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Gardening with Bronch and MAC

Posted by cate123456 @cate123456, Sep 2, 2022

I’ve been an organic gardener for decades. We grow most of our veggies, fruits, and flowers via our garden. Ironically I thought this kept us so healthy, but was probably a strong source of MAC for my lungs via all the composting, watering, manures, and messing w the soil.

I now try to wear an N95 mask when I garden. And my husband deals w the compost and most of the watering. I really hate the thought of having to give up our gardens and orchard.

Have you given up gardening, if not, what steps have you taken for MAC safety?

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cissa | @cissa | Nov 27, 2025
In reply to @sueinmn "@cissa I must say that whether on antibiotics or not, I am selective about masking. I..." + (show)
Profile picture for Sue, Volunteer Mentor @sueinmn

@cissa I must say that whether on antibiotics or not, I am selective about masking. I live in two worlds, 1500 miles apart.
In the South, I probably acquired MAC from the feral chickens in my yard, as well as the migratory birds. Here I mask, even when weeding, for fear of reinfection.
In Minnesota, I mask while mowing and weedzwhacking, where particles fly. Most of the ti e, while weeding and planting, I wet everything before I begin. I now leave the digging, soil dumping and mulching to my younger, stronger assistants.
My ID doc strongly encouraged me to keep gardening, which I have been doing since I was 9 years old 😅.
Also, to avoid bringing the outdoors in, I dump garden clothes in the laundry room, if not right into the washer, and leave shoes outside.

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@sueinmn
All good advice. Thank you.
My doctors have not ever suggested that I stop gardening. For that I am very grateful, on this day of reflection.
Happy Thanksgiving all!!

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bec21 | @bec21 | Nov 27, 2025

Hi, I am an avid gardener in Zone 10a in Florida. I asked my ID doc if I had to give it up. He said absolutely not! He told me to wear a mask while gardening and to wash my hands before removing my mask. Happy gardening!

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