These include standard hoses, which are all-purpose hoses made from various materials, coiled hoses, which form a spring shape when not in use and are light-duty enough to water small areas, and soaker hoses that have tiny holes and are gentle enough to keep your garden healthy, especially when set with a timer. In addition to specific features and attachments, there are various types of hoses that can be used for different outdoor tasks and needs. “One advantage of these hoses is that you can leave them outside and exposed to the elements without risking damage,” said Reser, adding that the heavier duty the hose is, “the more water pressure it can handle.” These hoses can be used for some pressure washer tasks, like washing outdoor walls and sidewalks.
Hoses can be categorized as light-, medium- or heavy-duty - each has its own specific uses and outdoor needs. Shopping Getting started with raised garden beds How strong is the garden hose? She said that the most popular length is typically 50 feet, but 100 feet can be a better option if you have a larger yard or rely on just one water spigot - the device used to turn water on and off. (Polyurethane and rubber are fairly kink-resistent, while vinyl is more prone to kinking.) “Determine your hose’s length based on how far the area you plan to water is from the hose spigot on the side of your house,” said Megan Ullmann, a seasonal and outdoor living merchant at Lowe’s. How long is the garden hose?Īccording to the experts we spoke to, length and kink resistance - which depends on the material - are among the most important considerations. “The combo hoses are sometimes reinforced with nylon and rayon which offers varying levels of durability and flexibility,” she said, adding that some hoses also have metal coils or cords between the layers of rubber or vinyl to help keep them from kinking. Certain hoses are also made from a combination of vinyl and rubber, according to Reser. Hoses are usually made from one of three materials: vinyl, which is a more affordable and lightweight choice, polyurethane, which is lightweight, kink-resistant and is typically found in coiled hoses, and rubber, which is the tougher, more flexible and heavier option. According to Kristen Reser, watering and tools merchant at The Home Depot, the “flexibility and durability of the hose depend on the material it’s made of, while the length, diameter and fittings determine its water flow capacity.” What is the garden hose made out of? Choosing the best garden hose depends on several different factors, including how much use you get out of it, the climate you’re in and your budget. There isn’t just one type of hose that’ll be a perfect fit for all functions and spaces. Shopping Japanese zen gardens, simplified Garden hoses: A shopping guide
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To simplify your search, we consulted gardening experts to determine how to shop for a garden hose and rounded up some highly rated and expert-recommended options. As Laugen mentioned, they can also be an investment for some: A good quality hose, nozzle and reel combined can cost upwards of $100. “If you factor in length, material and water pressure, the right hose can last for up to a decade.”īut with so many options on the market - and the different features and accessories that can be paired with them - finding the hose that fits your specific outdoor needs can be tough. “Selecting a new garden hose should be thought of as an investment,” said Kristiana Laugen, a home care expert at Handy. And whether you’ve taken up outdoor gardening or simply hope to wash your car and other outdoor spots with ease, a quality garden hose can be a handy and durable household tool during this time.
During the warmer summer months, maintaining your outdoor space might be a priority.