The pros and cons of gardening gloves can be a daunting thing for the beginner gardener. Many feel that they should always use gloves, and others feel that there are safer ways to protect themselves when working with plants and their roots. And, of course, there are the no-gloves types who insist that glove use is only for those who are sick with some kind of allergy to molds and pollen.
Generally speaking, glove use should be done only when there is absolutely no other choice. For example, if the climate is too cold, it is better to wear gloves. Gloves will keep you warm. Wearing too much can result in rubbing, sore or even cracked hands, which is not good for doing a project.
It is important to note that most plants are sensitive to heat, and you do not want to get burned by plants or their leaves. Some plants can easily burn your hand even with gloves on, while others will just cause your hand to sting or become slightly dry or red.
There are also pros and cons to using garden gloves that include the fact that they protect your hands from cuts and scrapes. These cuts are very painful and can be very damaging to the hands and to the condition of the hands.
Also, gloves allow you to do your work easier and quicker. You do not have to wear sandals or flip-flops or any other bulky shoes, and you can move more freely and quickly in them, removing things and moving around.
However, the disadvantage is that your own hands are covered in germs and other debris. If you do not keep your hands clean, you will get more germs on your hands.
There are some situations where it may be OK to wear gloves. If you are doing work such as pest control, washing pesticides or cleaning up chemicals. This is only when the job requires that you handle chemicals that could be harmful to your health.
For example, you do not want to get some form of poisoning from handling some type of pesticide. If you do not want to get a poison with the job, then wear gardening gloves for safety. You can handle an item that is not toxic but could still be harmful to your health by accidentally touching the handle of the container, for example.
The disadvantages of gardening gloves are also related to your health. If you get a splinter on your hand while working with a piece of wood that is coated with adhesives, then you can get a very serious infection from the adhesive.
The difference in allergic reactions can also be very serious and can result in anaphylactic shock, that is so bad that you cannot get out of bed and it can kill you. If you wear gloves, then you have a higher chance of getting a bad reaction or a more serious reaction that can result in death.
Also, because your food is exposed to pests that are not visible with the naked eye, it is important to keep your hands protected and cleaned, to make sure that you do not touch anything and that you do not get any food insects into your mouth. There are items that you can use that will protect your hands from food insects.
The best way to decide whether gardening gloves are the right thing for you is to use them and see if they are helping you in your gardening projects. If you find that the result is not what you wanted, then there is no need to continue wearing them.