Health officials are warning British Columbians that gardening can be bad for their health, and sometimes even fatal.
Although gardening does not seem dangerous, tetanus germs thrive in garden soil and manure. It only takes one small cut and the risks rise.
Last year, three people on Vancouver Island died from tetanus, a disease caused by bacterial infection. Two of them were gardeners.
Health officials say this should come as a warning to British Columbians to make sure that their booster shots are up to date. Adults need a tetanus booster every 10 years.
Professional gardener Margaret Marsden knows the risks.
She digs and plants, but her hands never touch the soil.
Her gloves keep her hands cleaner and they protect her from the more serious dangers that may be lurking in the soil.
"I recently cut my finger so it was important to check on when my last tetanus shot was," she said.
"It is something to really think about as a gardener."
Gloves are one way that gardeners can protect themselves, but the best way is to get a tetanus shot and regular updates.
Most people only think of the tetanus shot for when they travel, but health officials say the risks are as high in the garden as they are overseas.
With a report from CTV British Columbia's Jim Beatty
