Comfortable Gloves Really Make a Difference

There is something to be said for the pleasure of feeling the soil in your bare hands; however, when gloved you can plunge your hands into a weedy patch and at least have some defense against ants, snakes, and poison ivy. Plus, gloves provide protection from the sun. The resistance toward wearing gloves likely comes from the poor design and discomfort of 99% of the gloves on the market. I have no financial interest in suggesting the nitrile gloves offered by Gardener's Supply and shown here in green. For under $5, they are among my must-have gardening accoutrements. Despite the very hard beating I give them, they last a year after which point the formerly flexible nitrile portion of the glove hardens up. This hardening process probably does not begin prior to usage; thus, I have concluded it is best to use one or two pairs of these until they're exhausted, rather than succumbing to the temptation to buy pairs in each of the pretty colors and begin using them all at once.