Keeping your lawn green and your flowers blooming brightly doesn't happen without some work, but the right garden hose makes gardening easier. Hoses that stay flexible no matter the weather and resist kinking take away some of those annoying gardening niggles. And the Flexzilla Garden Hose is an excellent choice for keen gardeners.
The material a garden hose is made from makes a significant difference in how it performs.
You'll find a range of hose diameters between 3/8 and 3/4 of an inch. Small-diameter hoses are fine for light work in small yards but don't provide enough water pressure for heavier watering or large yards. If you're not sure what diameter you need, five-eighths of an inch is probably the most popular and is a versatile choice that works well for most gardening tasks. However, you might want a larger three-quarter-inch diameter if you require intense water pressure.
Although you can find shorter hoses to use as connectors, most garden hoses measure between 25 and 100 feet. The main deciding factor for hose length is the size of your garden. If you have a small yard or only need to water containers on your patio, a 25-foot hose will suffice, while people with large yards probably need the longest length available.
When temperatures drop, some hoses lose their flexibility, which not only makes them more difficult to use but makes them more prone to cracking. To avoid this, look for hoses that state they're flexible in all weather.
Some hoses contain compounds that make them unsafe to drink from, but others are drinking-water-safe. This is a nice feature if you have kids, dogs who like to play with water from the hose or if you simply like to be able to drink from the hose while gardening on a hot day.
The couplings are what attach one end of the hose to the spigot and the other end to a nozzle. Brass or anodized aluminum couplings are stronger than plastic or regular aluminum ones.
Expect to pay anywhere from $10-$60 on a garden hose, depending on factors such as length, diameter and material.
A. Hoses can be sold with or without spray nozzles included. You can buy them separately if your chosen hose doesn't come with one, but you'll need to make sure it's compatible with the hose you've bought. When you buy a hose that comes with a nozzle, you know the two will work together, but you won't have as much choice if you mix and match.
A. A quality garden hose should last five to 10 years, so if you find your hoses start to spring leaks after a year or two, choose more carefully. Some manufacturers give their hoses five- or 10-year guarantees, so if your hose breaks due to a manufacturing fault during this time, you'll be able to get a replacement.
What you need to know: Made from a hybrid polymer, this hose maintains its flexibility in all weathers.
What you’ll love: The 5/8-inch diameter is a versatile choice and it's available in lengths from 3 to 100 feet. It's drinking-water-safe, has an ultraviolet- and cut-resistant outer layer and durable anodized aluminum couplings.
What you should consider: Although it often snaps back from twists and kinks, it is possible to kink it.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Gilmour Flat Weeper Soaker Hose
What you need to know: This affordable weeper hose leaks water along its whole length so you can position it where you need it and gently water everything at once.
What you’ll love: Since it doesn't use too much water, this type of hose is less wasteful, and great for plants that can't take overwatering. You can use it above or below ground.
What you should consider: It isn't the most versatile hose, and not a great choice if you want to water plants the conventional way.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Bionic Steel 75-Foot Garden Hose
What you need to know: Highly durable and made from stainless steel, this hose is perfect for people who don't find standard hoses strong enough.
What you’ll love: Thanks to the stainless steel design, it's kink-resistant and extremely durable. It's made from rust-resistant metal, so corrosion shouldn't be a concern. It has a 5/8-inch diameter and measures 75 feet long.
What you should consider: It's significantly more expensive than hoses made from vinyl, rubber or polymers.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
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Lauren Corona writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
