Most gardeners have done it. When they least expect it. Pulling out weeds and a sudden jab of pain on the hands or arms. Like a bee sting.   

The offender is stinging nettle, a perennial weed that resembles no other weed and is not easily identified. The quick solution is a pair of gloves. 

Stinging nettle is a nasty green weed that can grow over one metre. 

Leaves are rough around the edges, with a pointed tip. The stems and underside of leaves are covered in tiny needles that are almost invisible. 

If a needle gets under your skin, it injects acids and other chemicals, causing sharp pain. Fortunately, the pain is short lived.   

Gardeners who........

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