I try to keep my nails just long enough to catch the strings. Still, I garden frequently and they break anyway. The solution for me was a product by OPI called Nail Envy and it is pretty low sheen. I recently noticed that they make a matte version too.

It's funny I often see people staring puzzeldly at my picking hand trying to figure out why a large short haired bearded man has such pretty finger nails. With out ranting too much, I find it amusing to upset peoples notions of masculinity and femininity. They jump to conclusions and get their nickers in a twist because of their own hang ups. But then some guys like their nickers in a twist so I say go for the French manicure and have a good laugh at others expense.