By Garden Works
Photographs courtesy of Garden Works
Gardeners definitely like to get their hands dirty, so the right gardening glove is important. There are hundreds of gloves to choose from, and deciding what’s right for you may take some trial and error. Many gardeners own multiple pairs, each with different features for different tasks. A well-fitting glove feels like an extension of your hand and allows you to garden longer without pain or fatigue. Functional, comfortable gloves can make the difference between a gardening session that’s fun and satisfying and one that you just want to get over with.
Fit the glove to the task. Some features to look for:
For lighter gardening tasks such as sowing seeds, potting up plants, pulling annual weeds, most container gardening, watering. Tasks where you might use your hands rather than a tool, and want to be able to feel what you are doing:
A lighter weight glove made with lycra and/or cotton.
Reinforced fingertips.
Machine washable.
A nitrile coating helps protect against burrs, stickers and barbs.
For casual gardening, including digging and transplanting, light pruning, dealing with stubborn or prickly weeds, raking, using tools or pushing a wheelbarrow or cart:
Look for a glove with a good grip. Gloves should be well fitting and flexible.
Reinforced fingertips.
Machine washable.
A nitrile coating helps protect against burrs, stickers and barbs.
For heavier, longer gardening sessions and thorny situations, such as pruning roses or other prickly plants, heavy pruning of branches, shoveling soil or mulch, or moving stone:
A leather such as cow grain or goatskin will increase dexterity and abrasion resistance while maintain flexibility.
Keystone thumbs are positioned to provide maximum comfort, usually are double stitched with a double layer of leather which provides longer wear and improves dexterity.
Wing thumbs are sewn out to the side and provide strength and less stress on the palm.
Gauntlet gloves provide forearm protection from sun, insect bites, thorns and more.
Some of our favorite Garden Works gloves are:
Bamboo Fit - Provides optimal dexterity. They are the most breathable, comfortable gloves around.
Comfort Pro - A synthetic leather gauntlet glove, with padded knuckles and palm.
Mid Cuff - Palm and back made from 100% cow grain leather. Fingertips, palm and keystone thumb are reinforced.
Botanical Collection - These gloves are fashionable yet functional. Three different patterns, all “one size fits most,” our most popular “gift glove.”
By Heirloom Roses
Images courtesy of Heirloom Roses
Insects can create quite a headache for rose lovers. But think about a proactive approach for your garden’s health instead of a reactive response once the pests arrive.
Think beneficial insects. Click here for an informative article on the topic.
Click here to sign up for our monthly NEWSLETTER packed with great articles and helpful tips for your home, garden and pets!
