Keep Your Hands Safe With the Best Digging Gloves

Things To Consider Before Buying Digging Gloves

You will need to keep the following considerations in mind when getting a new garden trowel.

Comfort

For most of us, gardening is a fun, relaxing activity and an uncomfortable pair of gardening gloves can ruin it all. A comfortable fit should always be considered when buying a new pair. Some factors to look for include:

• Thinly lined gloves keep fingers warm and toasty in the winters
• Some extra padding on palms, fingertips, knuckles, and wrists for added protection
• Non-toxic material and coating

Size

The size of your gloves can greatly affect your productivity. You should avoid getting one-size-fits-all gloves as they usually fit loosely. You can measure your correct size with a measuring tape just below the knuckle and around your hand. You can also consult the manufacturer’s size chart for a well-fitted, sturdy glove. A good-fitting gardening glove should have no more than half an inch between the top of the glove and your fingertips.  

Grip and protection

Textured material and coating of your digging gloves will determine how secure and firm the grip of your gloves is. Most garden gloves have chemical and water-resistant synthetic polymer coating with a rubbery texture around the fingertips. This comes in handy when holding tools, pots, lawn machinery, etc. 

Rubber-coated gloves provide the best protection but they are not breathable. They will get your hands sweaty and hot.

You can even opt for gloves with claws that is useful for planting, weeding, as a hand shovel for digging, or as a scoop.

Check the video below for tips on choosing the best gardening gloves.

What Are Different Materials for Garden Gloves?

Gardening gloves come in a variety of materials. Different materials are suited for different tasks. Here are some common ones:

Nylon

Nylon is super resistant against moisture and moisture-related warping in gloves. So, these water-resistant gloves are ideal for tasks involving water, such as irrigation. 

Bamboo

Bamboo is a very breathable material. It is thin and perfect for hot weather. Bamboo gloves are great for tasks that require detail and care like planting delicate seedlings or seeds. They are flexible and safe as well.

Cotton

This is the most affordable option. They are easy to maintain and super breathable. These gloves are machine washable and designed for hot temperatures. However, they’re not very great at protecting against thorns and chemicals. 

Leather

These gardening gloves are either cowhide or goatskin and are very sturdy and thick. They offer the best protection against branches, thorns, and sharp objects as you trim or prune hedges, bushes, and trees. They’re not breathable but very long-lasting. 

Do Reinforced Fingertips and Wrist Closures Make Any Difference?

Fingertips of a gardening glove are mostly the first area that gives up. Especially if you’ve been dealing with rocky or sandy soil. A good pair of gloves will have an extra layer of material around the fingertips to protect your fingers from sharp objects in the soil. This could be broken glass, nails, stinging insects, or thorns.  

Reinforced fingertips make a huge difference in protecting your fingers and fingernails from damage, dust, chemicals, and injury. It also protects your fingers from getting hurt from sharp gardening tools. The only drawback is that they can reduce your ability to feel and gauge what you’re touching. 

Wrist closures are another important feature especially if you’re planning for weeding or digging. It keeps debris and dirt out while allowing a snug fit for the hand. 

Tips for Maintaining Digging Gloves

Some tips for taking care of your gardening gloves are:

• Dust off all debris and mud from your gloves once you’re done with them
• Leather gloves should be wiped with a rag to avoid stiffness
• Fabric or cotton gloves should be machine washed
• Dunk the gloves in water to soften and remove caked-on dirt
• Keep gloves dry

Conclusion

Digging gloves are essential for every gardener, just like other gardening tools. They come in a variety of models, sizes, materials, and fits. Make sure you get the one that is sturdy, water-resistant, and suits your gardening purposes.