The right glove for the job

From Sarah's garden to yours

For some people, gardening is all about the connection with the soil. Studies have shown that there is some benefit to making contact with the soil and in particular, the soil bacteria Mycobacterium Vaccae can cause the release of serotonin in the brain which helps reduce anxiety and makes you feel good.   

That being said not all things lurking in the soil are beneficial. With the risk of scrapes, cuts, the chance of picking up something unpleasant, squishy or even something more serious like tetanus or an infection from a thorn, the case for wearing gloves becomes a favourable option.

One of the greatest complaints with gloves is that they can feel cumbersome, and the gardener likes to ‘feel’ what they are doing. One of the ways to reduce this issue is to make sure you have the right gloves for the job and. When it comes to gloves, there are many styles designed with specific tasks in mind.

If you are plunging your hands into wet, soggy soil or working closely with water, waterproof rubber gloves are the way to go to keep your hands dry.

For garden work that requires a light touch to plant small seedlings or for a spot of easy weeding, a tight-fitting glove made from a lightweight flexible material will still give that close sensation when working in the garden. A waterproof coating on the tips of the fingers and palm of the hand is a great advantage when working in cold or wet soil, still allowing your hands to breath and reduces sweatiness in hot conditions.

A general purpose type of glove can be helpful for tasks that don’t need such a fine touch, but could still be dirty. Tidying up a neglected corner of the garden or repetitive tasks that risk blisters such as raking or digging can call for some hand protection. Likewise, for jobs that can lead to bumps and scrapes like moving bricks around the garden, a more robust glove is better – even though your glove will still need to allow flexibility in your hands for a good grip and full dexterity. A glove that is comfortable and will absorb the sweat of a job well done will allow you to work longer without harm while keeping your hands clean.

Some jobs require a greater degree of protection, such as clearing out dense undergrowth around shrubs and thickets. The risk of scrapes and scratches extends beyond just protecting your hands. It is always a good idea to wear eye protection when working with twiggy undergrowth, but also look for gloves that can protect your wrists and forearms. Gloves for this kind of task should be thick enough to protect you from harm but still give you the dexterity to operate secateurs easily. Good quality materials will mean longer wear and less frequent replacement.

And then there are the big jobs where maximum protection is required, namely working with spiky plants such as roses or Phoenix palms. Being stabbed by a thorny plant is not only unpleasant, but many can result in an infection requiring medical treatment. A prick from a rose can lead to serious septic infections, and Phoenix palm stab injuries are responsible for half of all hand surgeries in NZ (based on 2019 information). So take these jobs seriously and use a good quality pair of gloves that will protect you from significant harm. These gloves may feel more cumbersome, especially in areas such as the tips of your finger tips or palms, where puncture protection is most needed. A good glove for thorny plants will also have good wrist and forearm protection.

Some gardening jobs are dangerous in other ways. Working with concrete and cement, or any job that involves toxic or corrosive chemicals requires a robust glove rated to give you protection from the harmful effects of the products you are working with. Neoprene is a good all round option, and should stand up to the task of working with wet cement without perishing through contact or wear and tear.  

Top Tips for Choosing Gloves

• It is always a good idea to try on gloves before purchase, so you get a good comfortable fit.

• Buy gloves that can be easily washed without losing functionality, especially if you are using them in mucky or sweaty situations that would require being washed often.

• If you have your phone or other device with you while you work, to take photos, listen to music or a podcast or even to answer a call, gloves with a touch function can make it so much more convenient, so you don’t have to struggle to pull gloves on and off in the middle of a job.

• Get the best quality gloves you can afford, and they should last you for many seasons.

• Having the right glove for the right job will not only protect your hands but provide the right level of comfort while you are working.