Thanks to the Shuswap Garden Club’s Mary Ann Van Den Berge for this valuable information on ways to protect your hands when gardening.

“I don’t know about you, but this is a huge problem for me. I always intend to apply hand cream before gardening, but by the time I get out to the shed to grab a tool, I’ve forgotten! And let’s be honest—I’m usually too lazy to take off my boots and head back into the house.

My easy solution? Keep a tube of hand cream in the shed. That way, there are no excuses! What I’ve also realized is that it doesn’t have to be anything fancy or expensive— since you’re just washing it off after gardening anyway.

Another tip: when I have dirt under my fingernails, I use the high-pressure setting on the hose nozzle, much like a Waterpik, to remove it.

While gloves are the most common solution, there are several other ways to protect a gardener’s hands from getting dirty, dry, or chapped.

Barrier Creams or Lotions
Apply a barrier cream (like Working Hands, Invisible Gloves, or a beeswax-based salve) before gardening. These create a protective layer that makes it easier to wash off soil and prevents moisture loss. Rub petroleum jelly, balm, or shea butter into your cuticles and under fingernails before gardening. This helps prevent soil from getting embedded and keeps the skin soft.

Moisturizing Before and After
Moisturize before gardening to keep skin supple, and immediately after washing your hands to prevent drying and cracking. Use a rich, nongreasy hand cream with glycerin or lanolin.

Use Tools Strategically
Use hand tools like trowels or weeders instead of bare hands to limit direct contact with soil. Consider long-handled tools for tasks that normally require kneeling and digging by hand.

Wear Protective Sleeves or Wrist Guards
These can keep dirt from getting between your glove cuffs and arms, reduce friction that can cause irritation.

Keep Nails Short and Clean
Short nails trap less dirt and are easier to clean, helping to prevent painful hangnails or nail bed infections.”

Homemade Scrub and Salve Recipes

by Mary Ann Van Den Berge

DIY Protective Hand Salve (Beeswax-Based)

This salve creates a barrier to protect hands from moisture loss and dirt. Great before or after gardening.

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp beeswax pellets (or grated beeswax)
• 1/4 cup coconut oil (or olive oil for a softer salve)
• 1/4 cup shea butter (or cocoa butter)
• Optional: 10 drops lavender essential oil or tea tree oil (antibacterial and soothing)

Instructions:

• • In a double boiler (or a heatproof bowl over simmering water), melt the beeswax, coconut oil, and shea butter.
  • Once melted, remove from heat and stir in essential oils (if using).
  • Pour into a small tin or jar. Let cool and solidify before use.
  • Rub a small amount into your hands before or after gardening.

DIY Hand Scrub (Oil & Sugar)

This gentle scrub exfoliates dirt and dead skin while moisturizing at the same time.

Ingredients:

• • • • 1/4 cup granulated sugar (white or brown)
      • 2 tbsp olive oil, sweet almond oil, or coconut oil
      • Optional: 1 tsp lemon juice (brightening and deodorizing)
      • Optional: a drop of lavender or peppermint essential oil for scent

Instructions:

• • • • Mix all ingredients in a small bowl or jar until it forms a gritty paste.

To use:

• • • Massage a small amount onto dry hands after gardening.
    • Rinse with warm water and pat dry — no need for soap.
    • Follow with a moisturizer or the salve noted above for soft, happy hands!