What Is A Soaker Hose?
Do you find it tiring and time-consuming to water the plants and lawns? You have to move continuously with the water hose to make sure that every corner gets enough water.
When I had a small patch, it was easy to do so. Once I moved to a house with a big lawn of vegetables and flower patches, it became difficult.
I was always tired, and gardening was becoming a chore. Then I came across a soaker hose and decided to try it. The convenience and coverage with a soaker hose are unmatchable.
It provides a gentle, consistent, and, most importantly, hands-free watering solution. Maintaining plants has become easier and more enjoyable for me. Invest in the best soaker hose and see how it transforms your garden.
Why Buy Soaker Hose?
These hoses may look like a regular garden hose, but they have a significant difference. The whole length of the hose has micro openings, just like the pores on our skin. These holes allow water to seep through at a slow rate.
When you place it in your garden, the low water pressure will ensure that the water reaches the root systems more efficiently. You can place them anywhere you want and watch it do the watering for you. No need to monitor and observe while you do other work in the garden.
Benefits of Soaker Hose
- Easy To Use: anyone can use a soaker hose. Just lay it out correctly in the area you want to be watered and watch it do the rest.
- Prevents Fungal Growth: soaker hose delivers the water at the ground level, close to the roots. It does not make the plant unnecessarily wet and reduces any chance of fungal growth.
- Low Cost: these hoses are simple to use and do not have any complicated mechanism. It is not expensive to buy or install.
- Prevents Soil Erosion: as the water is released slowly, there is no chance of the topsoil getting eroded.
- Control Weed Growth: if you can layout the hose in such a way that the weeds don’t get any water, then you will notice they start to wither away. It is better than using any harmful chemicals or having to pull out weeds by hand.
- Maintain Soil Moisture: soaker hose allows irrigation to happen slowly, and the water goes directly to the soil. This helps in keeping the soil moist and preventing excess evaporation.
How to Find A Good Soaker Hose?
Once you decide to buy a soaker hose, the next thing is to find the best one. You must keep a few things in mind to be able to buy the right soaker hose. Watch this video to see how to use a soaker hose.
Soaker Hose Design
How much power a trimmer has will depend on its power source. Gas-powered trimmers are more powerful than an electric or cordless one.
Even in electric trimmers, there is a lot of variety, depending on the voltage. What you need will depend on the types of hedges and their size as well as cost.
Length Of Soaker Hose
This will, of course, depend on the size of your garden. The right length is essential to cover the full area without any water wastage. Generally, soaker hoses are available in 25, 50, 75, and 100 feet lengths.
You can add extra length by attaching extension. The longer the hose, the more water pressure you will need so that it reaches the end of the hose.
Material of Soaker Hose
The material of a soaker hose will affect durability and efficiency. Most of the hoses are made of plastic or rubber. Vinyl and polyurethane-based materials are getting common nowadays.
Choose something which is environmentally safe and toxin-free, especially if you have an organic garden. High-quality material will last longer and will not crack easily.
Size Of The Holes
The size of the perforations will determine the rate and quantity of water seeping out from the hose. Look for the right balance. Both too little or too much can be harmful. Check the rate to see if it suits your needs.
Water Pressure Rating
This is an essential factor. The pressure rating will tell you how much pressure it can withstand without breaking or leaking. You will need more pressure if the tube is extra long.
Simultaneously, more pressure can make the water come out as sprinkles while you want it to seep into the soil gently. You can control the pressure by turning the tap or even use a water pressure regulator.
Ease of Use
When using any tool or equipment in the garden, you want to spend less time setting it up and using it efficiently. A simple and easy to fit design is what you should be looking for. Handling and storing it when not in use should also be convenient.
Warranty
If you want a long-lasting soaker hose, then look at the warranty offered. Some even have warranties for up to 7 years. It says a lot about the confidence a company has in its products. Keep the receipt and register with the manufacturer to be able to avail of the warranty.
The Best Soaker Hoses
It is not very difficult to find the best soaker hose if you understand your requirements. There are several types of hoses available. We list the best 5 here for you to choose from.
1.Gilmour Flat Weeper Soaker Hose
Overview
A flat hose that is available in three different sizes is perfect for most small to large-sized gardens. Made with high-quality recycled vinyl and clog-resistant cloth covering, the hose helps with consistent soaking.
It is light in weight and very durable. Fabric covering protects the vinyl from the harmful sunlight. This flat weeper soaker can be used for both above ground and underground irrigation.
Flexibility is one of its great features and allows you to use it in different locations. It can withstand high-pressure up to 60 psi water flow.
You can leave it in the garden even after the growing season because of its fabric covering. Though for longer life, it is advisable to remove and store it when not required. There is a 7-year limited guarantee with this product.
Pros
- Durable and long-lasting vinyl material
- Can be used both above ground and underground
- Protective fabric covering on the vinyl hose
Cons
- It is not very easy to remove the kinks in the hose
Easy to use this soaker hose by burying it under the mulch for gentle and consistent soaking. You can use it with a timer to ensure healthier and more vibrant growth.
2. Melnor Flat Soaker Garden Hose
Overview
Compact, easy to store, and extremely flexible, the Melnor soaker hose is a fantastic watering solution for your garden. It will take water and deliver exactly where you want it.
You can place it on the soil or under a thin layer of loose soil or mulch. There will be no wastage of water, and only gentle and slow watering will take place.
The flat and thin design of this soaker hose allows it to be used around all kinds of layouts. You can twist and turn it easily around the corners in the garden.
This product comes in two 50 feet packs, which means you can water up to 100 feet. A rust-resilient end cap permits many hoses to be tied easily for extra length. With a fitting size of ¾ inches, it can fit most traditional garden hose threads.
Pros
- Small, compact design and easy to store
- Can be used with tight, sharp corners
- Easily extendable to cover large areas
Cons
- Though easy to store, there is no storage bag
This product is compact and very easy to use. Backed with a 2-year restricted warranty and excellent customer service, it is a good option for gardeners who need flexibility and versatility.
3. Rocky Mountain Goods Garden Soaker Hose
Overview
A heavy-duty rubber soaker hose will save up to 70 % water than traditional sprinkler systems. Made with recycled rubber, this is a long-lasting and durable option.
Quick attach reinforced fittings are part of the pack and make it easy to connect any additional soaker hoses. Removable end cap design is effective and easy to use.
You can get it in 25 or 50 feet long with ½ or 5/8 inch diameter. This allows you to have more choices in terms of water flow.
Round hoses are better at transporting water. Uniform distribution means there are no dry or wet patches. The front and end part of this soaker hose is metal and not plastic. It will neither crack easily nor leak. You also get a flow restrictor washer, which keeps the water at low pressure.
Pros
- More options due to different hose lengths and diameters
- 7-year warranty speaks of the quality
- Durable and long-lasting with high-quality materials
Cons
- It is a bit on the expensive side
One of the top-rated soaker hoses, it is perfect for small to medium-sized gardens. Has several great features, good design, and high-quality construction.
4. Taisia 1/2-Inch Soaker Hose
Overview
Made with 100% recyclable material that includes 70% recycled rubber and 30% recycled polyethylene, this soaker hose will give perfect water delivery.
Easy to customize the length, thanks to its flexibility, this hose system is simple enough for you to use. You can use it above ground and underground and move it around easily as per your requirements.
A slow and steady release of water ensures even watering and no wastage. Roots can absorb the water gradually, and the soil remains moist.
You can even use this hose to spread liquid fertilizers for more effective distribution. High quality, thick, and durable product, with UV inhibitors, added to make it more resilient. You will find it easy to carry it around because of the lightweight.
Pros
- 100 % money-back guarantee with easy refund and replacement
- Made with fully recyclable materials
- Comes with good quality connectors for better coverage
Cons
- There is no pressure regulator, and you have to monitor it
Available in 25, 50, and 75 feet lengths, this soaker hose is easy to customize for gardens of any size. Has a small half-inch diameter and is a lightweight yet durable soaker hose.
5. Smart Pots Liner
Overview
Watering a small size garden or specific trees with this soaker hose is going to be very easy. You get it in three different lengths of 4 feet, 10.5 feet, 13.5 feet, and a 3/8 inches diameter. Ideal for watering smart pots raised beds, and large containers, this hose can conserve up to 70 % water.
This product is lead-free and completely safe to use in vegetable patches. The small size makes it perfect to use around a tree or even in planters.
Water gently seeps out and reaches the roots without damaging the plant foliage. It is designed to make it easy to connect 2 or more soaker hoses to cover different areas in your garden. It will not take much space while in use or storage.
Pros
- Compact, small hose with flexible design
- Ideal for containers and raised garden beds
- Saves water and performs with efficiency
Cons
- It is a bit stiff and is not meant to cover large areas
A soaker hose is not only meant for large gardens but even for smaller ones. This product is ideal for targeting specific trees or smart pots for just the right amount of watering.
Conclusion
The importance of a soaker hose for even and uniform watering is immense. You can try it in a small patch first to see how it works.
Especially in summer months, when you don’t want to wastewater and don’t want to spend too much time outside, a soaker hose can make all the difference.
You will be happy to see your garden bloom even in the hot season with this inexpensive yet important gardening equipment piece.
Once you decide to get a soaker hose, there are many options available. Make the right choice by first understanding your needs.
All the products listed here are great, but we think that the Gilmour Flat Weeper Soaker Hose is the best. It is made with the best materials and delivers water in the best way possible.
You get a durable and long-lasting product when you choose this hose. Watering and maintaining your garden will become easy with the right choice.