Yard and Garden – 05-24-2014 – Ted Griess/Extension Horticulture Assistant
Although I have never kept track of how many I’ve purchased throughout my
life, I do know there have been many. Some have served me well season after
season; while others were short-lived and extremely disappointing. Sadly, none of
them have lasted forever. Either they’ve failed due to normal wear and tear, or
they failed prematurely due to poor quality. I hate to admit it, but some have even
failed due to my own carelessness and abuse.
We presently own a half dozen or more of them. One thing is certain; every
homeowner needs at least one of these essential pieces of garden equipment.
Whether it is used to wash the car, clean the patio or water the landscape, a highquality garden hose is indispensable. Note, I said, high-quality. We’ve all heard
the saying, “You get what you pay for.” That saying definitely applies when
purchasing a garden hose. No one size or type fits all.
Thirsty vegetable gardens, flower borders, trees, shrubs and lawns all need
water in order to survive. If Mother Nature doesn’t’ supply it in the form of rain,
we gardeners usually must do so via the use of a garden hose.
Consider the following when purchasing a quality garden hose.
Most garden hoses are constructed from vinyl
or rubber. Vinyl hoses are lightweight, less
expensive, and easy to handle. They work well for
gardens that require light watering. Rubber hoses
are heavier, more expensive, and bulky. They are a
good choice for durability. Rubber hoses are more
crack-resistant and kink less than vinyl hoses.
Garden hoses range in length from ten feet to
over one-hundred feet and should be purchased
based on how far the water needs to be moved.
One should avoid selecting too long a hose because added length reduces water
pressure and significantly adds to its weight. Owning a number of different length
hoses is an option.
Before purchasing, the inside diameter of a hose should be considered. Garden
hose diameters range from one-half inch to three-quarter inch. Based on average
water flow at the faucet, a low-cost hose is usually one-half inch in diameter and
delivers about nine gallons of water per minute. Higher quality hoses are typically
five-eighths inches in diameter and capable of delivering seventeen gallons per
minute. A three-quarter inch hose can deliver twenty-three gallons per minute.
One should realize as the diameter of the hose increases, water pressure decreases
―especially over distance. Increased diameter also adds to the weight of the hose.
Hose thickness should also be considered. Before purchasing, examine the ply
designation of a hose. Ply refers to the number of construction layers within the
hose. Most range from two ply to six ply. The more ply, the stronger the hose―
resulting in fewer hose kinks.
Consider the type of coupling material. The couplings attach the hose to the
water supply. Most are constructed from either brass or plastic. Brass is more
durable than plastic and less likely to leak. Plastic fittings are easier to tighten, but
less resilient. Furthermore, good hoses often have a plastic or rubber collar
extending 4-6 inches from the coupling along the hose, which aids in preventing
kinks.
Lastly, I offer one word of caution. Most hoses are made from recycled
materials, many of which have been proven to be carcinogens by various consumer
groups and national testing agencies. Furthermore, many hoses are also
susceptible to the growth of mold, bacteria, and fungus inside the hose. There is a
new line of garden hose constructed of non-recycled materials that contains an
antimicrobial protection to prevent unwanted growth.
Think of the garden hose as an investment worth making. Purchase a garden
hose that has lasting durability. A quality garden hose will last from season to
season; but unfortunately, not forever.