The Best Gardening Gloves for Protecting Your Hands

Tending to your plants is a hobby that many find relaxing, but it can quickly lead to annoying cuts and scrapes. Luckily, a good pair of gardening gloves will protect your hands from thorns and prevent dirt from getting underneath your fingernails. We asked six expert gardeners to share the gardening gloves they personally use and recommend. We even got their expert tips on how to shop for this essential gardening tool.

What to Look for in Gardening Gloves

Choosing gloves based on your hand size is key because wearing ones that are too big or too small won’t be comfortable and could complicate your gardening work. “I look for a good fit since I have small hands,” says Linda Vater, plant expert for Southern Living Plant Collection. “Gardeners don’t always consider that, but sizing is important for comfort and the ability to perform tasks with greater control.”

Comfort and Durability

Once you know your size, seek out gloves that are made to last. “I am interested in making an investment in high-quality, long-lasting gloves,” says Ace Berry, floral artist for Oasis Forage Products. “I am willing to spend more because I know I won’t have to keep replacing them.” If you’re on a budget, his advice is: “Aim for the best option in your price range that covers the quality features you need.”

In general, comfort, durability, and breathability are key qualities experts look for in gardening gloves. “I prefer natural materials over synthetic because they provide breathability and cool comfort for general tasks, especially in warmer weather,” says Mary Phillips, head of Native Plant Habitat Strategy/Certifications at the National Wildlife Federation. She recommends leather gloves for this reason, but some of the other experts we spoke with still suggest rubber gloves.

Protection

Some glove styles are better for specific jobs, such as sowing seeds, turning the soil, or building a trellis. “I use a few different garden gloves for various gardening tasks,” Nardozzi says.

Thicker gloves will provide more protection, making them better for pulling vines and pruning, according to Phillips. You can also get more protection by opting for gardening gloves that come up higher on the arm (more on that later).

Expert Recommendations

Charlie Nardozzi, author of “The Complete Guide to No-Dig Gardening” and “Foodscaping,” says gardening gloves with padding in the palm and cushion in the fingertips are great, but make sure you can easily bend your knuckles to protect your hands and fingers. Nardozzi also likes gloves with good grip to pick up small objects, such as seed packets.

Joe Lamp’l — aka “Joe Gardener” — author of “The Vegetable Gardening Book,” host of the PBS series “Growing a Greener World,” and host of the gardening podcast “The Joe Gardener Show,” looks for similar characteristics in gloves that include “comfort, flexibility, form-fitting and touch, including being able to use my cell phone without taking them off.”

Specific Jobs

Certain tasks may require specific types of gloves. For instance, thicker gloves are ideal for pulling vines and pruning, offering greater protection. Gardening gloves that extend higher up the arm can also provide extra protection, especially when dealing with thorny plants or when reaching into dense foliage.

Additional Considerations

When selecting gloves, consider the specific needs of your gardening routine. For instance, if you frequently work with delicate plants, you may prefer gloves with a more sensitive touch. For heavier tasks, such as moving rocks or heavy pots, more robust gloves with additional padding and grip may be necessary.

In summary, finding the best gardening gloves involves considering size, comfort, durability, and protection tailored to your specific gardening tasks. By following these expert recommendations, you can ensure your hands stay safe and comfortable while you enjoy your gardening activities.