From minor cuts and scratches to dry skin and calluses, a little extra care can help keep your hands, arms and legs garden ready this spring.
There’s something special about spending a spring day in the garden. Whether you’re planting colourful flowers, pruning your favourite shrubs, digging into the soil or simply enjoying some fresh air with family and friends, gardening is one of life’s simple pleasures.
On 18 October 2026, South Africans will celebrate Garden Day, a much loved spring tradition that encourages everyone to get outdoors, get their hands dirty and enjoy the beauty of their gardens.
But while gardening is good for the soul, it can be tough on your skin. From scratches caused by thorns and rough branches to dry hands, cracked skin and calluses caused by repetitive work, even a few hours in the garden can leave your skin feeling worse for wear.
The good news? A little preparation and aftercare can go a long way.
This Garden Day, KROKO is encouraging gardeners to give their hands, arms and legs the attention they deserve, helping them spend less time worrying about minor skin irritations and more time enjoying their gardens.
A successful gardening session starts with the right protection. Gardening gloves are essential for helping protect your hands from thorns, rough plants, soil and tools. Choose a pair that fits comfortably, and make sure your gloves are clean and dry before putting them on.
Keeping your gloves fresh is just as important as wearing them. KROKO Managing Director Lynsey Hammond shares a handy tip: “You can use KROKO’s foot powder inside your gloves, it will aid in killing any bacteria lurking inside and keep them fresh and dry.”
And don't forget the sunscreen! Your hands, arms and legs can spend hours exposed to the sun while you are working outdoors. Apply a broad spectrum sunscreen with a high sun protection factor (SPF) to all exposed skin, and remember to reapply as directed on the product label.
A few simple precautions can help you enjoy your time outdoors while giving your skin an extra layer of protection.
A thorn prick or small scratch might seem harmless, especially when you are in the middle of planting or pruning. However, dirt and bacteria can irritate broken skin, so it is worth taking a moment to clean even minor injuries.
If you get a small cut or scratch while gardening, rinse it thoroughly with clean running water and gently clean the surrounding skin. Pat the area dry and cover it with a clean dressing if necessary. Avoid using alcohol directly inside an open wound, as it can irritate the tissue.
For gardeners who prefer an alternative to traditional plasters, KROKO SkinFilm offers a convenient option. It forms a flexible, waterproof liquid covering over minor cuts and scratches, helping protect the affected area without the need for a conventional plaster.
Unlike traditional plasters that may loosen with water, sweat or movement, SkinFilm is designed to stay in place, making it a practical addition to your gardening first aid kit. Always follow the product instructions and use it only for suitable minor injuries.
Between digging in the soil, handling plants and washing your hands afterwards, gardening can leave your skin feeling dry and rough. Frequent contact with soil and water can strip away some of your skin's natural moisture, making hand care an important part of your gardening routine.
Once you are finished for the day, wash your hands gently with soap and water, paying attention to the areas around your nails. A soft nail brush can help remove stubborn dirt without the need for harsh scrubbing.
Next, pat your hands dry and apply a good moisturiser to help restore moisture and keep your skin feeling soft and comfortable. If your hands are particularly dry, make moisturising part of your daily routine rather than something you do only after gardening.
Your hands do plenty of hard work in the garden, so a little pampering is well deserved!
Regular gardening can mean hours of gripping spades, pruning shears and other tools. Over time, repeated friction and pressure can lead to calluses and a buildup of thick, hardened skin.
Although calluses can help protect areas exposed to repeated friction, excessive hard skin may become uncomfortable, particularly if it cracks.
Wearing well fitting gardening gloves and choosing tools with comfortable handles can help reduce friction and pressure. You can also give rough areas some attention as part of your regular skin care routine.
KROKO Corn and Callus Remover Ointment is designed to help soften and remove hardened skin and calluses. Use it according to the product instructions, taking care to avoid irritated or broken skin.
If a callus becomes painful, cracks or shows signs of infection, seek advice from a healthcare professional rather than attempting to remove it yourself.
Before you put away your gardening tools and admire your handiwork, take a few minutes to check your hands, arms and legs.
Look out for small cuts, scratches, dry patches, irritated areas or developing calluses. Cleaning minor injuries promptly, moisturising dry skin and protecting exposed areas can help prevent small problems from becoming bigger annoyances.
It's also worth keeping a few essentials close by, including gardening gloves, sunscreen, a gentle cleanser, moisturiser and suitable products for minor cuts and scratches. Having everything within easy reach makes it easier to care for your skin before, during and after your time outdoors.
Get growing this Garden Day
Garden Day is all about celebrating the joy of gardening, connecting with nature and sharing the beauty of the outdoors with the people around us.
With a little preparation, protection and aftercare, you can help keep your hands, arms and legs comfortable while you plant, prune, dig and grow to your heart's content.
So, this 18 October, grab your gloves, gather your gardening essentials and get growing. Because happy hands mean more time enjoying the garden you have worked so hard to nurture!
For more information about KROKO's range of foot and skin-care products, visit www.kroko.co.za.
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