Safe Gardening Practices: Protecting Yourself from Sporotrichosis

Use common sense and wear quality gardening gloves when pruning, cleaning up, or doing general garden work. I bought several pairs in the brightest colors possible since I'm forever misplacing them—and yes, I always lose at least one (makes you wonder about that sock-laundry connection). A long-sleeved shirt is also essential. I found a bargain on men's long-sleeved summer shirts at Goodwill; they're baggy for airflow in Virginia's humid heat and toss easily into the wash.

According to the Sphagnum Peat Moss Association, there's a serious misunderstanding about which product can harbor the fungus Sporotrichum schenckii. Here's how to tell them apart:

Sphagnum Moss

Sphagnum moss is the culprit. It's a living moss growing atop sphagnum bogs. The fungus Sporotrichum schenckii lives in this growing moss. This "living" moss is typically used in the floral industry for baskets and wreaths. Workers handling it should wear heavy clothing and gloves to prevent cuts and scrapes. Gardeners using sphagnum moss for crafts should follow the same precautions: wear gloves and long sleeves to avoid contact. This horticultural moss is harvested from the top few inches of live sphagnum mosses.

Sphagnum Peat Moss

Sphagnum peat moss, however, has been wrongly blamed as the source. That's incorrect. Sphagnum peat moss is a safe, organic soil amendment used worldwide. It's relatively inexpensive and improves all soil types: its unique cell structure aerates heavy clay, adds body to sandy soil, and conserves water by absorbing and holding moisture.

This moss is dead material that accumulates as new live growth presses down on the peat below.

The similar names have caused confusion about which product requires special care. As always, wear proper clothing and gloves while gardening. Thorough hand-washing with hot, soapy water is wise. But if any cuts or scrapes don't heal properly, see your doctor immediately.

Information from the Virginia Cooperative Extension; photos from public domain sources.