Gardening usually involves getting a little dirt under the fingernails, but some plants can make that hands-on approach a genuinely bad idea. Certain species can sting instantly, trigger an itchy rash hours later, or leave skin dangerously sensitive to sunlight. A pair of gloves can turn a questionable gardening decision into a very uneventful afternoon.
That does not mean every suspicious-looking plant deserves a dramatic retreat. Plenty of plants simply cause minor scratches, while others contain oils, hairs, or sap that can cause significant skin reactions. The trick involves knowing which plants deserve respect, especially when pruning, weeding, transplanting, or clearing an overgrown corner of the yard.
