Keep your garden in tip-top shape with the top-notch watering tools we tried out!
When your garden is craving a drink, and the clouds aren’t cooperating, it’s handy to have a set of watering tools ready to do the job. These tools range from sprinklers to garden hoses, all designed to make sure your plants get the water they need.
We put a variety of watering tools to the test to find the ones that can withstand regular use, deliver a steady flow of water, and are perfect for the average home gardener’s lawn, garden, or collection of houseplants.
Best Watering Wand: The Relaxed Gardener Watering Wand
What We Like
- Long length reaches into hanging baskets
- Eight spray patterns
- Can also be used to wash cars, patio furniture, and other outdoor cleaning tasks
What We Don’t Like
- Scuffed when dropped to concrete patio
- Somewhat awkward to move without twisting the hose
Got hanging baskets? You need a watering wand that can easily reach up. Enter The Relaxed Gardener’s offering – we gave it a whirl in our lab and garden, and it’s a winner. We loved how easy it was to screw onto the hose, and adjust the flow. It’s 15 inches long so can water those hanging baskets effortlessly without dripping back down our arms.
Take your pick from eight spray patterns, from mist to a powerful jet that reaches 27 feet – handy for patio cleaning too. It did scuff a bit in our drop test, and we had to do some hose untangling, but those are minor quibbles. Overall, a top-notch watering wand for all your plant and patio needs.
Dimensions: 15 x 2.4 x 2.4 inches | Material: Aluminum | Use: Outdoors | Water Flow Capacity: Varies based on setting
Best Stationary Sprinkler: Sherem Rotary Sprinkler with Tripod Base
What We Like
- Wide spraying range, 360° efficient irrigation
- Stable telescopic tripod
- Durable construction
What We Don’t Like
- Too big for balconies and small gardens
We love this sprinkler offering from Sherem. It has a stable, telescopic tripod base and a durable turbo gear drive. This sturdy sprinkler with various flow patterns is definitely a great tool to water the lawns.
The nozzle is 360-degree rotary with a spray radius of up to 39ft! The adjustable coverage area ranges from a partial to a full-circle spray – small lawns, flowerbeds, vegetable gardens… you can choose the pattern that best matches your garden’s unique layout.
Dimensions: Adjustable, up to 37 x 19.6 x 19.6 inches | Material: Metal | Use: Outdoors | Water Flow Capacity: up to 145.8 gpm
Best Garden Hose: Zero-G Ultra Flexible Durable Garden Hose
What We Like
- Easy to attach to hose spigot
- Lightweight and easy to move
- Coils and uncoils well
What We Don’t Like
- Not for use when weather dips below 35 degrees
Tired of wrestling with garden hoses that kink and leak? Say hello to the Zero-G 100-foot hose – a frustration-free game-changer! With heavy-duty vinyl inside and a tough outer jacket, it’s a breeze to coil, uncoil, and move around. The ergonomic couplers? Super easy to attach, with no struggles.
Weighing in at just 8.4 pounds, it’s a lightweight hero. Stays flexible in temps from 32 to 120 degrees. Just remember, it’s a no-go below 35 degrees, so store it for winter. And if 100 feet is too much, no sweat – it comes in 25, 50, and 75-foot lengths too.
Dimensions: 100 feet long x 5/8-inch diameter | Material: Vinyl inner, woven abrasion-resistant outer, brass couplers | Use: Outdoors | Water Flow Capacity: Not stated
Best Drip Irrigation Kit: Sherem Automatic Misting Drip Irrigation Kit
What We Like
- Complete system for drip irrigation
- 3 spraying modes adjustable for each nozzle
- Waters different plants
What We Don’t Like
- A few complaints of leaks
This automatic irrigation kit can help you save up to 70% water! The best part? You can also use it to have fun with your kids and dog in summer, or cool you down while grilling in the backyard.
The nozzles can be placed anywhere you need at the hose, each one can be adjusted with 3 spraying modes. Cut the hose, attach the pieces, choose mist or drop depending on the specific plants. While a few customers experienced leaks, most of them were very happy with the kit.
Dimensions: 16.4 feet of hose with 5 nozzles | Material: Plastic | Use: Outdoors | Water Flow Capacity: Depends on modes
Best Indoor Watering Can: Best Choice Products 1 Gal. Watering Can
What We Like
- Cute old-fashioned appearance
- Diffuser spout pours water gently onto plants, but can be removed for a steady stream
What We Don’t Like
- A few complaints that the paint peeled off
If you want a functional and stylish watering can for your houseplants, you will love this old-school rustic watering can. With a generous 1-gallon capacity, you can quench the thirst of your plants without constant refills. The diffusing spout creates a gentle “rain” for your plants, or you can remove it for a directed stream.
The double handles make it a breeze to carry and tilt forward without spillage. An O-ring on the spout keeps the dribbles in check. Note: Some buyers mentioned the paint peeling after outdoor use, so you’d better use it indoors.
Dimensions: 16.5 x 7.5 x 12.5 inches | Material: Painted steel | Use: Indoors | Water Flow Capacity: Holds 1 gallon
Best Self-Watering Stakes: Remiawy Terracotta Watering Stakes
What We Like
- Works with most long-necked bottles
- Keeps soil moist for up to 10 days
What We Don’t Like
- Delicate clay breaks easily
Leaving your houseplants unattended during vacation? No worries – grab these terracotta watering stakes and some empty bottles, and you’re good to go! You get six clay spikes, each a tad over six inches.
Here’s the drill: Fill a bottle, attach the stake, gently push it into the soil, and voila – your plants are set for up to 10 days. Soak the stakes before the gig, and make sure the soil is a bit damp. Quick tip – these clay buddies are a bit fragile during transport, but the seller’s got your back with replacements if they break. Vacation mode: activated!
Dimensions: 1.6 x 1.6 x 6.3 inches | Material: Terracotta clay | Use: Indoor | Water Flow Capacity: Not applicable
Best Oscillating Sprinkler: Aqua Joe Oscillating Sprinkler
What We Like
- Adjustable spray patterns
- Covers a wide area of lawn
- Non-clog nozzles
What We Don’t Like
- Best used on flat ground only
The Aqua Joe oscillating sprinkler is ideal for lawns or large flowerbeds. Attach it to your hose, it will slowly swing and water as much as 3,600 square feet!
It boasts a sturdy metal base, 16 rubber nozzle heads, and a handy flow pattern adjuster. The sprinkler is heavy enough to stay grounded under water pressure. But we suggest putting it on a flat ground for the best coverage.
With a max of 120 psi and a flow rate of 6.65 gallons per minute, it’s a water wizard. And with a 2-year warranty, it’s a worry-free choice.
Dimensions: 16 x 5.2 x 2.5 inches | Material: Metal | Use: Outdoors | Water Flow Capacity: 6.65 GPM
Best Hose Timer: Orbit Mechanical Water Timer
What We Like
- Shuts the hose off for you
- Very easy to install and use
What We Don’t Like
- Cannot accurately set for less than 15 minutes
- Some complaints of leaks
You may have forgotten to turn off your sprinkler and flood your lawn, why not use this hose timer? Just stick it between the spigot and hose, set the timer (anywhere from 15 to 120 minutes), and walk away. It counts down and shuts off – no more lawn lake.
This tool doesn’t need batteries or any other power source. you set it each time. Just a heads up – according to some customers, if you forget to turn off the spigot, there’s a chance of leaks. All in all, it’s a handy and simple gadget.
Dimensions: 4.5 x 2.5 x 3.25 inches | Material: Plastic | Use: Outdoors | Water Flow Capacity: Not listed
Best for Watering Trees: Varomorus Tree Watering Irrigation Tool
What We Like
- Stainless steel construction
- Delivers water directly to tree roots
What We Don’t Like
- No on/off valve on the spike itself
For people who don’t like in-ground sprinklers or manually watering with a hose, the T-shaped irrigator is a practical option for your newly planted trees. This deep spike irrigator efficiently delivers water directly to the tree’s roots, minimizing evaporation and reducing water wastage.
Setting it up is straightforward; connect your garden hose to the spike, turn on the water to a low flow, and gently insert the spike into the ground near the tree’s base. The flowing water helps in creating the hole, requiring minimal force or pressure. The spike can be inserted up to 32 inches into the ground for deep watering. The only drawback is the absence of a flow-control valve on the spike, requiring you to go back to the hose spigot to turn it on or off.
Dimensions: 37 x 9.5 x 0.75 inches | Material: Stainless steel | Use: Outdoors | Water Flow Capacity: Not listed