Types of hoses
While they can perform similar jobs, garden and soaker hoses are made with different purposes in mind. Garden hoses are for general use, while soaker hoses are for watering plants.
Garden hoses are usually made of hard plastic and direct water in a single direction. On the other hand, soaker hoses deliver water directly to the soil. Keep reading for the pros and cons of each as well as our picks for the best hoses.
Garden hoses
Garden hoses are best if you’re container gardening or want precise control over your water. While they can be put on timers, with garden hoses, manually watering is ideal. As such, compared to watering with soaker hoses, chores take more time.
Garden hoses are the most common kind of hose and can be found in most stores with gardening supplies.
Garden hose pros
Made from durable materials
Large range of uses
Directly deliver water wherever you need it
Less prone to leaks
Easy to find supplies, like couplings
Garden hose cons
Pricier than other kinds of hoses
Heavy weight, especially when filled with water
Less water-efficient
Best garden hoses
Teknor Apex Neverkink Heavy-Duty Garden Hose: available at Amazon
This hose is a bit pricey, but it’s durable and stands up well to the weather.
Flexzilla Garden Hose: available at Amazon and Home Depot
This garden hose is kink-resistant and an all-around great option.
Soaker hoses
Soaker hoses are hoses made with holes or made out of permeable materials and used for watering plants. They can also be used without an end cap for heavier watering jobs. While they can be used for other jobs, they’re most efficient for watering plants.
On average, soaker hoses should be run twice a week for thirty minutes. However, during dry spells or for large plants, adjust water timing.
Because the hose slowly drips, water tends to reach deeper in the soil. This promotes deep root watering and healthy root growth. Likewise, they can be put on a timer and run at specific times, like drip irrigation systems.
Soaker hose pros
Perfect for gardeners
Can be put on a timer for reliable watering
Facilitates deep root watering and growth
Time- and water-efficient
Cheaper than drip irrigation
Soaker hose cons
If embedded, can break when mowed over
Often develop leaks
Less precise than garden or drip hoses
Best soaker hoses
Gilmour 2-in-1 Soaker Hose: available at Amazon
This hose is versatile and durable but less water-efficient than other soaker hoses.
Rocky Mountain Goods Soaker Hose: available at Amazon
This soaker hose is made out of high-quality rubber and is made to last.
Should you get a garden hose or a soaker hose?
If you’re looking for a general use hose, go for a garden hose. Garden hoses are useful for both watering plants and performing other jobs.
If you want a hose specifically for watering your garden, choose a soaker hose. While soaker hoses can be used for various jobs, they’re best used for watering.
Jackalyn Beck is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. BestReviews and its newspaper partners may earn a commission if you purchase a product through one of our links.
Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
