Top-rated gardening gloves for trimming, weeding, and various other tasks, as recommended by professionals
It's time to dive into the world of gardening! With spring in full bloom, it's essential to keep your digits protected while tending to your greenery. That's why we spoke to gardening gurus Carmen DeVito, the dynamic founder of garden design firm Garden Cult, and Julie Bawden-Davis, professional gardener and author of multiple gardening books, about what to look for in a good pair of gloves. Here are their top picks, along with some tips on choosing the right pair for your tasks at hand.
Top Glove Picks
Best Overall - Firm Grip Utility Working Gloves (3-Pack)
These flexible, lightweight gloves, according to DeVito, are perfect for your everyday garden work. Reinforced around the fingertips and knuckles, the gloves come with an elastic cuff for easy on-and-off and touchscreen compatibility. They're available in both pairs and packs of three.
- Material: Synthetic leather
- Sizing: S-XL
- Water-resistant: No
Best Gauntlet - Duluth Trading Co. Gauntlet Gardening Gloves
These soft, durable gloves, a favorite of DeVito's, boast both prick-proof and extra-long protection, making them ideal for dealing with prickly plants and thorns. The padded palms provide additional comfort, while the goatskin and pigskin leather construction promises to stand the test of time.
- Material: Goatskin and pigskin leathers
- Sizing: M, L
- Water-resistant: No
Editor's Pick - Coohorn Grip Safety Work Gloves
"I've been using these gloves in my garden for years," recalls Nikki Brown, NBC's SEO editor, "They're snug and not too thick, allowing me to feel the soil and plants I'm working with. Their anti-slip dots make gripping things a breeze. Though I sometimes double up for wet conditions, they usually suffice, and they're machine-washable to boot."
- Material: Unspecified
- Sizing: N/A (fit snugly)
- Water-resistant: Yes (but it's recommended to air-dry for longevity)
Tips and Advice on Choosing the Right Garden Gloves
Materials:
- Lightweight and stretchy fabric, providing a soft feel and good breathability, is suitable for everyday gardening tasks. However, according to DeVito, fabric-only gloves wear out quickly, so consider investing in ones with reinforced rubber or leather palms for increased durability.
- Leather or rubber gloves are ideal for heavy-duty tasks and winter gardening, offering better protection against harsh elements.
Sizing:
When shopping online or if physical stores don't offer glove sizing guides, measure your palm width to ensure a proper fit. Many brands offer guides based on palm width or middle finger length to help you choose the right size.
Length:
Depending on the work you'll be doing, choose gloves that range from wrist length to full forearm coverage. For lighter tasks like watering, seeding, and smaller pruning jobs, wrist or mid-forearm coverage will suffice. Longer gloves, like the gauntlets highlighted above, are ideal for heavier work or dealing with thorny plants.
Soak up the sun and get your hands dirty with confidence, knowing you've chosen the right pair of gloves for your gardening needs!
- While tending to your houseplants and home-and-garden projects in York, ensure happy, average gardening lifestyle by investing in protective gloves.
- For your everyday garden work, consider the Firm Grip Utility Working Gloves which provide a flexible, lightweight design with reinforced areas and touchscreen compatibility.
- If you're dealing with prickly or thorny plants, the Duluth Trading Co. Gauntlet Gardening Gloves offer prick-proof and extra-long protection, making them suitable for such tasks.
- To maintain your preferred lifestyle at home and in the garden, keep in mind that leather or rubber gloves are better for heavy-duty tasks and winter gardening. Opt for lightweight, stretchy fabric for casual gardening, but remember that fabric-only gloves may wear out quickly, requiring reinforcement for increased durability.
