Efficient watering of your garden is essential. Often, soaker hoses can provide the most coverage while being convenient. In most cases, you can save water and maintain the plants.
Since these products are so beneficial, you may want to find the best soaker hose. There are many styles and brands available. Learn more about this tool below and find out which product is best for you.
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What Is a Soaker Hose?
Soaker hoses usually look like a traditional garden hose, but there is one big difference. They have small holes or pores all along the hose material. In fact, they are similar to the pores in your skin.
These pores help the water get out of the hose slowly. When you put the hose in the garden, there is low water pressure. This helps to provide a more efficient flow of water from the hose to the plant’s base.
Therefore, you get even more water to the roots of your plants. Also, there’s less water going to the places that are going to dissipate too quickly.
Soaker hoses can be highly convenient since you can move them around easily. Plus, you can put them in place, and the hose does all of the work for you. There’s little to no observation or maintenance for watering while using such a hose.
Pros and Cons of Soaker Hoses
When you’re trying to decide which watering system is right for you, it helps to know the pros and cons. Soaker hoses can be more beneficial than other options, but there are a few drawbacks. We talk about them all here.
Soaker Hose Pros
1. Cheaper than Other Systems
A soaker hose is often cheaper to purchase than any other system. This includes sprinklers. The way they are made ensures that they can be bought and set up almost anywhere.
2. Easy to Regulate and Install
Of course, they’re easy to regulate and install, too. Determine where you want to lay the soaker hose and put it in place. You’ve got to ensure that it is close enough to the plant’s base and can reach the water outlet.
Then, just turn the water on and let it run as needed. Some hoses have regulators on the actual hose, or you can buy a timer. That way, you only have the soaker hose running for as long as you need it.
3. Consistent Watering
Plus, with the soaker hose, you get more consistent watering. When you do it by hand, you might drown some plants and not give enough water to the others. The same applies to sprinkler systems.
However, this hose style has holes all throughout. Therefore, the water can come out of there and seep right into the ground at the root of the plant. This is often more even and better for your garden.
4. Use Less Water than Sprinklers
Since you can water the roots quickly, which is the most important aspect, you can use less water than sprinklers. The sprinkler system shoots water everywhere. Though it can be on a timer, it can still take five to 15 minutes to water the space.
That doesn’t happen with the soaker hose. Run it for just long enough to soak the roots, and you’re done.
5. Works Well with Timers
As earlier mentioned, timers can be used with sprinklers and soaker hoses. However, the timer might work better on the soaker hose, and you can regulate the water flow more easily.
Soaker Hose Cons
There are a few drawbacks of soaker hoses, though. Soakers can develop a leak easily, which sprays water everywhere.
Plus, you need plenty of space in the garden so that you can add plants around the embedded hoses.
The 10 Best Soaker Hoses For Gardens, Vegetables & Trees
If you are ready to start looking at the reviews, take a quick look at the table below. This navigational tool helps you see what we are going to talk about.
The Gilmour brand features a flat soaker hose ranging in length from 25 to 50 to 75 feet long. It’s easy to create a watering system when you bury this hose beneath mulch. Plus, the fabric is clog-resistant, so it is going to consistently soak without debris getting caught inside.
You can snake this product through new seedling rows or under your mature plants. This gives you more efficient and deeper watering each season. Plus, it’s made using vinyl, so it is more durable than other brands.
Either turn it on and off manually from the hose spigot or use a timer. You must purchase the timer separately, as it doesn’t come with the product. Of course, you can also roll it up for storage so that you can use it the next season.
Do not keep the soaker hose outside through the winter. With the flat design, you can easily store it.
2. Melnor Flat Soaker Hose
With the Melnor brand, you can get a 25-foot, 50-foot, or 75-foot hose. Each one comes with two washers.
This soaker hose is also flat, which makes it highly versatile and flexible. You can get the water exactly where you need it. Place it on top of the ground or put it under a thin layer of mulch or soil.
The porous hose is designed to deliver gentle and soft watering where you require it. There’s no water wastage, so it is suitable for raised beds or vegetables.
Of course, you get an easy connection feature. The rust-resistant end caps allow you to connect multiple hoses together. You can easily water the entire garden, regardless of its size or layout.
Plus, the hose remains flat until water flows through it. Therefore, you don’t have to risk tripping over it while you’re weeding or picking vegetables. If that weren’t enough, the flatness also ensures that you can store it easily.
3. Swan Products Miracle-GRO Soaker Hose System
The Swan Products brand offers a Miracle-GRO hose system. This soaker hose can release between ½ and 1 gallon of water each foot. However, the water goes directly to the roots, so it uses about 70 percent less than sprinklers.
This system should go under some mulch or soil. Your delicate vegetables and foliage are protected from any high-pressure water because it just trickles out slowly and gently.
Each hose is 3/8-inch wide, but you can get it in a 50-, 75-, or 100-foot length. There is also a soaker kit, which comes with everything you need to connect hoses and the like.
If you don’t get the kit, you still get two male and two female connectors, a feeder, and everything else you require.
It’s easy to use, as well. You just hook your hose to the water source, lay it out in a line (weaving might be needed), and turn the water on.
4. Swan Products Element Sprinkler Soaker Hose
Some people may prefer a soaker hose with a sprinkler. If so, Swan Products has one available. This hose is 50 feet long and quite easy to handle. You are going to find that it makes watering the lawn or garden easier.
It comes with an adjustable spray that can reach about 50 feet away from the sprinkler system. Of course, it’s also made using reinforced and recycled rubber. That way, it can roll out more easily and is going to stay flat.
You aren’t going to experience kinks or twists with this product. The fittings are brass with plastic couplings for longevity and durability.
The product features laser-cut holes, so there is even and precise coverage. This hose might be ideal for those hard-to-reach areas of your garden.
Of course, it stripes up for the sprinkler option and stripes down to soak your plant’s roots. That way, it’s very versatile.
5. One Stop Gardens Flat Seeper Soaker Hose
When you choose the flat soaker hose from One Stop Gardens, you get a hose that is ¾-inches wide and 50 feet long. It’s designed to ‘weep’ or ‘cry’ water and lies on the ground. This way, you get full irrigation without having to spray, use a sprinkler, or a watering can.
This product focuses on the roots, so it isn’t going to damage your delicate plants. You can use it with miser disks, but you don’t have to do so. If you choose to, it can restrict the flow of water up to about 75 percent, which can save you more money.
The ¾-inch thread is designed to hook up to most home connections. However, you should check your water source specifically before purchasing to avoid any hassles later.
This hose is made of woven nylon, which is heavy-duty. It’s designed for durability and can withstand most elements within an average garden.
6. Apex Soil Soaker Hose
The Apex brand features a soaker hose that comes in 25 feet, 50 feet, or 100 feet lengths. You can also connect multiple hoses to reach all aspects of the garden.
This product allows you to place the soaker hose right up to the root. The water flow is gentle enough not to hurt it and is more effective than watering from the top of the plant. You can also use up to 30 percent less water because of the design of this soaker hose.
It features weeping pores. Therefore, the water seeps out of the tiny holes and can get directly to the roots. Of course, it’s flexible and is designed not to twist up as you lay it down.
When it’s time to remove the hose for the season, you can easily wind it up and handle it because of the flexibility it provides. Of course, the flatness of the hose makes for easier and better placement right at the roots.
7. Dramm ColorStorm Soaker Garden Hose
When it comes to soaker hoses, the Dramm brand might be most suitable. It comes as 25- or 50 feet in length. This soaker hose is designed to conveniently water your beds and gardens.
Plus, it waters everything evenly, so you don’t have soggy wet patches here and there in the garden. If you plan to walk through later and pick vegetables or weed, this is ideal.
Each hose is made using recycled materials. Therefore, it’s safe for the environment and has a low carbon footprint itself. With its design, you can water your entire garden using 90 percent less water than traditional systems.
Of course, the hose is about 50 percent thicker than other brands. This means you don’t get shooting water, and it just sort of leaks out from the pores. That’s the proper design of a soaker hose and ensures that you don’t get any spraying at all.
8. Water Right Soaker Garden Hose
If you’re interested in something slightly more modern for soaker hoses, the Water Right brand might be suitable. It features polyurethane hoses, and the fittings are lead-free. Therefore, there is no BPA or phthalates.
The brass fittings are lead-free and chrome-plated, so they aren’t going to tarnish. Of course, this also makes them last longer.
Generally, hose kink is a big concern here, but these hoses are made with strain reliefs on the hose ends. They’re flexible and designed to be used in any weather, including freezing temps. Though we don’t recommend that you leave them out all winter, the first frost isn’t going to hurt this hose.
The sizes include 25 feet, 50 feet, and 100 feet. You may buy two (of any size) and connect them, as well. However, it works best if you have a straight line and don’t need to curve the hose to water everything.
9. GREEN MOUNT 04070P Garden Soaker Hose
Gardeners everywhere like soaker hoses and the GREEN MOUNT brand has what you require. Its patented soaker hose is designed to leak water at about 2 gallons every two minutes using 60 PSI. This outperforms many of the other brands.
Of course, the water gets distributed evenly from end to end. Therefore, you don’t have to worry that the plants farther away aren’t going to get the same amount of water.
It uses PVC material rather than recycled rubber. Therefore, you don’t get the issue of uneven water amounts.
The hose comes flattened, which makes for easy storage. Plus, it is kink-free, so you can unroll it, turn on the water, and start giving your garden a drink.
Since it has higher tensile strength, the hose is durable, even in the summer months. Put it above the ground or under some mulch, as well. It is highly versatile and ready for anything.
10. Yardworks Garden Soaker Hose
Choosing the Yardworks brand means having a soaker hose that can save you up to 70 percent of water. Since the product seeps water into the ground at the base of your plant, you don’t spend as much time and money putting water where it doesn’t need to be.
You also get a steady soaking feature. This means the water comes out at the same rate each time. You’re going to wet the plants to keep them moist and can even use a timer to stop the flow of water as needed.
This product features 65 percent recycled rubber. It’s eco-friendly, and it also does a great job of watering your plants for you.
With the plastic couplings on the ends, you can connect this hose to another one, giving you more length. One hose is 50 feet long, so you can make it longer – up to 100 feet for all watering needs.
What to Look For When Buying a Soaker Hose?
When it comes to buying a soaker hose, there are a few factors to consider. These include:
Material
It’s essential to focus on the materials used to make the soaker holes. Generally, recycled tires and rubber are used, which can be durable and long-lasting. The goal is to get something that withstands the elements and can handle mulch or soil.
Vinyl and polyurethane are also used. Usually, they are food-grade, which means you aren’t spraying any lead and other bad things on the vegetables. It’s also resistant to UV rays and ozone exposure.
Pressure Ratings
Make sure you look at the pressure rating for the hose. This tells you how much pressure the hose can stand before it breaks. Usually, soaker hoses feature 10 PSI.
You don’t want the water gushing or sprinkling from the hose. It’s supposed to drip or seep out slowly. However, high-quality hoses might provide a bit more pressure.
Just make sure that the soaker hose you pick is going to work for the plants. However, if you’re still worried, a pressure regulator can come in handy. This is often purchased separately.
Length
Your hose should be long enough to reach all of the plants. Generally, the hoses are designed to connect to another hose from the same brand. That way, you can buy two or three soaker hoses and attach them all.
Design
The overall design of your hose matters, too. Most of the ones we reviewed were flat hoses, which we think are best. Both are efficient for watering, but a flat hose is often easier to hide and store.
Keep in mind, though, that round hoses might be more suitable for heavy-duty needs. Burying them under mulch or soil can put too much pressure on a flat hose. This makes it work incorrectly and be less efficient.
Flexibility
When you choose something that’s flexible, it is going to be easier to use. Stiff hoses are harder to store and wind up.
Plus, you may have a garden with plants here and there. It’s easier to lay the flexible soaker hose where you require it than it is to use a rigid hose.
Holes and Placement
Soaker hoses use tiny holes that get a little bigger as the water flows through. The goal is to have just enough water moving so that every plant receives some moisture without being waterlogged. Most manufacturers vary the holes and placement to help you irrigate efficiently, regardless of plant placement.
How to Install Soaker Hose in Vegetable Garden?
The first step is to buy soaker hoses. Pay close attention to lengths and purchase as many as you need for the whole space. Make sure that you use the right hose couplers, which often come with the products.
Attach the hose end to the spigot outside the home. Unroll the hose, getting as close to the base of the plants as you can. Consider adding regular hose sections for areas that don’t need to be watered (or that you plan to water separately).
Also, consider adding an automatic timer and a regulator. This can shut off the water flow for you, which means less risk of overwatering.
Add mulch or soil over the hose to keep it hidden and reduce your risk of falling. Now, turn on the hose and let it water your plants for you.
How Long to Run Soaker Hose in Garden?
Generally, you want your soaker hose to run for about 30 minutes. Most gardeners require this amount of water twice a week.
At the beginning, you might want to check the soil to ensure that it is moist all the way to the root. You can then adjust the amount of water your garden and plants require. Once you do that, it easy to get a timer and set it to that magical number.
How Much Water Does a Soaker Hose Use?
Usually, soaker hoses put out about 1.5 inches of water each hour. Some drip systems can do the same, but often they are much less. Most plants only require an inch of water each week.
However, your plants might be different. Therefore, it’s best to find out how much water your plants are going to need and plan accordingly.
Conclusion
When it comes to soaker hoses, there are many brands and options available. We believe that the Water Right brand has the best soaker hose. Since it is made of polyurethane, it’s more durable and can last multiple seasons.
Of course, it is also lead-free and chrome-plated. Therefore, it’s not going to produce BPA or phthalates, so the plants are edible and remain healthy.
I have had problems with the flat type of soaker. The type I got has a plastic tube inside that when broken can’t be fixed. I thought the water would just come thru the cloth, not a tube. I leave the hoses out permantly . To much to take up and lay out each year. Because of this the recycled tire rubber hoses are the best. And they can be spliced if they get a hole. Frustrating but doable. Thanks for all your good info!
You did a You discussed everything perfectly. Now I know all about soaker hose. You did describe every point and features.
Thanks for this phenomenal job.
I have had problems with the flat type of soaker. The type I got has a plastic tube inside that when broken can’t be fixed. I thought the water would just come thru the cloth, not a tube. I leave the hoses out permantly . To much to take up and lay out each year. Because of this the recycled tire rubber hoses are the best. And they can be spliced if they get a hole. Frustrating but doable. Thanks for all your good info!
You did a You discussed everything perfectly. Now I know all about soaker hose. You did describe every point and features.
Thanks for this phenomenal job.