Learnt a couple things today...

[chris]

1) Don't forget that you've placed some seedlings on a radiator that's on (d'oh!)... Thought that the compost was a bit cool, so thought I'd pop the ones I repotted into it today on a rad for a couple mins to warm the compost a bit - as to not shock them (probably should have done this BEFORE repotting them) - 15 mins later I see droopy leaves. I made some tempoary props out of some thick paper, watered them again and put them back on the sunny window sil - thankfull, they've all picked back up again, think I got there in the nick of time.

2) I really should wear gloves when handling compost/soil.. My fingers are all split open and really dry now! [anyone know where I can get a box of those latex gloves?] Don't really like wearing bulky garden gloves, as my hands are quite small !

So yeah, in the words of an old friend: 'live and learn' I guess, eh?

[chris]

(oh, and also that my grammar is erm.. well c**p.)

[Two_Sheds]

I've got gardening fingers now too: black nails, chipped polish, split & sore fingertips.

I must wear gloves! I'm going to use ordinary washing up gloves, they're a bit tougher than the latex gloves.

[zazen999]

Best solution to keeping hands warm and dry when gardening - use the cotton gloves with latex ones over the top. Both can be bought in Boots. Or get a big box of the latex ones as they perish after a few uses......from somewhere like Wickes.

I used to test roads and we would use a really strong chemical to melt the bitumen, but as it boiled off at 35 degrees C it would be really cold to the touch so I devised the above method to keep my hands from the cold and from drying out when we had to use it. I still use it 20 odd years later for when I am gardening.

[chris]

I'd not thought about cotton gloves.. most gardening gloves I've seen are all too big and bulky - but that's a great idea ta.

[Snadger]

You're all a bunch of wussies! Garden Commando!

[binley100]

That'd be fine but when I'm pointing out seats to customers at work it's a bit offputting to think you could grow potatoes down my nails!

[Brengirl]

Best solution to keeping hands warm and dry when gardening - use the cotton gloves with latex ones over the top. Both can be bought in Boots. Or get a big box of the latex ones as they perish after a few uses......from somewhere like Wickes.

I used to test roads and we would use a really strong chemical to melt the bitumen, but as it boiled off at 35 degrees C it would be really cold to the touch so I devised the above method to keep my hands from the cold and from drying out when we had to use it. I still use it 20 odd years later for when I am gardening.

Good idea Zazan not that I am likely to be testing bitumen. How come?

I bought a pack of three "Tradex Gloves from B&Q years ago. I cannot find them anywhere now tho. They were stretchy waterproof and hardwearing.

[chris]

Quick google suggests that the company still is alive, perhaps an email for local suppliers would be a good idea?

Or, a group buy?

[Littlemouse]

Not sure that they're hugely economical but I buy the 10 packs of gloves from Sainsburys. I've always used them the wrong way round though...put them on my hands and cotton gloves over top which makes hand v hot and horrible... going to try the other way round in future)

[nerdgas]

Grow It magazine have a review of various gloves some of which look pretty good:

Grow It! Magazine - currentissue

Trouble is you'll have to get the mag to see the review........

[nerdgas]

Here are some of the websites of the products reviewed:

Garden Glove Specialists, Home of Second Skin, Ultra Garden Gloves & Easy Fit Gardening Gloves

Gardening Gloves - Showa Grip Green Gloves 310 - The Tool Handler Garden Glove

Foxgloves Garden Gloves from America now available in Europe

Town & Country Garden supplier of gardening gloves, outdoor and work wear

[rogesse]

Ah, the split nail and chipped polish season is upon us - love the idea of cotton then latex gloves, proper garden gloves are huge on me