Timely and proper watering is vital for all plants. It is a demanding and time-consuming process. Today, many automated devices make a gardener's life easier. But almost all of them require an uninterrupted water source and a fixed faucet. Therefore, nothing has yet replaced the watering can. You will learn more about choosing a Watering Can from Bubgo's article.
The first drip pots appeared in the 17th century and were not very different from today's watering cans - they had a handle and spout. Watering cans became popular as a tool for gardeners and an attribute of a young girl or girl. Just look at the paintings of famous artists - O. Renoir's Girl with a Watering Can or V. Gilbert's Young Woman in a Blooming Garden.
There are also several artworks depicting watering cans: "Flower Care" by V. Gilbert, "Chrysanthemum" by DR Knight, "Watering Can" by JG Kilburn, "Still Life in a Garden Shed" and "Still Life with a Watering Can" by S. Tutunov, "Still Life" by P. Konchalovsky, etc.
In hardware stores, you can see a large number of watering cans of different designs, capacities, and purposes. Let's define the basic parameters, which should be taken into account when choosing this type of equipment.
Here, everything is familiar and straightforward. Allocated by purpose are watering cans for gardens and rooms.
A1. Indoor watering cans
For watering house plants and young plants in pots or containers.
The design and volume of room watering cans are different from the others. They are relatively small in volume between 0.13-0.52 gal (0.5-2 liters). Their slim spouts are longer than their bodies - for watering in hard-to-reach places. Their designs are more varied than those found in gardens. As for materials, almost all models are made of plastic. Less common are ceramics and metals, which serve a decorative purpose and their primary function. Painted steel watering cans with an aging effect deserve special attention.
A2. Garden watering cans
This type is the one that interests us the most. A garden watering can is an indispensable tool for small areas (flower beds, flower gardens, greenhouses) and for watering young trees and shrubs when it is necessary to moisten the roots evenly.
The design is also designed for productive work in the garden. Gardener watering cans have a wide spout with a special rim to prevent water from splashing out. In some models, the spout has a separate funnel shape.
You can choose the right model from our online marketplace, which offers products from various online stores. Check out the selection of garden fountains.
A3. Decorative watering cans
They fulfill a purely aesthetic function. They can be used to decorate your room, kitchen, pergola, or balcony.
By the way, you don't necessarily need to buy a decorative watering can. You can "work your magic" on an old, out-of-date watering can. For example, a stencil painting workshop will help you turn a galvanized watering can into a beautiful accessory.
How to Choose a Metal watering cans
The material of the watering can is one of its main features. The most popular ones for gardeners are metal and plastic. Which one is better?
B1. Metal watering cans
Many people may have an old metal watering can in their shed, a gardening rarity. It's not as shiny, and it leaks in places. So what to do? Buy the same one again, or go with a plastic one? If you choose metal (zinc, copper, stainless steel), there are a few things to consider.
1. Metal watering cans are stronger and therefore heavier than plastic ones. For example, a watering can with a volume of 0.26-2.6 gal (1-10 liters) weighs about 2.2 lb (1 kg) or more without adding water, and if you add water - the weight increases. Some people may find it difficult to carry such a jug back and forth. Interesting: another point of view questions the durability of metal watering cans: if the structure is made of welded, the durability of the product depends on the quality of the joints.
2. Corrosion can occur on metal watering cans, especially on the bottom, if they are not properly maintained.
3. Watering cans are made of copper and zinc, which have anti-corrosion and fungicidal properties.
4. Watering cans made of metal are more expensive.
B2. Plastic watering cans
Plastic has long been a major competitor to metal in many industries. And plastic watering cans are more commonly found on store shelves and in-store carts. How did they win the hearts of consumers? Let's take a look at their advantages.
1. They are light in weight due to the material's low density. A 2.6 gal (10 liters) showerhead weighs only 1 pound without adding water.
2. A wide variety of designs and colors. Plastic can be easily colored, so there is no limit to the manufacturer's imagination.
3. No accessories are needed. Molded products are more durable and do not leak because they have no seams or joints.
4. Low price. Usually priced around $10-20 USD. Important: The plastic used here is different, which affects the price. If all you get is a cheap model, don't be fooled. Check the plastic quality (of course, chemical analysis is not an option and is limited to worldly knowledge). If the surface looks muddy with streaks, don't hesitate to put the item back - it's recycled plastic. It won't last long.
Interesting fact, products made of modern plastic are more resistant to external influences and corrosion.
Important note: protect plastic showerheads from frost and direct sunlight and prevent them from deforming.
How to Choose a Plastic watering cans
The volume of the showerhead should be adjusted to the needs and physical capacity of the person concerned. Each person can lift and carry different weights. It is believed that the best choice for women is a watering can of up to 1.3 gals (5 liters) (or even less), while for men, it is a 2.6 gal (10 liters) watering can. One of the undoubted "benefits" of larger volumes requires fewer fills. With the smaller ones, you have to run around.
Tip: It is better to have several different models: for "mass" watering - larger for delicate work in beds, sprouts, etc. - Smaller. By the way, this applies not only to the volume but also to all other parameters. Everything will come in handy in the country house, sooner or later.
Do you need nozzles, and if so, which ones? - A fairly common question. The answer depends on where the equipment is used. Need a powerful spray (e.g., when watering shrubs) - no nozzles. Need a small, dispersed jet that will not wash away the soil and will not damage the plants (e.g., for young seedlings) choose a "shower" nozzle with an orifice diameter of 0.8 to 1.5 mm.
D1. Important
1. Hold the spray arm firmly in place before working. If the spray nozzle is "blown off" during irrigation, the falling nozzle can damage the plant.
2. Try to choose nozzles with removable screens.
3. It doesn't hurt to stock up on replacement nozzles, as they can be easily lost.
D2. Other considerations when making a selection
1. Any watering used in the garden should be sturdy, with a wide neck and a spout that extends to the bottom.
2. If you plan to dilute nutrients in your watering can, it is worth buying a model with measured graduations so you can stick to your "recipe."
3. You only need a watering can with a sprayer for spraying plants.
But perhaps the most important advice for those who choose a watering can is "choose your watering can!". This is indeed true. We are all different, have different tastes, and don't always like the same plants. Therefore, watering cans will be different. Which model do you prefer?
You can type in Google "buy watering cans" or you can explore the watering cans in our bubgo online store catalog, including metal or stainless steel watering cans, and make your ideal choice.
