyoto | Japan | 9 / 10 Excellent | 10 / 10 Excellent | +1 |
| London | United Kingdom | 8 / 10 Excellent | 7 / 10 Good | -1 |
| Rome | Italy | 10 / 10 Excellent | 10 / 10 Excellent | 0 |
| Paris | France | 6 / 10 Good | 6 / 10 Good | 0 |
| Delhi | India | 10 / 10 Excellent | 10 / 10 Excellent | 0 |
| Florence | Italy | 10 / 10 Excellent | 10 / 10 Excellent | 0 |
| New York City | United States | 6 / 10 Good | 6 / 10 Good | 0 |
| Hanoi | Vietnam | 9 / 10 Excellent | 10 / 10 Excellent | +1 |
Gardening Weather Index: Tips & Recommendations
- Avoid gardening during heavy rain
- Use sunscreen on sunny days
- Water plants early or late to conserve water
- Dress appropriately for weather