At one time or another, most gardeners wind up with a blister. While the condition is rarely serious, it can be painful. The best prevention, of course, is to wear gloves. But to master gardener Paul James, gloves are a nuisance.
"I like getting my hands dirty," James says. "I like to feel what I'm touching, and gloves take away that sensitivity. Also, it's annoying to take your gloves off when you have to do certain things--like reaching in your pocket for a packet of seeds or answering the phone."
Here are James' tips for preventing blisters without having to resort to wearing gloves:
- Wrap tool handles with sections of foam pipe insulation fastened with some duct tape. This material can be cut to fit any handle; because the wrap increases the diameter of the handle, it also provides a better grip.
- A tape wrap--specifically designed to prevent blisters--is sold in four-foot rolls; it is easy to apply and comes with finishing tape to prevent the ends from unraveling. It not only does a great job of preventing blisters, it also prevents tools from slipping and acts much like the wrap on a golf club grip.
Despite your best efforts, chances are you will still get a blister or two if you are an avid gardener. If you do, just give it time to heal; if you must garden, stick a bandage on the blister and wear a pair of gloves. Above all, don't pop the blister, because that can lead to infection.
