u/ExoticBiotics

Hey, all.

I'm looking to start a little poison garden of my own. I'm no stranger to plants or poisons, but will be new to poisonous plants. I've grown plenty of nightshades - various tomatoes and peppers. I used to aquaculture extremely toxic soft corals (Palythoa), which taught me safe handling procedures.

I have OCD and the characteristic obsession with contamination, which is both advantageous amd disadvantageous when handling hazardous materials. I am extremely diligent in treating them with the respect they demand, but simultaneously, I am a bit distressed by them.

I'm planning on growing Belladonna, which I have no real concerns with. Lacking any poisons that can be absorbed through the skin, I am confident I will be able to grow it well.

This brings me to Wolfsbane. The idea of absorbing poisons through my skin, frankly, freaks me out. The literature about Wolfsbane encourages extreme caution in handling Wolfsbane. Double layered latex gloves, respirators, eye protection, etc. Honestly, I planned on using all of this protective equipment anyway (comes with the OCD).

I woild be growing this plant indoors in a well-sealed greenhouse tent, only interacting with it to water, fertilize, and prune.

When I check other gardening forums, I see people talking about ripping Wolfsbane out by hand and just making sure to clean their hands well afterwards. None of them seem particularly afraid of it. I see photos of Wolfsbane flowers being held in bare hands or being used in ornamental bouquets from time to time. They're not careless, but don't exercise extreme caution, either.

So I have to ask, for growers of Wolfsbane, how do you handle it? Does anyone keep it indoors? If handled with caution, it shouldn't be too big of a risk, right?