Using Garden Hoses
Soaker hoses are a good way to keep your garden watered. These hoses are made of water-permeable fabrics, perforated recycled rubber, or other porous materials. When attached to a spigot with the water turned on low or medium, moisture droplets weep out along the length of the hose.
 Use soaker hoses to efficiently water your garden. |
Soaker hoses are more efficient than overhead sprinklers because they provide water directly to plant roots. Very little water evaporates and none sprays on plant foliage, which helps discourage diseases. But it may take an hour or more to thoroughly moisten the part of the garden that is in reach of the hose.
- Run soaker hoses straight through the garden. If set to turn or curve too sharply, they will kink and won't fill with water.
- Expect more water to be released from the end closest to the hose and less to be released from the far end.
- If the hose is moistening only one side of a plant root system, move the hose to water the dry side before you consider the job done.
- To determine if the soil has been watered enough, dig into the soil beside the hose. If the water has seeped 12 inches down, it's time to turn off the hose. Remember how long this took for the next time around.
- For faster results, look for flat hoses that are peppered with small holes. Of course, there's a trade-off: These hoses provide water more quickly, but they are not as gentle on the soil.
Looking for more information about gardening? Try these:
- How to Start a Garden: Find out how to get your garden started.
- Planting a Garden: Learn how to get your new plants in the ground and growing.
- Water Tips for Gardening: Use these tips to keep your garden hydrated and healthy.
- Gardening: Learn the basics of successful gardening.
