by Kristy Stevens-Young

Created on: July 08, 2008   Last Updated: August 04, 2008

A garden hose is used for more than watering the garden. It is also used for washing the car, the exterior of the house, driveway and even the dog! While all hoses will transport the water to areas away from the faucet, not all garden hoses are alike. Hoses vary in their length, diameter, and construction. By knowing the differences, you can purchase the right hose for your needs, saving both time and money.

Garden Hose Lengths

The most common garden hose lengths are 25, 50, 75 and 100 feet. Since the length of the hose can affects the water pressure, go for the shortest length that will work for you. If your garden is right outside your back door, or you have a patio garden go for the 25-foot hose. On the other hand, if you have a lot of area to water or gardens in the front and back, you'll save time with a longer length.

Garden Hose Diameters

For hose diameters, you have three choices: , 5/8 and 3/4-inch. The main difference between the three sizes is that the wider hose will have faster water flow, which may or may not, be important to you, depending on how much watering you do. Another thing to consider is that the 5/8 and 3/4-inch sizes have more fittings available.

Garden Hose Construction

The material used in the hose is what can make the difference from a one-season hose or a multi-season one. At the lower end, you can pick up a lightweight vinyl hose, which often has tire-cord reinforcement as an inexpensive choice. This would be a good match for someone who does a limited amount of watering and doesn't leave their hose out where it can be run over by their car.

If you need to regularly water and have a larger garden, you will want a garden hose that has rubber added. A garden hose with a rubber/vinyl construction will not only add to its sturdiness but its longevity and durability as well. Garden hoses with added rubber are heavier than vinyl but not so heavy you cannot easily move them around and they can last accidentally being run over by the car.

Three Garden Watering Options Hoses
Besides the general garden hoses mentioned above, there are a few other options available.

Soaker Hoses

A soaker hose has thousands of tiny holes in it, making it the true "leaky" hose! When they are laid flat, the water drips out the little holes and seeps through the ground. These hoses save water and keep the water in the soil and away from the foliage. They can be laid on top of the ground or under light mulch.

Never-Kink Hoses

The idea behind the never-kink hose is obviously that it never-kinks which would be a very nice aspect to any hose. Thing is they are often very heavy when full and most users will tell you they have never found one that never-kinks. These hoses may end up kinking less, but I don't think I would count on them being 100% kink free.

Coiled Watering Hoses

The coiled hose is a clever idea: a coiled up hose that is lightweight, doesn't need to be wound up after each use and is drinking water safe. The trouble with these hoses is that they have a tendency either recoil on their own when stretched or won't recoil at all after use, both scenarios can be a major pain. They would be the best choice for someone with a small area to water, which is close to the water connection.

A basic garden hose is a good investment and by getting the highest quality you can afford, it can be a helpful, important garden tool season after season.

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