BBC Gardeners World Magazine

5 ways your garden could be contributing to flooding

2026-02-20T11:28:29.000Z

Gardens and planted areas in towns and cities are effective at absorbing rainwater and preventing soil erosion. Their ability to take up water reduces the amount that the drainage systems have to cope with and helps avoid flooding in and around our homes. With the government predicting that the severity of flood events is likely to worsen over the next few decades, and that they will become more frequent, it's important that we use our gardens wisely to help prevent floods.

Too much paving

Removing planted borders and replacing them with large areas of paving affects the capacity of our gardens to absorb rainwater and increases the risk of flooding. If the majority of gardens in a road install impermeable paving (such as in front gardens to provide parking for cars) it can have a significant impact on the amount of surface runoff, which then increases the likelihood of flooding. But there are many types of permeable surfaces which minimise the impact on water absorption, such as grass reinforcement (protects grass from being damaged by vehicle wheels), permeable block pavers, or matrix (or cellular) pavers.

Removing areas between the paving provides space for planting pockets, which act as drainage areas. Low-growing, resilient plants such as creeping thyme (Thymus serpyllum), heath pearlwort (Sagina subulata), Corsican mint (Mentha requienii), and creeping Jenny (Lysimachia nummularia) can be planted in these pockets to create interest and aid drainage. Another way to enable water to drain away is by using a permeable surface like gravel, which also provides areas for planting and a surface for car parking.

Not enough plants

Gardens with very few plants are more likely to have issues with flooding. Planted areas help water to filter into the ground so there is less runoff. Plants take up water and aerate the soil, enabling it to absorb more water. Evergreen plants require more water during the winter than deciduous plants, which will have lost their leaves, so it's a good idea to include evergreens in your planting scheme to help absorb water all year round. One study suggested that hedges consisting of yew (Taxus baccata), Cotoneaster franchetii, privet (Ligustrum ovalifolium) and western red cedar (Thuja plicata) had a good ability to absorb water.

Some trees and shrubs have high rates of evapo-transpiration (how they take up water and release it into the atmosphere). These are useful to plant in areas prone to flooding and, according to the RHS, include species such as Forsythia x intermedia and hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna).

Hard, compacted soil

When soil becomes compacted, it significantly affects its ability to absorb water. Instead of draining away through the ground, water runs straight over the surface, creating flooding problems. Avoid this problem by not walking on soil when it's wet, avoiding using heavy machinery, and installing paths or stepping stones across lawns.

To improve the condition of soil that has already become compacted, aerate lawns using a garden fork or lawn aerator, switch to no-dig gardening, plant a green manure on bare ground, or add an organic mulch that will help break down the soil structure as it becomes incorporated into the existing soil.

Too many garden buildings

If your plot includes large areas dedicated to garden buildings such as sheds or home offices, it can exacerbate drainage issues and lead to flooding. This risk is worth considering before you add buildings to the garden, but if you already have lots of ground covered with buildings, try installing a green roof to help absorb rainwater before it comes in contact with the ground. Water butts are an excellent way to harvest rainwater from buildings, and they provide a sustainable, free source of water for plants.

No water collection

A garden without water butts misses out on the opportunity to harvest rainwater. Water butts on a house can collect a large amount of water (24,000 litres or more a year), and there are many different sizes, including designs for small spaces and wall-mounted water butts. This prevents the need to use mains water for plants, and reduces the amount of rainwater that the earth needs to absorb, thereby helping to prevent flooding issues.

Cold snap warning: practical tips to rescue vulnerable herbs

2026-02-19T11:54:28.000Z

By protecting your herbs over winter you can prevent losses due to waterlogging and frost. Follow our simple guide to prolonging the life of your herbs, before the hard frosts arrive.

You Will Need

Fleece
Plastic sheet or bubblewrap
Bricks
'Pot feet'

Step 1

Wet conditions kill more herbs in winter than the cold, so place container-grown perennials such as oregano, thyme, sage and rosemary in a sheltered position against a wall or the side of the house or garage. This will reduce the amount of rainfall hitting the pot by around 25 per cent.

Step 2

Avoid overwatering container-grown herbs by lifting each pot to assess its weight. If the compost is too dry, the pot will be light, so water the plant sparingly in the morning (not at night as the water may freeze). If the pot is heavy, the compost is too wet, so raise the pot off the ground to allow it to drain.

Step 3

Trim evergreen herbs into a dome shape (it's a good idea to remove any remaining flowers in the process). This will help to protect them from high winds or snow. Don't prune back too hard, as this will create deep cuts that may not heal.

Step 4

Raise terracotta pots off the ground, either standing them on bricks, 'pot feet' or on blocks of wood. This will expose the pots' drainage holes, allowing them to drain more freely than if placed directly on the floor. Because water expands when it freezes, this action may also prevent pots from cracking.

Step 5

Use horticultural fleece or hessian to protect container-grown olives and bay trees from hard frost. As well as wrapping the leaves, it's important to also fix a thick layer of bubble wrap around the pot itself, as the delicate plant roots may be touching the inside of the pot.

Step 6

Place basil and other tender herbs in a well-lit, frost-free position, but be wary of windowsills as temperatures much below 5°C will kill them. Avoid watering these plants in the evening so they don't have wet roots at night, and harvest basil leaves from the top, not from the sides. Open greenhouses and cold frames during the day if temperatures are warm.

Crossword number 10

2026-02-18T17:23:48.000Z

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More crosswords Crossword number 9

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Monty Don's five lessons for dogs in gardens

2026-02-18T16:56:14.000Z

There’s something truly special about sharing your garden with a dog. Whether they’re snoozing in the sun, enthusiastically 'helping' with the digging, or simply keeping you company, dogs bring a joyful chaos to any outdoor space. But as any dog-loving gardener knows, combining the two can be a bit of an adventure. Luckily, Monty Don has picked up a few pearls of wisdom along the way. Watch the video above to discover Monty’s top five lessons for harmonious gardening with your canine companion.

More dog advice:

1. Don't overthink it

Monty’s first and perhaps most important piece of advice is to relax. “The main lesson I would say to everybody is don’t overthink it. Don’t worry about it by and large.” Dogs and gardens are perfectly capable of coexisting. The odd bit of digging or trampling is all part of the fun – and really, who among us hasn’t secretly enjoyed a little help from an enthusiastic canine assistant?

2. Set clear boundaries from the start

According to Monty, “dogs are creatures of habit and they pick up body language.” If you want your dog to avoid certain areas, make it clear from the outset. Give them a space to romp – a lawn or a path – and keep your precious flowerbeds as calm, quiet zones. “If you have an area of beds where you want them just to lie quietly, make sure they always lie quietly from an early age and then let them have a lawn or take them for a walk and they have a good time.”

3. Don't panic about dangerous plants

Worried about toxic plants? Monty’s advice is reassuring: “As regards dangerous plants, that isn’t something I worry about too much.” Most dogs aren’t interested in munching on poisonous things. The main exception is yew (Taxus), which can be harmful. “If you see a puppy chewing some yew... don’t panic. Just take it out of its mouth.” A little vigilance goes a long way.

4. Never throw sticks

“The one thing though that I don’t do anymore at all is don’t throw sticks for dogs.” After a frightening incident with a stick injury, Monty recommends finding safer alternatives for play. “Ned has never had a stick thrown for him.” Opt for balls or safe dog toys instead.

5. Flexible paths and planting

If your dog insists on making their own shortcuts, embrace it! Monty suggests, “Have temporary paths of gravel or bark and then you can move plants, you can move the paths and the whole thing becomes more fluid.” And a final tip: “Don’t plant anything precious on the corner where two paths cross.” Accept a bit of canine creativity, and your garden will thank you.

Stop killing your clematis: The winter pruning rule most gardeners get wrong

2026-02-18T16:27:52.000Z

Pruning clematis is not the difficult task some people imagine it to be. Group 3 clematis, which flower in late summer, require regular pruning. This is because the flowers grow on the current year's growth. If you don''t prune, you'll end up with a tangled mess of old and new growth, with flowers appearing only on some of the plant. Pruning is carried out in late winter, just as buds are starting to emerge – watch our video above or follow the step-by-step below to see how to prune clematis in winter.

Pruning Group 3 includes the Clematis viticella hybrids and Clematis texensis, as well as the lovely variety 'Bill MacKenzie'. Clematis that flower in spring or early summer are classified in Groups 1 and 2.

Winter-pruning clematis simply involves cutting back all stems to 30cm above ground. Growth can be quite rapid once the soil starts to warm and day temperatures rise, so keep on top of tying in new shoots.

You will need:

The right tool is essential for this task - for more information read our guide to tools for pruning. If you're looking to update your kit, our experts have been busy testing the best secateurs, so you can buy with confidence.

In a hurry? Here are the best buys from this test:

Follow our guide to winter-pruning clematis, below.

You Will Need

Secateurs

Step 1

Untangle the mass of last year's growth from its support, cutting through any strings and removing ties that have been used for training. Lay the top growth on the ground.

Step 2

Roughly chop off the top growth, initially leaving the stems around 50cm long. Take care not to damage any developing buds or shoots. Cut up the prunings for compost.

Step 3

With the bulk of the growth out of the way, use the tips of your secateurs to cut back to a second or third node or pair of buds above ground level. Cut 3-5mm above the buds or node.

Group 3 clematis to grow

Clematis viticella ‘Confetti’ – delicate pink flowers in July and September. Reaches a height of 2m

Clematis ‘Pearl d’Azure’ – a popular old variety with sky blue flowers in July to September. Height 3m

Clematis tangutica ‘Bill MacKenzie’ – small, bell-shaped yellow flowers in late summer followed by stunning fluffy seedheads. Height 4m

Clematis ‘Ville de Lyon’ – two toned light and dark pink flowers from June to September. Height 3.5m

Clematis ‘Gypsy Queen’ – large bright blue/purple flowers from August to October. Height 3m

Blossoms, palaces and palm houses: 10 unmissable gardens around the world

2026-02-18T11:41:01.000Z

1. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew

Why you should visit
Kew Gardens has something to inspire every type of gardener, from tough tiny alpines to the famous rose garden and tropical glasshouses. The Great Broad Walk Borders are among the longest in the country at 320m, and feature eight themed circular beds - more planting ideas than anyone could wish for. At the end of this walkway is the Palm House which houses many rare and threatened tropical species.

Garden highlights
Don’t miss the record-breaking giant waterlily in the Waterlily House, a view of the gardens from the Great Pagoda and the collection of rare plants in the Temperate House, the world’s largest Victorian glasshouse.

Best time to visit
There’s something to see year-round.

Expert tip
Follow one of Kew’s tailored trails to make sure you don’t miss anything, because the grounds are huge and with 326 acres to explore, it’s best to be selective.

2. Sissinghurst Castle Garden, Kent

Why you should visit
One of the most famous gardens in England, Sissinghurst is the creation of Vita Sackville-West and her husband Harold Nicolson. Combining her flair for planting and his interest in formal design, each style complements the other in this garden. The garden is arranged in rooms, with themes that include roses, cottage style planting and herbs. Sissinghurst is most famous for its White Garden, featuring only white, grey, green and silver plants. Within the boundaries of yew and box hedges Vita planted tall white flowers that include a mass of foxgloves, pom pom dahlias, Japanese anemones and delphiniums.

Garden highlights
The variety and colours within the Rose Garden and the serenity of the White Garden.

Best time to visit
June to July when the roses are out

Expert tip
Visit Great Dixter while you’re in Kent. Christopher Lloyd’s renowned garden is only half an hour from Sissinghurst by car.

3. Keukenhof, Nisse, The Netherlands

Why you should visit
Keukenhof has a spectacular collection of spring bulbs including crocuses, daffodils, hyacinths and tulips. This world famous attraction is set within 79 acres, planted with around 7 million bulbs. The gardens were designed around Keukenhof Castle in 1857 and have been a focal point for bulb enthusiasts ever since 1949, when twenty prominent bulb growers came up with a plan to use the gardens to exhibit spring flowering bulbs. Explore the gardens along winding pathways past flowerbeds packed in intricate designs with every type of tulip as well as water features and feature gardens.

Garden highlights
People come primarily for the tulips at their peak, but look out also for the exhibitions in the pavilions, or admire the bulbs on a boat ride down the waterways.

Best time to visit
The garden is only open between March and May – visit from mid April to see the tulips.

Expert tip
Head 40 miles north to Kop Van Noord-Holland, the largest tulip area in The Netherlands and spend a few days cycling through the bulb fields. There are also tulip fields to explore outside Keukenhof.

4. Butchart Gardens, Vancouver Island, BC, Canada

Why you should visit  
In 2004, to mark its 100th anniversary, Butchart Gardens were made a National Historic Site of Canada. From its beginnings as a garden created on a limestone quarry, it has expanded to 55 acres, with five main areas that cover planting styles from Mediterranean to Japanese. This is a spectacular setting that will inspire every type of gardener. For plant enthusiasts there is a huge variety on show throughout the year, including 265,000 annuals, 100 varieties of dahlia and 2000 shrubs.

Garden highlights
Look out over the Sunken Garden from a limestone mound, created on the site of the original quarry. There are 151 flowerbeds and an impressive fountain. In the Rose Garden there are 2,500 roses, from floribundas to rambling roses and climbers in a spectrum of colours.

Best time to visit
There’s something to see year round, but spring is a highlight for thousands of spring flowering bulbs, and summer is the best time if you want to see the Rose Garden.

Expert tip  
If you’re staying longer than a day on Vancouver Island, explore some of its other gardens including the the Gardens at HCP, which are in a conservation park and the Kitty Coleman Woodland Gardens, which has one of the largest rhododendron collections in Western Canada.

5. Jardin Majorelle, Marrakesh, Morocco

Why you should visit
Created by the French artist, Jacques Majorelle, in the 1920s, Jardin Majorelle reflects his passion for colour. The bold art deco buildings and hard landscaping are painted in a cobalt blue the artist trademarked as ‘bleu Majorelle’. For the planting, he sourced exotic species from five continents, including an impressive collection of cacti and succulents. Yves Saint Laurent and his partner Pierre Berge saved the garden from destruction in 1980.

Garden highlights
The use of colour in the garden is not the only highlight. The plants are spectacular too. Marvel at the enormous cacti growing outdoors in the cacti and succulent garden.

Best time to visit
The best time to visit Morocco is between March and May or September to November when the weather isn’t too hot or cold.

Expert tip
Visit the Pierre Berge Museum of Berber Arts and Yves Saint Laurent Museum while you’re there.

6. Kirstenbosch Botanic Garden, Cape Town

Why you should visit
Kirstenbosch Botanic Garden is set on the eastern slopes of Table Mountain. It has many plants that are endemic to South Africa. In spring the gardens are full of colour with Namaqualand daisies in shades from red and orange to yellow and purple, exotic looking strelizia as well as a garden of protea, a plant that is native to South Africa, with dramatic flowers. Explore the erica garden, the Dell with its collection of shade-loving plants, or take one of the trails.

Garden highlights
Walk along the Centenary Tree Canopy Walkway, known as the Boomslang, for views of the surrounding mountains. It’s 130m long and climbs up from the forest floor to wind through the trees of the arboretum.

Best time to visit
To see the maximum amount of plants in flower and the fynbos (natural shrubland) at its best, visit at the end of winter, in spring or early summer. This is between August and November.

Expert tip
Take a free 90-minute tour with a guide to see the highlights of the season and different areas of the garden. There are free tours every week day apart from on public holidays.

7. Nong Nooch Tropical Garden, Thailand

Why should you visit  
This is not only a garden but a tourist attraction – a botanical garden for plant lovers, with features such as Dinosaur Valley for family days out. Set out over 600 acres, Nang Nooch includes themed gardens – a French garden, Orchid garden and a Cycad garden holding one of the world’s largest collections. The French garden is inspired by the Gardens of Versailles, with a geometric design. As well impressive plant displays, visitors can experience cultural shows, life size dinosaurs and a car museum.

Garden highlights
Don’t miss the Gardens in the Sky, an experience that feels like being in a jungle, with two floors of plants. There are ferns hanging from the ceiling, plant towers and green walls.

Best time to visit
During the dry season between November and February. Go early in the morning to avoid the midday heat and the crowds.

Expert tip
If you are limited on time or energy, book a ticket that includes the hop on, hop off sightseeing bus.

8. Kenrokuen, Kanazawa, Japan

Why should you visit
Kenrokuen is famously described as one of Japan’s three greatest gardens along with Kairakuen in Mito, and Korakuen in Okayama, which were created in the Edo period, between 1603 and 1868. These three gardens are often described as 'strolling style' gardens with a pond as their focal point. Kenrokuen Garden can be found opposite Kanazawa Castle. Wander around the garden at your leisure on one of the paths that winds around the pond, over bridges and past tea houses and blossom trees.

Garden highlights
This garden is renowned for its spring blossom as well as its water features.

Best time to visit
Visit in February to March for the plum blossom season or mid-April to see the cherry blossom.

Expert tip
It’s still worth visiting if you are in Japan during the winter. Look out for the pine trees, like upside down umbrellas, with their branches strung up to protect them against heavy snowfall.

9. Gardens of Versailles, France

Why you should visit
Built under the instruction of Louis XIV in the 17th century the magnitude of the Gardens of Versailles is breathtaking. These gardens are laid out around the chateau in a French formal style, with water parterres, alleys lined with hundreds of statues and grand fountains and pools as focal points. While exploring the gardens, follow the paths into the groves, small gardens in the woodlands, each with their individual style.

Garden highlights
Walk along the Royal Way in the direction of the grand canal to see Apollo's fountain, one of the most impressive in the gardens, with Apollo and his chariot at its centre. Admire the design of the Grand Perspective from the Hall of Mirrors. From here it's possible to see the symmetry of the design below – the water parterre, two rectangular ponds and grand canal in the distance.

Best time to visit
The gardens will look impressive year round, due to their structure and layout. There will be fewer crowds in autumn and winter, but more colour to see during the summer.

Expert tip
On the first Sunday of every month between November and March, the whole estate is open free to all (but you do need to book a time slot for the Palace).

10. Longwood Gardens, Pennsylvania

Why you should visit
There are 200 acres of gardens to explore at Longwood, from flower filled borders and water gardens to Italian and topiary gardens, open meadows and forest trails. The first garden to be created in the early 20th century was the Flower Garden Walk, 182 metres of borders that look spectacular from April through to October. In addition there is a Fountain Garden and a historic conservatory with waterfalls, pools and fountains.

Garden highlights
Take the time to explore beyond the Flower Garden Walk and main gardens, to visit the Waterlily Court, which has aquatic plants from around the world – 100 varieties of waterlilies. Then lose yourself for a few hours in the glasshouses, where planting ranges from rainforest to Mediterranean.

Best time to visit
This is an enormous garden and there will be something to see at any time of year, but there will be more plants to see at their peak between April and October.

Expert tip
Visit on a weekend or evening when the Fountain Festivals or Illuminated Festival performances are on, to see fountain displays set to music, which includes 1719 jets of water.

Discover Monty Don's favourite gardens from around the world:

View Green Video on the source website

The best 16 gardening gloves to buy in spring 2026 – as tested by our reviews experts in real-world conditions

2026-02-16T19:53:49.000Z

Our 3 top-rated lightweight gardening gloves
Our 5 top-rated heavy-duty gardening gloves
Our best gauntlet gloves

Gardening gloves are available in a range of designs, featuring waterproofing, added grip, cushioning, and breathable fabrics to help regulate hand temperature. The design and features you need will depend on the gardening jobs you intend to carry out and when you plan to do them. A range of materials is on offer, including leather, bamboo, latex, nylon, and recycled materials. Bamboo fibre is one of the more environmentally friendly options and is typically soft, close-fitting and flexible. Latex and leather are both tear-resistant and are often used to improve grip. Additional padding or cushioning can also be helpful. Look out for padding on knuckles, fingertips, wrists and palms for increased protection when performing manual tasks.

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Our best gardening gloves to buy at a glance

Our 3 top-rated lightweight gardening gloves

4.8 stars: Best gloves for light work – Clip Gloves Bamboo Fibre £6.49
4.8 stars: Best value lightweight gloves – Showa 477 Insulated Winter Gardening Gloves £10.49
4.8 stars: Best lightweight winter gloves – Niwaki winter gloves £12

Our 5 top-rated heavy-duty gardening gloves

4.8 stars: Best budget heavy-duty gloves – Verve Nylon Gardening Gloves £2.50
4.8 stars: Top-rated heavy-duty winter gloves – Clip Gloves Warm 'n' Waterproof £12.99
4.8 stars: Best gloves for heavy-duty work – Clip Gloves Shock Absorber £18.49
4.8 stars: Best heavy-duty gloves for summer use – Spear & Jackson Kew Gardens Collection High Performance £18.99
4.8 stars: Best heavy-duty gloves for wet-weather work – Gold Leaf The Dry Touch £22.99

Our top-rated gauntlet gloves

4.8 stars: Best men's gauntlet gloves – Kent and Stowe luxury leather men's gauntlet gloves £16.99

Also recommended

4.5 stars: Best lightweight gloves for everyday use – Clip Gloves General Purpose £14.99
4.5 stars: Best lightweight gloves for grip – Donkey Gloves £15.95
4.5 stars: Best lightweight gloves for versatility – Feverfew Garden Company £22.95
4 stars: Best lightweight gloves for waterproofing – Briers All Seasons Cosy Gardener Gloves £4.99

4.5 stars: Best heavy-duty gloves for winter use – Stihl ThermoGrip £7.75
4.5 stars: Best heavy-duty gloves for year-round use – Burgon & Ball Love the Glove £17.99
4.5 stars: Best heavy-duty gloves for comfort – RHS Gold Leaf Winter Touch Gloves £26.99

Our expertise

The BBC Gardeners' World Magazine team tested a range of gloves, using them through the year in different gardens and situations to see how they fared. Each pair of gloves in our review has a detailed list of pros and cons and has been rated according to comfort and fit, materials, durability and value for money. From 2026, you’ll only see newly awarded Best Buy badges on gardening gloves that score 4.5 out of 5 or higher. Anything rated 3.5 or above will still feature in our ‘Best of the rest’ list. Every pair of gloves in our round up below has scored a minimum rating of 3.5/5, so you can buy with confidence.

Jump to best gardening gloves:

Our 3 top-rated lightweight gardening gloves
Our 5 top-rated heavy-duty gardening gloves
Our best gauntlet gloves

Jump to gardening gloves advice:

How to choose the best gardening gloves
How we tested gardening gloves
Meet our testing panel

Our 3 top-rated lightweight gardening gloves

1: Clip Gloves Bamboo Fibre

Our best lightweight gloves for light work

RRP: £6.49

Our rating: 4.8 out of 5

Available from: Amazon men's (£14.99) and women's (£13.29)

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Reasons to buy:

Comfortable and light
Second skin fit
Breathable
Feel strong
Excellent value

Reasons to avoid:

Bamboo snags occasionally

The Clip Gloves Bamboo Fibre are a good fit, and I found them easy to take on and off, comfortable and breathable. The gloves are washable and come with a carabiner for clipping them to your belt. They did snag occasionally, but they're great for delicate work and all-day wear in spring and summer. They're available in both men's and women's designs. Cinead McTernan

Read the full Clip Gloves Bamboo Fibre review

Buy Clip Gloves Bamboo Fibre from Amazon men's (£14.99) and women's (£13.29)

Latest Prices

2: Showa 477 Insulated Winter Gardening Gloves

Our best lightweight gloves for waterproofing

RRP: £10.49

Our rating: 4.8 out of 5

Available from: Safety Gloves (£13.49) and Work Gloves (£13.49)

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Reasons to buy:

Well waterproofed – covers the whole hand
Thick thermal lining
Can clean exterior with water
Size is labelled clearly on each glove
Highly flexible
Resistant to abrasion and tearing

Reasons to avoid:

Industrial looking
More expensive
Waterproofing may diminish with thorn damage

I was impressed with the double-engineered nitrile coatings that cover the entire hand and are designed to prevent water, oils and other liquids from penetrating the glove. The acrylic terry liner offers insulation, but it’s also fixed and remains in place when the hand is removed. They’re also seamless for maximum comfort, and the sturdy construction ensures they will withstand a degree of abrasion and tearing. The nitrile foam palm coating provides long-lasting grip in wet conditions, while the wrist cuff keeps the glove securely in place.

These gloves replicate the natural curvature of the human hand, thus reducing hand fatigue and boosting flexibility. I found them sturdy and comfortable to wear, but they also felt flexible, warm and offered excellent grip in wet conditions. Jane Moore

Buy the Showa 477 Insulated Winter Gardening Gloves from Safety Gloves (£13.49) and Work Gloves (£13.49)

3: Niwaki Winter Gloves

Our best lightweight gloves for winter use

RRP: £12

Our rating: 4.8 out of 5

Available from: Niwaki (£12) and Amazon (£12)

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Reasons to buy:

Fit well
Warm and all, but cuffs are waterproof
Bright, so you won't lose them easily
Good value

Reasons to avoid:

A little bulky
Not thornproof
Cuffs aren't waterproof

These gloves offer a great, snug fit and are very easy to get on and off thanks to their well-fitting elasticated cuff. Made from latex, acrylic and polyester, they moulded well to my hand, and although the bright orange fleece lining makes them a little bulky, they’re still soft and flexible and offer a good amount of dexterity. They’re ideal for a wide range of winter jobs, including finer weeding, and keep your hands really warm and dry.

However, the cuffs are not waterproof, so avoid getting them wet as they take a while to dry. Otherwise, the gloves dry well, though, and keep their shape. They won't completely protect you against thorns and brambles, but they don't tear the latex. I think they’re excellent value for the protection they provide. They’re available in small, medium, large, and extra large sizes. Cinead McTernan

Buy Niwaki Winter Gardening Gloves from Niwaki (£12) and Amazon (£12)

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Our 5 top-rated heavy-duty gardening gloves

1: Verve Nylon Gardening Gloves

Our best heavy-duty gloves for budget

RRP: £2.50

Our rating: 4.8 out of 5

Available from: B&Q (£2.65)

Reasons to buy:

Tough, thorn-proof material
Great for everyday medium- to heavy-duty work
Hard wearing
Great value

Reasons to avoid:

Not very breathable
Lack warmth
Not water resistant

These gloves offer excellent protection for tough, thorny jobs at a very reasonable price. We also love that they can be recycled. Featuring a generously-sized elasticated cuff means they’re easy to get on and off, but as they’re made from textured latex, the palm isn’t a snug fit. While the latex is also waterproof, we found that moisture can seep in through the fabric on the back. Although they are great for cold and wet weather, these gloves aren’t lined, so you might need extra protection in harsh winter months. Wipe-clean after use, these tough, durable gloves represent excellent value for money. Available in small, medium and large. Cinead McTernan

Read the full Verve Nylon Gardening Gloves review

Buy Verve Nylon Gardening Gloves from B&Q (£2.65)

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2: Clip Gloves Warm 'n' Waterproof

Our best heavy-duty gloves for winter use

RRP: £12.99

Our rating: 4.8 out of 5

Available from: Fothergills (£8.45) and Robert Dyas (£10.99)

Reasons to buy:

Comfortable and warm
Waterproof
Sandy texture for good grip
Lots of dexterity

Reasons to avoid:

No good for latex allergies

I found the Clip Gloves’ Warm ‘N’ Waterproof edition as warm and waterproof as their name suggests. They offer a great fit, and the fleece lining is excellent for keeping your hands warm in the chilly weather. The double-dipped latex also makes these gloves completely waterproof – working in damp conditions, I saw no sign of seep-through. The sandy latex covering on the palm and fingertips is excellent for grip, and the comfortably snug fit allows for very good dexterity, even though the thick lining can make your finger movements occasionally feel a little clumsy when it comes to finer tasks. The additional latex coating on the thumb joint offers extra protection for more heavy-duty tasks.

Like all other gloves in the Clip Gloves range, the carabiner clip is a handy addition to keep the gloves paired together. Great multi-purpose gloves, I found them ideal for working snugly through cold, wet winters rather than year-round use, as they’re a little too toasty for the summer months. They come in women’s small and medium sizes, and men’s medium and large. Cinead McTernan

Buy Clip Gloves’ Warm ‘N’ Waterproof Gloves from Fothergills (£8.45) and Robert Dyas (£10.99)

3: Clip Gloves Shock Absorber

Our best heavy-duty gloves for heavy-duty work

RRP: £18.49

Our rating: 4.8 out of 5

Available from: Fothergills (£17.95), ManoMano (£16.99) and On Buy (£16.99)

Reasons to buy:

Comfortable and well-fitting
Good dexterity
Sturdy and durable
Good for heavy-duty jobs

Reasons to avoid:

None

These gloves mould to the hand to provide good dexterity and an excellent fit, and I loved their well-thought-out materials. They're comfortable and durable, but not bulky. There's a carabiner to clip gloves to a belt and padding on the palms for extra protection. They come in both men's and women's sizes and designs. Cinead McTernan

Read the full Clip Gloves Shock Absorber review

Buy the Clip Gloves Shock Absorber from Fothergills (£17.95), ManoMano (£16.99) and On Buy (£16.99)

Latest Prices

4: Spear and Jackson Kew Gardens Collection High Performance Gloves

Our best heavy-duty gloves for summer use

RRP: £18.99

Our rating: 4.8 out of 5

Available from: Amazon (£13.98) and Tooled Up (£15.95)

Reasons to buy:

Durable yet with good sensitivity
Lightweight and cool
The elastic wrist keeps debris out
Suit most gardening tasks

Reasons to avoid:

Thin backs are vulnerable to stings and thorns

These stylish gloves felt immediately comfortable to wear. My hands stayed comfortable, even in very hot weather, due to the use of non-padded leather with a polyester bacs that ensures breathability. They're well-made, with reinforcement on the wear points at the palms and fingers, and elasticated wrists to ensure a close, comfortable fit to keep out debris.

I found they gave good grip and usability for a wide range of tasks, such as weeding, planting and pruning, but the reinforced fingers make them unsuitable for jobs needing fine dexterity like handling seedlings. There’s a small loop on the wrists for easy hanging and storage, and the gloves come in small, medium and large sizes. A donation to the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, is made from the sale of these gloves. Cinead McTernan

Read the full Spear and Jackson Kew Gardens Collection high-performance gloves review

Buy the Spear and Jackson Kew High Performance Gloves from Amazon (£13.98) and Tooled Up (£15.95)

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5: Gold Leaf The Dry Touch

Our best heavy-duty gloves for wet-weather work

RRP: £22.99

Our rating: 4.8 out of 5

Available from: Crocus (£22.99)

Reasons to buy:

Comfortable with good control
Soft, high-quality leather
Tough and long-lasting
Water resistant
Good investment

Reasons to avoid:

Expensive

The Dry Touch gloves from Gold Leaf are tough, long-lasting and water-resistant. I found the gloves had a sturdy, yet luxurious feel, due to being made from soft, supple leather. They're available in both men's and women's sizes. Cinead McTernan

Read the full Gold Leaf The Dry Touch review

Buy the Gold Leaf The Dry Touch Gloves from Crocus (£22.99) and On Buy (£29.93)

Latest Deals

Best gauntlet gloves

Kent & Stowe Men’s Luxury Leather Gauntlet Gloves

Our best men's gauntlet gloves

RRP: £16.99

Our rating: 4.8/5

Available from: Amazon (£13.29) and ManoMano (£15.49)

Reasons to buy:

Comfortable, warm and well-sized
Good quality leather with strong stitching
Excellent protection against thorns
Great value

Reasons to avoid:

Cuff a little snug
Not waterproof
One size only

I found these simple but tough gauntlet gloves provided excellent protection from thorns and prickles in both the thick, sturdy hand and the long suede cuff, although the cuff can be a little tight depending on the thickness of the coat you're pulling them over. Available in men’s large size only, they’re a good fit for large hands with the leather moulding well to the hand. They feel tough but flexible and comfortable, and there's enough dexterity to grip secateurs and loppers for regular pruning jobs, although these gloves are not for finer work like planting.

They’re also warm enough to wear throughout the colder pruning months of the autumn and winter. They’re comfortable, protective, sturdy and excellent value for money. Cinead McTernan

Buy Stowe Luxury Leather Men's Gauntlet Gloves from Amazon (£13.29) and ManoMano (£15.49)

Also recommended: lightweight gloves

Clip Gloves General Purpose

Our best lightweight gloves for everyday use

RRP: £14.99

Our rating: 4.5 out of 5

Available from: Fothergills (£14.95), ManoMano (£13.99) and Robert Dyas (£12.99)

Reasons to buy:

Snug, comfortable fit
Padded and reinforced
Great for everyday, medium-duty work
Hard wearing

Reasons to avoid:

Lack warmth
Not water resistant

I liked the adjustable wrist strap, the extra padding, and the tailored fit of these Clip gloves. They may not be waterproof, but they dry well and keep their shape. Sizes range from small to large in both men's and women's styles. Cinead McTernan

Read the full Clip Gloves General Purpose review

Buy Clip Gloves General Purpose from Fothergills (£14.95), ManoMano (£13.99) and Robert Dyas (£12.99)

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Donkey Gloves

Our best lightweight gloves for grip

RRP: £15.95

Our rating: 4.5 out of 5

Available from: Amazon (£15.95)

Reasons to buy:

Snug fit
Good grip
Well-designed
Lightweight but sturdy

Reasons to avoid:

Not lined, waterproof or water resistant

These well-designed gloves fit snugly, making them ideal for delicate jobs that require a good grip. While they don’t feature an adjustable strap, the stretchy wrist cuff made it easy for me to put them on and take them off, and there’s a helpful sizing guide on the website to help you choose the right pair. They are comfortable to wear and feature an elasticated, breathable polyester back and a soft suede-padded palm and thumb gusset, which offers extra protection when pruning and clearing borders.

They feel well-made and sturdy, but while the palm is water-resistant, moisture soaks through the back of the glove. That said, I found they dried quickly, and the suede palm stayed soft. Though warm, they’re not lined so won’t keep out the chill of wintery weather, but they’re a reliable, mid-priced option for everyday work. Available in a range of sizes. Cinead McTernan

Read the full Donkey Gloves review

Buy the Donkey Gloves from Amazon (£15.95)

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Feverfew Garden Company Gloves

Our best lightweight gloves for versatility

RRP: £22.95

Our rating: 4.5 out of 5

Available from: Feverfew (£22.99)

Reasons to buy:

Robust
Comfortable with a good fit
Touch screen fingers work well
Good all-rounder

Reasons to avoid:

A little difficult to get on and off
Not dextrous for fine jobs

These good-looking gloves by Feverfew are designed specifically for women’s hands, and our female testers found them a good fit once they’d softened with a few wears. The elasticated neoprene cuff and Velcro strap make them a little tricky to get on and off, but they’re snug once on. The gloves are stretchy and flexible, ideal for general gardening tasks such as weeding, pruning, and using tools.

They have reinforced fingers, so they’re not for fine work like seed sowing, but they have a padded, microfibre palm and spandex and foam back, so they’re comfortable and protective. They’re not waterproof, particularly on the palms, though they're water-resistant and best for spring and summer wear. They also have handy ‘touch screen’ forefingers and thumbs that work very well, so you can look things up or answer a call if you need to without having to take them off.

After use, the gloves can be wiped down or machine-washed at 30 degrees C or below, and there’s a useful clip to secure them together and hang them up. Available in four sizes, XS-L and in a choice of green or plum, they also come in a protective cloth bag, which is a nice touch. They may not be the cheapest gardening gloves, but they’re well-fitting, comfortable and durable. Cinead McTernan

Buy Feverfew Garden Company gloves from Feverfew (£22.99)

Briers All Seasons Cosy Gardener Gloves

Our best lightweight gloves for waterproofing

RRP: £4.99 for one pair; £7.99 for two pairs

Our rating: 4 out of 5

Available from: The Range (£3.19)

View Gallery on the source website

Reasons to buy:

Very affordable
Well waterproofed with latex up to the knuckles
Good wrist coverage
Washable

Reasons to avoid:

Thick latex gives poor tactility
Feel rubbery on the inside
No sizing evident on the glove itself, although different colours
Waterproofing will diminish with thorn damage

These sturdy gloves are made for rough winter work, such as weeding in wet conditions, clearing debris and general gardening work. I liked the elasticated cuff and latex waterproofing covering much of the hand, including the entire palm and up to the knuckles on the back of the hand. They’re also washable, ideal for a winter glove, come with a one-year guarantee, and are very affordable.

The different colours correspond to different sizes, which makes it easier to tell your gloves and your partner’s gloves apart. However, the thicker latex, while offering sturdiness and excellent waterproofing, does diminish tactility, and the lack of a brushed lining could make them uncomfortable on a very cold day. Jane Moore

Buy Briers Cosy Gardener Gloves M8 from The Range (£3.19)

Also recommended: heavy-duty gloves

Stihl ThermoGrip

Our best heavy-duty gloves for winter use

RRP: £7.75

Our rating: 4.5 out of 5

Available from: Sam Turner & Sons (£7.99)

Reasons to buy:

Comfortable and snug
Warm
Good grip
Good value

Reasons to avoid:

Bulky

These thick gloves are very snug and designed to keep your hands toasty and warm in the winter months. Stihl's ThermoGrip gloves are sturdy with a knitted fit, and although their chunky thickness means they lack a little dexterity, they have a good grip and a waterproof latex layer. Cinead McTernan

Read the full Stihl ThermoGrip Gloves review

Buy Stihl ThermoGrip Gloves from Sam Turner & Sons (£7.99)

Burgon and Ball Love The Glove

Our best heavy-duty gloves for year-round use

RRP: £17.99

Our rating: 4.5 out of 5

Available from: Amazon (£17.92) and Tesco (£17.19)

Reasons to buy:

Comfortable and snug
Good dexterity and control
Strong and durable
Attractive, quality materials

Reasons to avoid:

Wrist strap fiddly for some

Made from artificial suede and tweed, with a leather trim, the Burgon and Ball Love the Glove are among the best ladies' gardening gloves I've tested. The materials are high-quality, and the gloves are breathable, tough, and provide year-round protection. The wrist strap is adjustable for a snug fit, but some may find it fiddly. They're available in two sizes - small/medium and medium/large. Cinead McTernan

Read the full Burgon and Ball Love the Glove review

Buy Burgon and Ball Love The Glove from Amazon (£17.92) and Tesco (£17.19)

View Affiliate Playlist on the source website

RHS Gold Leaf Winter Touch Gloves

Our best heavy-duty gloves for comfort

RRP: £26.99

Our rating: 4.5 out of 5

Available from: Amazon (£22.99) and Crocus (£26.99)

View Gallery on the source website

Reasons to buy:

Waterproof and thermal
Hardwearing reinforced palms
Very comfortable
Endorsed by the RHS

Reasons to avoid:

Expensive
No wrist closure, so draughty
Not washable

These beautifully made gloves are designed for cold weather, featuring a warm Thinsulate lining and a waterproof, breathable membrane. They also feature a handy reinforced palm and thumb for extra grip and longevity when using heavier tools, and I loved the soft leather with a fabric back for extra breathability.

With their soft lining and quality leather, I found these gloves comfortable and pliable from the first wear, but they also moulded to the shape of my hands as they wore in over time. The wrist cuff is rather short, with only a small section of elastic to hold the glove in place and no velcro fastening, which allows draughts, especially when reaching. Jane Moore

Buy the RHS Gold Leaf Winter Touch Gloves from Amazon (£22.99) and Crocus (£26.99)

Best of the rest:

Although some models didn’t quite achieve a BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine Best Buy award, they still have features that make them worth recommending. Browse our pick of the best of the rest on test:

Town & Country Premium Leather Gauntlets

RRP: £16.99

Our rating: 4.5 out of 5

Available from: Amazon (£16.99)

Reasons to buy:

Soft and supple
Generously-sized cuff for extra protection

Reasons to avoid:

Not water resistant

While an extra-wide cuff made these gloves easy to put on, the overall shape felt loose and baggy. However, as you’ll use them for tackling rose bushes and other thorny shrubs, this isn’t too much of an issue, and the extra length in the cuff is more important than dexterity. Featuring a suede cuff and ultra-soft leather for the palm and fingers, these gloves are very supple. Still, there’s a seam at the base of the second and third fingers, which makes them uncomfortable to grip tools or branches, especially if you’re doing so for any length of time.

They’re not lined, but the leather kept me warm, which was important when pruning roses in late winter. I like the quality of the leather and suede, which remain soft even after getting wet. To clean, remove dry mud with a suede brush. Available in two sizes: medium and large. Cinead McTernan

Buy Town & Country Premium Leather Gauntlets from Amazon (£16.99)

Latest Prices

Genus Waterproof Gardening Gloves

RRP: £25.00

Our rating: 4.3 out of 5

Available from: Genus (£25)

Reasons to buy:

Flexible
Totally waterproof
Dry well
Available in a wide range of sizes

Reasons to avoid:

Loose fit at the wrists, and the fingers are long
Liner loose
Dexterity is tricky with fit

These well-made gloves kept my hands completely dry while weeding, planting, and working in wet weather. They’re well-made with synthetic leather palms, polyester backs and tough seams, and although they won’t completely protect you from thorns and brambles, they won’t snag or tear. They’re reasonably thin and better for fine rather than heavy work; however, despite measuring my hands before ordering, the fingers are long, which makes very fine, delicate work difficult.

The elasticated wrist is also quite loose, which I found a bit drafty, and it let in debris as I worked. But they are waterproof, and the fleecy lining kept my hands warm. Just watch when you take them on and off, as they do work loose. They're quite expensive, but if you’ve got wet work to do, like leaf raking or digging, they would be useful. They're available in sizes - XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL and 3XL. Cinead McTernan

Buy the Genus waterproof gardening gloves from Genus (£25)

Town & Country Eco-Flex Finesse

RRP: £5.99

Our Rating: 4.3 out of 5

Available from: Tooled Up (£4.49)

Reasons to buy:

Super light and comfortable
Excellent dexterity
Machine washable
Made from sustainable materials

Reasons to avoid:

Very thin
Early wear and tear is evident
Slippery fingertip coating

I found these gloves good to use in the spring and summer months. They’re extremely thin and breathable, and excellently suited for delicate potting and sowing, as you can still feel what you’re doing. However, I found the coating on the fingertips slippery, which is a shame when you’re attempting to tackle those finer, more fiddly tasks. Made from ocean-sourced plastic bottles, they have great sustainability credentials and are a bargain at £5.99. It’s also handy to have a machine-washable glove, and running them through a cold cycle left them mostly stain-free and ready to use again.

However, because of their thinness, they’re susceptible to ripping; just a small snag on a thorn or wayward branch results in holes on the back of the hand. They’re not a go-to, all-rounder glove, but if you’re looking for something to protect your hands while you do light work, they’re a nice addition to your collection. They’re available in the following sizes: extra small, small, medium and large. Cinead McTernan

Buy Town & Country Eco Flex Finesse Gloves from Tooled Up (£4.49)

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Town & Country Eco-Flex Pro

RRP: £8.99

Our Rating: 4.3 out of 5

Available from: Tooled Up (£9.95)

Reasons to buy:

Good protection
Comfortable
Sustainable

Reasons to avoid:

Not waterproof
Fingers are a little loose

As with other gloves in Town & Country’s Eco-Flex range, these gloves are made from recycled plastic sourced from the ocean, and I thought the materials themselves felt great – the elasticated wrist is snug and comfortable, and the coated palm and fingertips offer sturdy protection when tackling more heavy-duty tasks, including handling thorny stems and clearing waste. The rubber coating is somewhat stiff and doesn’t soften with use, and it can feel a little strange when the glove snaps back to its resting position. This also makes you feel less dexterous when tackling more tactile tasks or handling secateurs.

The thin lining kept my hands warm, but the backs of the gloves soaked through easily and were unpleasant to wear when wet. It’s convenient that they’re machine washable, and they come out looking clean with no signs of damage from a 30℃ cycle. They’re a good pair of multi-purpose gloves for the price, and their sustainable credentials are a big plus. They come in sizes small, medium, large and extra-large. Cinead McTernan

Buy Town & Country Eco Flex Pro Gloves from Tooled Up (£9.95)

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Spear & Jackson’s Kew Garden Collection Gardening Gloves

RRP: £12.49

Our rating: 4.25 out of 5

Available from: Amazon (£7.98) and Tooled Up (£12.95)

Pros

Easy to get on and off
Comfortable and well-fitting
Lightweight

Cons

Not lined
Not waterproof or water resistant

Spear & Jackson’s Kew Garden Collection Gardening Gloves feature an adjustable Velcro strap, so they’re easy to get on and off. Comfortable to wear, the palm is made using soft leather, so it doesn’t fit snugly, but you can feel what you’re doing and grip tools. The gloves have an elastane back, which makes them lightweight, breathable and flexible.

As they’re not lined, waterproof or water-resistant, these gloves are best for dry weather in spring and summer. With double stitching and additional leather reinforcement on the thumb and index finger, they feel sturdy and durable enough to tackle everyday medium work. Available in small, medium and large for men and women. Cinead McTernan

Buy Town & Country Eco Flex Pro Gloves from Amazon (£7.98) and Tooled Up (£12.95)

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Kent & Stowe Thermal Ultimate All Round Gardening Gloves

RRP: £5.99

Our rating: 4 out of 5

Available from: Amazon (£5.98)

View Gallery on the source website

Reasons to buy:

Excellent grip and tactility
Snug fit with good wrist coverage
Well made
Soft thermal lining

Reasons to avoid:

Waterproof latex is very short on the fingers
Wipe clean only
No sizing evident on the glove itself
Waterproofing may diminish with thorn damage

I liked these all-round gardening gloves. They’re a comfortable choice for their snug fit and soft brushed lining, and they’re also easy to slip on and off, sitting snugly around the wrist with a generous elasticated cuff. The latex palm and fingers offer a good grip in dry and wet conditions, though the waterproofing does not extend far up the outside of the fingers, which can lead to wet hands when weeding. Surprisingly, they’re not washable, and the lack of sizing on the glove could mean that they get mixed up if you have multiple sizes in use. Jane Moore

Buy Kent & Stowe Thermal Ultimate All Round Gardening Gloves from Amazon (£5.98)

ClipGlove Pruners

RRP: £19.99

Our rating: 4 out of 5

Available from: Amazon (£5.95)

Reasons to buy:

Soft leather with comfortable lining
Good protection
Water resistant

Reasons to avoid:

Bulky
Short cuff
Leather catches and tears easily

With leather palms, a faux suede cuff and reinforced fingers and thumbs, I felt these pruning gloves from ClipGlove offered good protection, whether I was tackling roses or grappling with brambles. The leather softened quickly, and it's water-resistant, so they’re ideal for working in damp weather, but it catches and tears easily, meaning the gloves age quickly. A soft poly cotton lining gives extra warmth and protection, but unfortunately, it’s bulky, which makes the fingers feel thick and limits dexterity quite a bit.

I found the gloves easy to get on and off, and the cuff is wide enough to slip over most coats, but it's short, only coming halfway up the forearm, so although the gloves give you the confidence to grab even the thorniest stem, it would be helpful if the cuffs offered the same protection to the elbow. They come in women’s sizes small and medium, and men’s medium and large. Cinead McTernan

Buy ClipGlove Pruners from Amazon (£5.95)

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Kent and Stowe Luxury Leather Gloves

RRP: £14.99

Our rating: 4 out of 5

Available from: Electrical World (£14.62)

Reasons to buy:

Soft and comfortable
Thorn-proof
Waterproof and warm
Thick and shock absorbent

Reasons to avoid:

Bulky

The Kent and Stowe Luxury Leather Gloves were easy to put on, offering a great fit that moulds to the hand and up the wrist, even though they don't have an adjustable strap. Made of leather with a warm polyester lining, these gloves are soft and comfortable, ideal for hard winter work. Though they’re only lined, not padded, these gloves are so thick that they still cushioned my hands when I was using a spade or a fork. The keystone stitches around the thumb make for extra durability, and I found lifting heavy rocks and logs comfortable. They’re thorn-proof and waterproof, and they don’t stiffen after getting wet, even after a good soaking.

However, these gloves are quite bulky and inflexible, which means you’ll struggle with more nimble work like pruning and weeding. In summer, they'll be far too hot to be comfortable, but they’re brilliant for wet work in winter. They’re a good-value pair of leather gardening gloves. They're available in ladies' small and medium sizes and men's medium and large. Cinead McTernan

Buy Kent & Stowe Luxury Leather Gardening Gloves from Electrical World (£14.62)

Latest Deals

Treadstone ClipGlove Recycled Bottle Gloves

RRP: £5.99

Our rating: 3.8 out of 5

Available from: Treadstone (£5.99)

Reasons to buy:

Snug and comfortable fit
Good for dextrous work
Latex covering for a good grip
Keen price

Reasons to avoid:

Not at all durable
Low level of protection

These gloves are well-fitting and comfortable, and I was impressed that they are made predominantly from recycled plastic bottles and coated with latex on the palms and fingers to give a good grip. With their snug fit, they're suitable for light tasks, including jobs needing reasonably fine dexterity. Although not waterproof, they dried quickly. The main drawback of these gloves is that the covering wears and starts to come off after only a short time. And, although they're made from recycled bottles, which is good from an environmental point of view, they can't be recycled once they wear out.

The latex covering is not suitable for people with latex allergies, but the packaging does note this. Like all Treadstone ClipGloves, they have wrist loops and a small metal carabiner so the gloves can clip onto a belt or bag when not in use or hang up easily. They come in sizes medium and large. Cinead McTernan

Buy Treadstone ClipGlove Bottle Gloves from Treadstone (£5.99)

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Kent & Stowe Luxury Leather Gauntlet Gloves

RRP: £16.99

Our Rating: 3.8 out of 5

Available from: Marshalls (15.99)

Reasons to buy:

Attractive design
Long protective cuff
Easy to slide on and off

Reasons to avoid:

Tough leather around fingertips makes fine work tricky
Hard to clean
Tough poppers
Limited sizes available

With their lush yellow leather and classy herringbone backs, these gloves have a classic look, but unfortunately, I'd say style may have been favoured over substance. They’re incredibly easy to slide on and off, especially with the elongated leather cuff, which comfortably covered most of my lower arm and provided good protection when I was pruning thorny shrubs and climbers or tackling brambles and nettles. The fleece lining felt cosy, and these gloves are water-resistant when working in wet weather. However, even after significant wear, it’s hard to soften the leather around the fingertips, which reduces dexterity and makes it difficult to feel or grip fine materials.

An adjustable strap on the back of the gloves allows you to choose the fit, but the poppers are tough to snap on and off, and the difference between the two fits is negligible, so it feels more like an aesthetic offering than a practical one. The yellow leather also gets dirty quickly, which can add to its charm. They are available only in ladies' medium size. Cinead McTernan

Buy Kent & Stowe Luxury Leather Gauntlet Gloves from Marshalls (15.99)

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Looking for more garden gear? Consider our reviews of the best wellington boots, best mini chainsaws and the best garden kneelers. If your gardening equipment needs a refresh, consider our test of the best lawn mowers, and if it just needs a clean, why not try our expert review of the best pressure washers?

How to choose the best gardening gloves

Choosing the best gardening gloves for you will depend on the jobs you plan to do.

Thin, lightweight gloves are best for duties where dexterity and being able to feel what you're doing is key, such as potting up, weeding and planting. They will protect your hands and let your skin breathe. Ideally, you’ll forget you’re even wearing them. Look for gloves with a nitrile coating on the fingers and palms, which will give you plenty of grip but also retain dexterity. If you’re working with tools, pruning or working in the cold, you might want a pair of lightweight gloves with a little more padding. They won’t offer as much flexibility, but will be comfortable and offer more protection
Heavy-duty gardening gloves are essential for providing protection and support when using tools, doing hard landscaping jobs, or pruning roses or other thorny plants. There is a huge range of materials and styles of heavy-duty gloves to choose from. Leather makes a very tough glove; some are entirely made of leather, whilst others will have it added to the finger tips and palms for strength and durability. It’s also worth carefully considering the fit of heavy-duty gloves, as you may lose some dexterity if they don't fit well. An adjustable cuff can also help with the comfort of the glove and prevent debris from getting inside
Gauntlet gloves are particularly useful for pruning shrubs, brambles, or roses. The long cuff of a gauntlet glove provides extra protection for the lower arms, preventing scratches and irritation
Elasticated cuffs will provide a snug fit, prevent soil and plant debris from falling in and are easy to get on and off
Finally, if you intend to use gardening gloves all year round, water resistance is helpful. This is often achieved using latex, leather or synthetic materials that can be specially treated to repel water

How we tested gardening gloves

Our experts trialled each pair of gloves throughout the gardening year, performing a range of tasks, from delicate work such as sowing seeds to more physical jobs like digging and heavy pruning. Once the test was complete, each product was rated out of five and the gardening gloves that really impressed our experts were awarded Best Buy status. The gloves were assessed according to the following criteria, with equal marks attributed to each:

Comfort and fit. Looked at how easy they were to get on and off, and how they fitted. Were they flexible or bulky? Did they allow us to feel what we were doing?
Materials. Focused on grip, reinforcing and padding? Were they breathable or water-resistant, and which seasons would they suit?
Durability. Assessed how sturdy and strong the gloves were. Would they cope with getting wet or being washed?
Value for money. Considered all of the above and any special features, overall design, quality and style, and the RRP

For more information on our testing process, see How we review

Meet our testing panel

Oliver Parsons, Strategic Projects Editor
Oliver is a gardener and magazine journalist of 20 years’ experience. He trained as a professional horticulturalist at RHS Garden Hyde Hall in Chelmsford and has also worked for Gardening Which?, as a freelance gardener and with the gardening team at Down House in Kent. He is now Strategic Projects Editor at BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine and GardenersWorld.com, heading up our reviews desk, Apple News output and weekly newsletter.

Kay Maguire, Magazines Editor
Kay trained at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew and has been writing and making films about gardening ever since. She has written for websites and magazines, including The Garden and Amateur Gardening, was Horticultural Editor on BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine for five years, and has also written several books on a range of gardening topics from growing house plants to making the most of a small space. After several years as Reviews Editor, building up our reviews section into a leading resource for UK gardeners, she has now become Magazines Editor for BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine , responsible for all print output.

Harry Duncton, freelance powered tools tester
Harry has a wealth of experience, from being a language teacher to a tree surgeon, and has built this into a career writing about all things DIY and gardening. A passionate believer in self-reliance, his aim is to inspire others to give it a go themselves and not worry about making a few mistakes along the way. A regular contributor to popular DIY blogs and a recent addition to the BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine team, he loves tracking down the best new tools and writing about them.

Sue Fisher, freelance garden writer
Sue’s extensive horticultural career spans over 40 years, starting with a decade in the garden centre and nursery industry before developing into an accomplished gardening writer, designer and speaker. Sue writes regularly for BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine, GardenersWorld.com, and Garden Answers magazine. She has written 10 books on subjects including container gardening, plants for small gardens and designing with colour, and she has co-authored other books with some of the biggest names in gardening.

Emma Crawforth, Horticulture Editor
Emma holds the Kew Diploma in Horticulture and has been working in horticulture for 18 years, including roles in public gardens, a plant nursery supplying plants for the RHS Chelsea Flower Show and a training college for young horticulturists. She looks after an ornamental, fruit and veg garden at home and regularly undertakes trips to see plants growing in their natural habitats. She is the author of the Kew Publications book, Things to Do with Plants.

This article was last updated in February 2026. We apologise if anything has changed in price or availability.

Ditch the roses and try these stunning alternatives for Valentine's Day

2026-02-14T13:23:22.000Z

Forget about the traditional bunch of roses this year – choose something unexpected and colourful instead. Roses are air freighted into the UK in February and don't last longer than 10 days in the vase, so it's far more sustainable to gift a plant that's either in season or that can become a permanent feature in the house or garden.

Browse our list of 10 inspiring alternative ideas to woo your Valentine with this year.

Daffodils

Unfailingly cheery, a bunch of daffodils is seasonal and scented. Whether you pick some early daffodils from the garden to celebrate Valentine's, order a bouquet of scented narcissi from a UK flower farm or buy a pot of daffodils ready to bloom that can be replanted in the garden, you're giving a gift that has a low environmental impact while still making a romantic statement.

Buy scented narcissi from Scilly Flowers or a potted flower basket from Thompson & Morgan

Hellebore

There are hundreds of varieties of hellebores to choose from, many of them flowering from February through to April. Their flowers come in shades including pink, purple, white and green. Although not a traditional Valentine's flower, a pot of hellebores will look beautiful year after year, either in a container or planted beneath trees alongside spring flowering bulbs. Why not gift a new hellebore each year and plant them in the garden as a permanent reminder of your love?

Buy hellebores from Crocus or Beth Chatto

Cyclamen coum

Give a pot of bright cyclamen this Valentine's Day to help brighten up someone's garden until March. Cyclamen are perfect in containers alongside snowdrops and miniature daffodils, or planted beneath trees where they make colourful ground cover.

Buy Cyclamen coum from Crocus or Thompson & Morgan

Iris reticulata

Miniature irises look pretty in containers, with their blue or purple flowers adding colour even on an overcast day. Popular varieties include 'George', which is a deep purple and 'Harmony', which has royal blue flowers. They'll come back next year, too.

Buy Iris reticulata from Crocus or Thompson & Morgan

Sweet violet (Viola odorata)

This pretty perennial, which has small, strongly scented flowers, has been used in perfumes for centuries. This would make a thoughtful present for a gardener, ideal for a spot in light shade where it will light up dull areas and naturalise over time.

Buy Viola odorata from Crocus or Waitrose Garden

String of hearts (Ceropegia woodii)

Known as string of hearts, because of its heart-shaped leaves, this house plant is a more subtle present than the traditional bunch of roses, and will last for several years.

Buy string of hearts (Cerogpegia woodii) from Crocus or Houseplant

Anthurium (flamingo flower)

These exotic flowers produce bright blooms throughout the year, giving far more value than a bunch of flowers. Each flower lasts for around four to six weeks, and they are usually pink or red, but can also include shades such as orange and purple.

Buy Anthurium from Crocus or Beards & Daisies

Witch hazel

Whether as a shrub for the garden, or a bunch of stems for a vase, witch hazel makes a cheering, fragrant gift. This deciduous shrub is in bloom between December and February. Once it's established in the garden, it will provide fragrant stems to cut and bring indoors.

Buy witch hazel from Crocus or Thompson & Morgan

Orchid

Moth orchid (Phalaenopsis) is one of the easiest orchids to grow and makes a beautiful gift, with flowers that appear regularly throughout the year. Flower colours include pink, red, yellow, peach and purple, perfect for brightening rooms such as kitchens and bathrooms.

Buy orchids from Crocus or Bloom & Wild

Hoya heart (Hoya kerrii)

House plant suppliers often have hoya hearts on sale, which are single leaves of Hoya kerrii planted in their own pot. Also known as the sweetheart plant this makes a small romantic gift for Valentine's Day. It's unlikely to ever grow into a full plant, however, so buy a whole Hoya kerrii plant if you want to make a lasting statement.

Buy hoya heart from Houseplant or Thompson & Morgan

Win a copy of Amy Chapman's new book, Dopamine Gardening!

2026-02-17T16:56:41.000Z

Whether you have a garden, balcony, or windowsill – reconnect to nature and dig in with 52 seasonal projects to bring more green into your life in Amy Chapman’s book Dopamine Gardening.

With an inspiring and crafty new project for every weekend – from growing calming chamomile from a teabag and edible mushrooms on used coffee grounds, to harvesting your own mood-boosting tea blends and crafting compostable bird feeders – the projects are low-cost, sustainable, and designed to suit any space.

Amy Chapman features on a BBC Gardeners’ World magazine podcast, coming out in the Spring Conversations, and is co-host of the new Connect to Nature podcast, launching in mid-March.

GROW CALM. GROW CURIOUS. GROW JOY.

Prize Details

Twelve winners will win a copy of Amy Chapman's book Dopamine Gardening, including delivery.

How to Enter

To be in with a chance of winning this fantastic prize, simply answer the following question correctly by Monday, 30 March 2026.

Please read our competition rules before you enter. Entrants must be UK residents, aged 18 or over.

View Riddle on the source website

Terms and Conditions

The Promoter is Immediate Media Limited.
The BBC Code of Conduct for competitions can be found at https://www.bbc.com/editorialguidelines/guidance/code-of-conduct and all BBC magazines comply with the Code.
The promotion is open to all residents of the UK, including the Channel Islands, aged 18 years or older, except the Promoter’s employees or contractors and anyone connected with the promotion or their direct family members.
The closing date for entries is 23:59 on 30 March 2026.
By entering the promotion, the participants agree:
(a) to be bound by these terms and conditions;
(b) that their surname and county of residence may be released if they win a prize; and
(c) that should they win the promotion, their name and likeness may be used by the Promoter for pre-arranged promotional purposes.
Entrants should enter by answering the question outlined above. Entries received after the closing date of the promotion will not be considered.
Entrants must supply to Immediate Media Company Limited their full name, email address and daytime telephone number. The Promoter will use entrants’ personal details in accordance with the Immediate Privacy Policy (www.immediatemedia.co.uk/privacy-policy).
Only one entry will be permitted per person, regardless of method of entry. Bulk entries made by third parties will not be permitted.
The winning entrant will be the first correct entry drawn at random from all the correct entries after the closing date. The Promoter’s decision as to the winner is final and no correspondence relating to the promotion will be entered into. The Promoter may share the details of the winner with the prize provider for the purposes of fulfilling/delivering the prize.
The prize is for twelve (12) people to win a copy of Amy Chapman's book Dopamine Gardening from HaperCollins, including delivery.
The competition entry is open to entrants aged 18 years or older but exclude employees of the Promoter or its holding or subsidiary company and BBC Gardeners’ World, their immediate families, anyone connected professionally with the prize draw, or any person where entering this competition breaches any law or regulation of the jurisdiction in which they are resident. In entering the competition, you confirm that you are eligible to do so and eligible to claim the prize.
Only one entry per person will be available.
The winner will be drawn at random after 31th March 2026.
Any unclaimed and/or unused portion of the Prize will be forfeited upon travel completion.
The Prize is strictly non-transferable to another person, trip or redeemable for cash.
The winner will be notified within 30 days of the close of the promotion by email. If the winner cannot be contacted, or fails to respond within 14 days of such notification being sent, the Promoter reserves the right to offer the prize to a runner up, or to re-offer the prize in any future promotion.
There is no cash alternative, and the prize will not be transferable. Prizes must be taken as stated and cannot be deferred. The Promoter reserves the right to substitute the prize with one of the same or greater value.
The Promoter reserves the right to amend these terms and conditions or to cancel, alter or amend the promotion at any stage, if deemed necessary in its opinion, or if circumstances arise outside of its control.
The Promoter does not accept any responsibility for lost, delayed or fraudulent entries.
The Promoter excludes liability to the full extent permitted by law for any loss, damage or injury occurring to the participant arising from his or her entry into the promotion or occurring to the winner arising from his or her acceptance of a prize.
The promotion is subject to the laws of England.

Don’t let the rain stop you: 9 winter pruning tasks to do now

2026-02-11T16:59:42.000Z

Pruning is done for a variety of reasons – to promote bigger harvests, get newly-planted trees and shrubs off to a good start, thin crowded stems, train cordons, fans and espaliers, encourage flowering, shape plants, remove diseased wood and promote vigour.

With a few exceptions, all of these jobs can be done in winter, when bare stems make the job of shaping shrubs and spotting diseased growth much easier.

Loppers, pruning saws and secateurs

Whether it's a pair of long-handled loppers, pruning saw or secateurs, using the right tool is essential for this task. For more information read our guide to tools for pruning, and if you're looking to update your kit, our experts have been busy testing the best pruning saws, the best secateurs and the best anvil loppers, so you can buy with confidence.

In a hurry? Here are some of the best buys from these tests:

Bigger harvests

Having established a framework, the object of pruning is to persuade the plants to maximise fruiting. This differs with various types of fruiting plant. With apples, you prune to promote fruiting spurs, with pears you open up the trees to ripen the wood.

On blackcurrants you remove old wood, while gooseberries, redcurrants and whitecurrants should have their stems shortened by a quarter and any sideshoots back to one to three buds.

Autumn-fruiting raspberries should have all stems cut back to the ground, then feed and mulch in spring. On summer-fruiting raspberries, cut out the canes that have already produced fruit, to leave the new canes that have been produced that year.

Establishing plants

When shrubs or trees are newly planted, it's important to encourage the formation of a good root system. New shrubs should be cut back to a few buds so that the plant can devote its energy to putting down roots in the first season. New fruit bushes should be thinned to just three branches. Newly planted trees should be pruned to reduce the 'sail' effect of top growth, preventing wind-rock.

Thinning out

On plants where growth is constantly renewed from ground level, the weak, spindly shoots should be removed, as well as some of the oldest stems. With plants such as hazel, the oldest shoots should be thinned out to prevent overcrowding. Simply remove large branches from older shrubs.

Training fruit trees

Having established the main framework by tying in major branches to the support, side shoots should be reduced to two or three buds to make short spurs. Much of the work should be done in August and September, but it can be continued into winter. Discover three ways to train a fruit tree.

Promoting summer blooms

Shrubs that flower after midsummer can produce flowers on new growth. They can be manipulated to ensure the flowers grow at the desired height. Branches can either be cut back hard or thinned into a nice shape. Large shrubs such as buddleia should be pruned hard to stop growth getting out of control, while smaller shrubs such as hardy fuchsias should be cut back to promote larger blooms.

Shaping up

Winter is the ideal time to assess and modify the shape and structure of almost any deciduous shrub whose canopy has become lopsided or whose branches are overcrowded in the centre.

Remove any stems that rub against each other, and aim to create an open-centred canopy that allows air to circulate freely. Use secateurs to cut stems that are up to 1cm in diameter, loppers on stems that are 1-2cm in diameter and a pruning saw on anything larger. Smaller stems can be cut flush with the branch from which they are being removed; those over 5cm in diameter should be left with a small knuckle – about 1cm of stem base – to aid wound healing.

Promoting health

Diseased branches should be pruned out to maintain the health of many trees and shrubs, removing any dead, dying or diseased branches. Apples and pears should be pruned to remove branches infected with canker, magnolias should have dead stems removed to control verticillium wilt. Don't prune plums and related species during winter – it can lead to the spread of silver-leaf disease.

The stems of Japanese maples often turn pale grey and strawy-brown when wind-damaged. Snip these out as soon as you see them, along with any stems that have been 'ring-barked' by disease lower down – you'll see a pale grey patch of stem rather than a deep purple-brown bark on coloured-leaved types, and the foliage above will lack vigour.

Aiding vigour

Pruning in this way removes weaker stems to promote stronger growth of existing stems, or removes existing stems altogether to encourage fresh, new growth.

Plants grown for their colourful winter stems, such as dogwood, Cornus alba, and white willow, Salix alba, should be cut back hard or 'stooled' in late winter or early spring, to around 15cm above ground level. Other shrubs should have the thinnest, spindliest growth removed. Only start hard pruning these plants a year or so after planting, to allow their roots to get down into rich, moist soil.

Alternatively, just prune out half the stems, removing the oldest and leaving the youngest for the winter spectacle.

Rejuvenate a tired shrub

It's a good idea to assess all your shrubs in winter, looking out for general tiredness and lack of vigour. This can often be attributed to hunger, in which case feeding and manuring in spring will help, but it may also be down to the age of the stems.

Shrubs like weigela and philadelphus benefit from having some of the older stems removed each year to encourage new, more productive ones to grow up. You can also do this pruning in late spring and early summer, after flowering.

Use loppers to cut back these old stems either to ground level or back to a point at which growth is emerging. Doing this annually will markedly improve the vigour of more mature shrubs.