How To Choose a Garden Hose for Your Garden

When it comes to choosing a garden hose, you may be wondering why there are so many different types available. What are some of the differences between the various hoses, and how can you figure out which hose is most appropriate for your home garden needs?  

Here are a few tips to help you choose a garden hose that suits your needs.  

Consider Whether You'll Use Hot or Cold Water

If you primarily plan to use cold water, any standard hose should work. However, if you plan to use hot water, the right hose is an industrial hose. This type of hose has an abrasion-resistant covering and is constructed of rubber. It offers increased durability over regular hoses and is an excellent choice for use with extremely hot water. Though you'll never need to use extremely hot water on your garden plants, you may be looking for a hot water hose to clean stubborn grime off your garden fixtures, statues, birdbaths, etc.  

Consider Your Durability Requirements

If you plan to leave your hose out in the elements day in and day out, you may want to go with a rubber hose. A rubber hose is more expensive and heavier than a regular vinyl hose. Still, they are more durable and can withstand extreme weather conditions more effectively. If you get this type of hose, make sure you find nozzles and wands that fit correctly. A suitable garden hose nozzle will help you with all your garden watering and cleaning needs.  

Another durable garden hose is the kind made from flexogen. You'll love the ease with which this type of garden hose can curve without kinking. It's a great hose for all your driveway, garden, lawn, and deck needs.  

Keep Light-Duty Hoses Protected

You may find that a light-duty hose matches your needs most closely. These hoses are typically lightweight and easy to transport from one end of your garden to the other. However, you should understand that a lightweight hose generally is not quite as durable as a heavy duty hose. But you may be able to extend the lifespan of your hose by getting a garden hose holder or garden hose reel that can keep it off the ground and somewhat protected from the elements. Some hose holders can be attached directly to the siding on your house, while others are designed to stand alone and can be wheeled into a safe space (such as a garage or shed) when not in use. Take some time to find the right type of garden hose storage for your needs and aesthetic preferences.  

Best Hoses for Irrigation Purposes

If you don't have a built-in sprinkler system, you may be looking for hoses that are perfect for irrigating your garden and your lawn. A regular PVC hose can serve your purposes well. However, you may also prefer a soaker hose that allows for more water output. A soaker hose is a great choice for gardens because it's easy to attach a cut-n-connect system to it for optimal garden watering straight to the roots. Whichever type you choose, make sure to check the hose length so that it reaches every part of your lawn and garden. You'll also want to select a sprinkler attachment that can distribute the water effectively to all parts of your garden.  

Achieve Maximum Versatility

Do you have a lot of planned uses for your garden hose? Maybe you want to use it to wash the car or take it traveling in your RV. If you want the most all-around heavy duty garden hose, you may want to consider an aluminum garden hose. This type of hose doesn't get kinked like regular garden hoses, and it can withstand very heavy use. You'll find that it's durable enough for practically any project around the house or garden. It also won't get easily nicked by rocks, gravel, and other jagged surfaces.  

The one drawback of this type of hose is that it isn't flexible like regular garden hoses. That means it probably won't wind up on a garden hose reel very easily, and you'll have to find other ways to store it. Another versatile garden hose is the type that's made from hybrid polymer materials. These hoses are often more colorful than your standard hose and are designed with abrasion-resistant and puncture-resistant materials. So you can drag it across all types of terrain without worrying that it'll spring a leak prematurely.  

Get the Right Attachments

You may be surprised to discover all the different hose attachments you can use to handle all your needs around the garden. To help you save money and use water most efficiently, consider getting rain bird nozzles. They allow you to achieve the most consistent amount of water spray between rotors. The proper spray nozzle will further help you customize your spray patterns and water pressure, so you don't damage your garden.  

Suppose you plan to water your backyard directly from the hose using sprinklers or a spray gun. In that case, you'll need a hose fitting that'll enable this different equipment to fit correctly together.  

Fittings, as well as hoses, come in many different types and materials. However, most common fittings are made of plastic, steel, stainless steel, or brass. A brass fitting can be more expensive than plastic, but they are more durable and recommended for your garden. 

Need more help finding the best garden hose for your needs? Contact Max Warehouse, and we'll be happy to help!