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Gardening is a great way to relax, be one with nature and get your hands dirty. But lurking in that pleasant environment are some nasty bacteria and fungi, with the potential to cause you serious harm. So we need to be vigilant with gardening gloves and other protective wear.
Soils contain all sorts of bacteria and fungi, most of which are beneficial and do helpful things like breaking down organic matter. But just as there are pathogenic bacteria that live on your body amid the useful ones, some microorganisms in soil can cause serious damage when given the opportunity to enter the body. This commonly happens through cuts, scrapes or splinters.
Plants, animal manure, and compost are also sources of bacteria and fungi that can cause infections.
It doesn't take long for outdoor work to take a toll on your hands, but wearing the garden gloves suitable for each task will help you enjoy planting, pruning, and harvesting without hurting your hands. Investing in more than one style of glove that fits well and holds up to the task at hand (no pun intended) means you'll be comfortable longer and reduce the risk of injury or exposure to infection-causing pathogens. In addition, if you have allergies or sensitive skin, garden gloves can help protect your hands from plants like stinging nettle that can be irritating.
Durability is important, but perhaps even more important is the fit of the garden gloves. If they're too big or loose, you won't have the dexterity you need, and gripping tools and plants properly could be tricky. They should have a snug or adjustable cuff to keep soil and debris from falling inside the glove. While gloves should fit snugly if they're too tight, they'll limit your movements and wear out more quickly.
Best Gloves for Planting, Weeding, and Harvesting
Some garden tasks require the ability to feel textures or carefully grip tiny seeds or delicate plants. Gloves that are thin, snug, and flexible work best for these activities. Stretchable synthetic knit fabric gloves that are partially dipped in nitrile are the garden gloves perfect for general gardening tasks and can be washed and line-dried when necessary.
Test Garden Tip: Lightweight yet durable, nitrile-dipped gloves usually come in a variety of colors and are inexpensive, so you can keep several pairs on hand whenever you need them.
Lightweight goatskin leather or synthetic leather gloves are also a great choice and generally last well for more than one season. Although inexpensive, lightweight cotton fabrics can quickly get soggy while going about your garden tasks and don't hold up well over time.
Best Gloves for Digging and Working with Stones or Pavers
If you're planning to lay a patio or edge a bed with bricks or stones, you'll need garden gloves that offer extra protection for your fingertips. You'll also need gloves that aren't quickly worn by rough hardscape materials or gravel. Fit is essential here, but you'll have to give up some dexterity to gain important durability and protection.
Look for gloves that offer extra protection for knuckles, fingertips, and palms and have adjustable or snug elastic wrists. Leather or synthetic leather garden or work gloves will work well.
Best Gloves for Pruning and Working with Thorny Plants
Even if you don't grow roses, you may need a pair of rose gloves with a long gauntlet when pruning or weeding out thorny plants. These garden gloves include an extended cuff to protect most of your forearm. Some rose gauntlets have reinforced palms or fingertips, but if the gauntlet is lightweight goatskin or fabric, you'll probably come away with scratches. Make sure the glove material is tough enough to resist punctures.
Best Gloves for Pesticide Application
Applying chemicals to your garden and yard (even if they're pretty safe) means you'll need protective gear. Nonabsorbent gloves are essential for safe pesticide and herbicide application. Look for latex or neoprene-coated gloves or nitrile-dipped gloves that protect the back of your hand and palm.
What gloves to use for gardening?
When it comes to gardening, wearing gloves can help protect your hands from cuts, blisters, and exposure to harmful chemicals or irritants. Here are some common types of gloves that are suitable for gardening:
Nitrile gloves: These gloves are made of a synthetic rubber material that is resistant to punctures, tears, and chemicals. Nitrile gloves are ideal for working with wet soil or handling fertilizers and pesticides.
Leather gloves: Leather gloves provide durability and protection from thorns and sharp objects in the garden. They also offer good grip and are suitable for pruning and handling rough materials.
Cotton gloves: Cotton gloves are lightweight and breathable, making them a good choice for light gardening tasks such as planting seeds or weeding.
Latex gloves: Latex gloves provide good grip and protection from dirt and moisture. They are ideal for tasks that require more dexterity such as transplanting seedlings or handling delicate plants.
Rubber gloves: Rubber gloves are waterproof and offer good protection from chemicals and other garden hazards. They are ideal for cleaning and other wet tasks.
When choosing gloves for gardening, consider the tasks you will be performing and the hazards you may encounter. Select gloves that fit well, provide adequate protection, and allow you to maintain the necessary level of dexterity and grip.
What are the best gloves for weeding?
When it comes to weeding, the best gloves to wear are those that provide protection against prickly plants, thorns, and sharp objects in the soil. Here are some of the best gloves for weeding:
Nitrile gloves: Nitrile gloves are made of a synthetic rubber material that is resistant to punctures, tears, and chemicals. They are a good choice for weeding as they provide good protection against thorns and prickly plants.
Leather gloves: Leather gloves are a durable option that provide excellent protection
against thorns and sharp objects in the soil. They are also ideal for pruning and other heavy-duty gardening tasks.
Gauntlet gloves: Gauntlet gloves have an extended cuff that covers the forearm, providing extra protection against thorns and prickly plants. They are ideal for weeding and other tasks that require extended protection.
Rose pruning gloves: Rose pruning gloves are designed specifically for handling thorny plants. They have reinforced fingertips and are made of thick, durable material to protect against scratches and cuts.
Work gloves: Work gloves, such as those made of leather or canvas, are a good choice for weeding as they provide protection against sharp objects in the soil while still allowing for flexibility and dexterity
When selecting gloves for weeding, consider the type of weeds you will be dealing with and the level of protection required. Choose gloves that fit well, provide adequate protection, and allow for dexterity and grip.
Is it OK to garden without gloves?
It is possible to garden without gloves, but wearing gloves can provide several benefits. Here are some reasons why it is recommended to wear gloves while gardening:
Protection from cuts and blisters: Gardening often involves using sharp tools and handling rough materials, which can cause cuts, blisters, and calluses on your hands. Wearing gloves can protect your skin from these injuries.
Protection from toxins and irritants: Many gardening products such as fertilizers, pesticides, and soil can contain harmful chemicals that can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions. Gloves can help protect your skin from these irritants.
Improved grip and control: Gloves can provide better grip and control when handling tools or planting small seeds, making it easier to perform gardening tasks.
Reduced risk of infections: Gardening can expose you to harmful bacteria and fungi that live in the soil. Wearing gloves can help prevent the transmission of these infections.
Comfort and hygiene: Gloves can help keep your hands clean and dry, making gardening more comfortable and hygienic.
While it is possible to garden without gloves, wearing gloves can help prevent injuries and provide a more comfortable and hygienic gardening experience. When selecting gloves, choose a pair that fits well and provides adequate protection for the tasks you will be performing.
Why do people wear gardening gloves?
People wear gardening gloves for several reasons, including:
Protection: Gardening gloves provide protection for hands against cuts, blisters, thorns, splinters, and other potential injuries that may occur while gardening.
Comfort: Gardening gloves provide comfort and reduce hand fatigue by absorbing sweat and cushioning the hands during prolonged gardening sessions.
Hygiene: Gardening gloves help keep hands clean and free of dirt, germs, and other contaminants that can be present in the soil.
Improved grip: Gardening gloves can improve grip, especially when handling tools or slippery objects such as wet plants.
Chemical protection: Some gardening gloves are designed to protect hands from harmful chemicals present in fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides.
Allergy prevention: Gloves can help prevent allergic reactions to certain plants, such as poison ivy or poison oak.
Overall, gardening gloves provide a variety of benefits that make gardening more comfortable, safe, and hygienic. When choosing gardening gloves, it is important to select a pair that fits well and provides the necessary protection and features for the type of gardening you will be doing.
