Wearing gardening gloves is a smart idea. Soils are filled with good bacteria and fungi, but some soil bacteria can be harmful to humans. Bacteria that cause sepsis and tetanus live in soil and animal manure. If these bacteria enter via cuts or scrapes on your skin, they can do real harm.  Better safe than sorry, so it’s best to put on a pair of sturdy, fashionable gloves before you get to work in the garden.