Going "Glove-less" in the Garden

by Jillian Way

Interacting with plants is our birthright as humans. The plant kingdom has been our close ally and resource since before we were Homo sapiens. It seems those who work with plants in any capacity already honor this connection, but there is a way to take it one step further: remove the gloves.

Healthy soil is rife with microorganisms. In both bagged potting soil and soil from the ground you will find bacteria which fix nitrogen, fungi which form symbiotic fascial networks with plant roots, actinomycetes which decompose organic materials, protozoa which regulate these bacterial populations, nematodes that control pest populations, and earthworms which enhance nutrient availability. These important characters are what make “living” soil alive. They support growing plant life by providing natural disease suppression, improving soil structure, and by serving as communication networks among themselves. However, these tiny helpers also connect with us as our hands sow, transplant, weed, and harvest.

One such bacteria, Mycobacterium vaccae, seems to have an interestingly close connection with us as humans. When it comes in contact with our skin, signals are sent to our brain to activate neurons that produce serotonin, the “happy hormone.” What results is decreased anxiety, increased peace, and a sense of calm. This is a big reason why hands in soil simply feels good; something humans have intrinsically known since time immemorial, but seem to have forgotten in the last few decades. 

With the onset of trends like “earthing,” (if you don’t know what that is, it’s walking barefoot on the earth as much as possible) people are becoming reconnected with their instinct to touch our precious planet. Shoes block the negative ions flowing freely from the earth, and gloves block the skin-to-skin contact with bacteria in the soil. I won’t go as far as recommending you take off your shoes at the farm, but by simply not wearing gloves you will receive these glorious benefits from tiny microorganisms who seem to be there for the benefit of all.