Protect your hands! Wear gloves!

When you work in the dirt your hands can get dried out very quickly. I'm sure you've also noticed the caked in dirt on your palms and under your nails. Gloves are the quick and easy answer to hand protection while gardening.

The best gloves are ones that fit your hands as well as the task at hand. If your gloves are too big they'll be floppy and awkward and possibly chafe. A pair that's too small will limit hand movement. No one pair will suit every job so below are some different types of gloves and what they're best suited for.

Everyday gloves

Cloth gloves – Good for light planting chores, mixing soil, digging and raking. They may get soggy and gross but they can be washed. Durable is not the word I would use for these but they're also pretty cheap and easy to replace.

Sheepskin/goatskin – These are stronger than cloth and nice and comfy. These are good for planting and digging. These soft leather gloves tear more easily than other leathers so it's not as good for pruning trees and shrubs. They are good, however, for cutting, planting, digging, raking, and shoveling. You can get them wet and they won't get stiff. Some can even be machine washed. Wear heavier gloves if you plan on doing stone work or putting in a patio. The sheepskin won't stand up to the challenge.

Rubber and PVC-coated - These are great work playing in the mud and dealing with prickly plants. If you happen to be allergic to rubber choose the PVC option. They not be as flexible as others but they protect well. Some models even go up to your elbows.

The Heavy Duty Stuff

Cowhide and pigskin - These are the traditional work glove. They are pretty durable. Use these for handling wood and rocks, planting trees and shrubs, and operating power equipment. Some are lined with fleece...fuzzy warm...yummy!

Neoprene and nitrile - These offer the best protection when working with greases, oils, herbicides, pesticides, and other caustic materials. When working with harsh chemicals make sure the gloves you buy are marked for that working with that chemical.

When the work is done, knock the dirt off of your gloves and take them inside to keep them dry.