!: Some Garden Hose Basics To Help You Make Great Choices That Will Serve You A Long Time

Garden hoses are very basic items that nearly all homeowners and gardeners need yet very little attention is usually paid to them. Going to the local discount store and buying the cheapest one may or may not be the best option. With hoses you usually get what you pay for, and a cheapie may not last long at all. I consider them essentially disposable hoses, although I do recycle them for other purposes as well.

Length is one very basic consideration. How long do you need to reach? Is it 100 feet or merely 15 feet? Of course they come in many different lengths, and you can connect them together for more reach. A hose that is too short won't work well and a hose that is barely long enough will be a hassle as it will need to be perfectly straightened and aligned to reach far enough. One that is too long will have too much length that somehow needs to be dealt with. It may be unsightly just lying on the ground as well as a hazard.

Width is also a consideration. The more water you need as well as the more water pressure over length, the thicker the hose. I use 3/4 and 5/8 inch hoses except for short runs where I need little water, for example a small herb garden. Longevity is another issue. A good hose will last much longer, possible a decade plus, but a cheap one will not last nearly as long. Also, if you are moving a hose often, especially over rough terrain, a better quality hose is called for.