Rural Living Today

Keep Animals Out of Garden Without Fences – Sometimes no matter what you do, critters will find their way into your garden. 

If you’re in a position where furry animals are hopping into your garden and doing damage to your crops, it may be time to put up a barrier. 

Fencing around your property or garden can only help so much and may still allow small critters to get through.

Thus, we’ve researched a few different practical methods on how to keep animals out of garden without fences. 

While it may not be impossible to keep them out for good, you can definitely reduce the amount of damage they do. 

How to Keep Animals Out of Garden Without Fences

Here are some of the ways you can keep animals out of garden without fences and keep your garden safe from animals:

Determine the Type of Critters

Depending on where you live, there will be different types of animals doing damage to your garden. 

Identifying what type of critter can help you successfully manage what kind of methods are needed to prevent them from coming back. 

Some common critters that tend to wander into gardens are deer, rabbits, and groundhogs.

Looking for tracks in the soil can help you identify what type of critter goes into your yard.

• Deer: Deer tend to leave behind hoof marks and will leave nibble marks on shrubbery. 
• Rabbits: This animal tends to leave tiny footprints and snip away at small wooded plants.
• Groundhog: If you notice burrows, damages to leaves on plants, or pellet droppings, then you may have a groundhog. They typically will make a home near your garden and are quite noticeable once you look for specific markings. 
• Bird: The last type of animal that you may find ruining your garden is birds. They tend to pick at any crop they can lay their hands on, even when it’s not done growing. Birds aren’t picky eaters, which is why it’s a bit more challenging to get rid of them.

Change the Types of Plants in Your Garden

One method that doesn’t suit everyone but is an alternative is to switch up the types of plants you’re growing. 

Plants that are less enticing to animals are less likely to get eaten by them. 

Although, when animals are desperate for food, they eat everything.

Switching up the type of plants you grow can help deter them from eating them. 

Plants with pungent smells, prickly textures, or fuzzy exteriors tend to bother animals.

Sprinkle Coffee Grounds Around Plants

If you’re looking for a more natural repellent, coffee grounds tend to ward off critters. 

Sprinkle a small amount of coffee grounds around each plant, and it will keep away cats, bugs, and little critters. 

The grounds won’t damage any of the plants and will compost over time.

Try Using Repellents

A modern solution is using plant repellents designed to keep animals away. 

These are generally inexpensive and can keep specific types of critters from coming into your garden. 

There are natural and artificial types of repellants, so you can switch it up if necessary.

Natural repellants include the following:

• Castor oil
• Garlic clippings
• Predator urine
• Hot pepper extract

Artificial repellants include:

• Ultrasonic sounds
• Chemical sprays
• Noisemakers

Consider Trapping Techniques

Not everyone agrees with trapping techniques, but they can definitely be useful if other methods haven’t worked. 

Not all traps are inhumane and can help deter animals from going near your garden. 

It only takes being trapped once or twice before critters change their mind about wandering into your space.

Live traps include steel mesh and spring-loaded doors. 

These traps trick wildlife into the materials and then trap them alive. 

In some provinces, it can be illegal to use or relocate wildlife, so be sure to check state laws.

Hunting can also be a good alternative to keeping critters out of your garden. 

However, we understand that not as many people prefer this method. 

Plus, state laws may prohibit you from hunting certain types of animals.

So, we’d only suggest this to gardeners located in legal hunting areas.

Invest in a Guard Pet

Animals tend to be wary of other animals in the area.  

Investing your money into a house pet can be an effective method at warding off any critters.

Small critters will easily be scared off by dogs or cats. 

That said, you’ll need to avoid getting household pets if you’re facing predator critters like foxes or wolves.

Dogs generally work well for scaring off larger breeds of animals, but can sometimes cause a mess in your garden. 

Training your pet to be a guard dog is recommended, or else, you’ll end up with dug up plants.

Cats, on the other hand, make less of a mess but tend to ward off smaller animals. 

Their urine gives off a specific smell that can scare away voles, gophers, or rabbits. 

The only downside is that they aren’t as effective as dogs and will less likely guard the area.

Use Wire Cloches

If you only have a select few plants that are being disturbed, then switching to wire cloches may be the solution. 

These are small wired mesh covers that help protect against animals. 

They are very effective at keeping smaller critters away from thriving crops, but they only cover a small area. 

They work exceptionally well with rooted plants such as lettuce, broccoli, and small strawberry bushes. 

The mesh design comes in numerous sizes, so you can easily find one that works well for your garden. 

The only downside is that larger animals may be able to knock over or remove these meshes, as they are lightweight.

Place Alternative Food Sources

A significant reason for animals going after your garden is that they lack food in their natural environment. 

When food sources get scarce, they will tend to eat anything they can get their hands on, including plants that they usually wouldn’t consider eating.

Identifying if they’re using your garden as a food source can help you take measures to prevent them from nibbling on crops. 

Placing alternative food sources in other areas outside your garden may be able to deter them from eating them. Of course, you’ll have to research the animal’s favorite type of food; otherwise, they will still eat your crops.

• Nuts and Seeds: For birds, we recommend placing bird feeders at the end of your property. Smaller critters will also climb up the trees and eat nuts and seeds from the bird feeder.
• Food Pellets: For larger animals, we recommend placing herbivore plants or food pellets. 

While this can be an excellent method for deterring critters from your garden, it can end up attracting more critters’ attention. 

Making the food less readily available is your best option, as an abundance of a food source can cause more critters to rely on the food. 

Counting how many critters wander onto your property can help you make a better estimation of how much food to place down.

Install Automatic Sprinklers

If you can’t get critters to stop wandering into your garden, then an excellent way to spook them is to use automatic sprinklers. 

Many sprinkler systems are motion-triggered and can easily scare off skittish animals. 

While this can be an effective method, wind, leaves, or any moving object can also trigger the sprinklers.

We highly recommend using the sprinkler system only if you have a few critters attacking your crops. 

If you install motion-sensitive sprinklers while having a lot of critters, it may cause the plants to become overwatered.

Plus, this is only a practical method if you’re using it against smaller critters. 

Larger animals may just ignore the sprinklers and use it as a water source. 

If this method fails, you can always use the sprinkler system to water your garden.

Use Noise, Lights, or Motion Activated Traps

If all else fails, then it’s time to invest in unconventional methods. 

Sharp noises or music can be an excellent alternative to scaring away critters. 

While your neighbors may not appreciate it, you can turn up the volume on the radio or speakers.

Another suitable unconventional method is to invest in motion-activated lights. 

Many animals tend to make their move either early in the morning or late at night. 

If you can’t play noise or music at those times, then using lights can be useful. 

Critters sensitive to light can become spooked and decide not to go into your garden.

Lastly, motion-activated traps can be the best last resort. 

This includes electronic scarecrows that will flail their hands up and down and scare away the small critters. 

On top of that, you could use ultrasonic repellents that send certain sounds towards the critters.

How to Keep Animals Out of Garden

As you can see, there are plenty of methods when it comes to keeping animals out of your garden. 

We’ve done our best finding the best means of how to keep animals out of garden without fences.

If you feel like we’ve missed anything or have more ideas, then please leave a comment down below. 

We’d love to learn from you and your experiences on how you prevent critters from getting into your garden.

What Garden Plants Need Lime works like magic on many plants by reducing the acidity of the soil, thereby increasing pH levels. 

For those of you not familiar with the pH level, it describes how much acid or alkaline is in your soil. 

If there’s too much acidity in the soil where you live, along with high levels of other toxic materials such as aluminum, garden plants will struggle to get the nutrients they require to thrive and survive.

With the pH, it’s possible to calculate how much lime is needed to reduce the acidity so your selection of plants will flourish.

Since not all plants require lime, we’ve put together this handy guide to give you an idea of what garden plants need lime and what doesn’t, as well as how to go about the liming process.

What Garden Plants Need Lime and What Doesn’t?

To ensure that you are not doing more harm to your plants than good, you must make sure they really require lime.

Plants That Need Lime

If you’ve decided to grow a vegetable patch, then the kind of plants that will benefit from lime include legumes such as peas and broad beans. 

Other popular homegrown vegetables that benefit from lime include onions, garlic, parsnips, asparagus, and English spinach. 

Fruit trees, including apple trees, are also far less likely to yield abundant fruits and reach their full potential if the soil is too acidic.

In terms of flowers, you might consider adding lime to decorative and ornamental style gardens populated with variants of gypsophila, delphiniums, and buddleia. 

Shrubs that prefer acidic soils are American Holly, sweet bay magnolias, and mountain laurel.

Plants That Do Not Need Lime

You don’t want to discover the hard way that your crops and flower beds aren’t suitable for lime. 

Unfortunately, there are several plants that will react badly to lime.

For instance, you should never add lime to sweet potatoes and regular potato crops. 

Also, you should not consider adding lime if you are growing capsicums or tomatoes.

Many types of popular berries also prefer a more acidic soil environment to flourish, so they won’t react favorably if you add lime. 

Among those, we’re singling out blueberry bushes, strawberries, and raspberries. 

The same can also be said for grapes which again, thrive in more acidic conditions.

In terms of flowers that don’t react well to lime, there are plenty so you should most definitely err on the side of caution. 

We’re talking about species such as magnolia, azalea, Japanese maples, daphne, and rhododendrons.

What if Your Plant Isn’t on the List?

There are many more than what we’ve mentioned and it’s impossible to provide an exhaustive list so do your research and ask at your local garden center, or you may do the following:

Soil pH Testing

We also always recommend that you first carry out a soil pH test to be confidently assured that lime is necessary. 

Also, if you’re planting what are known as perennial plants, such as lawn grasses, shrubs, and trees, then we recommend you to check the level of acidity in your soil. 

If it’s too high, then lime should be added.

In terms of the accepted levels to look out for, a pH level of 7.0 is considered neutral. 

If your soil has a measurement above 7.0, it denotes it’s alkaline whereas under 7.0 is acid.

If you’re planning to make changes and adjustments to your garden, perhaps by designing a new area to integrate with existing established plants or adding a vegetable plot, always re-test your soil’s pH level. 

That way, you will have a better chance of success when it comes to the healthy and abundant growth of any fruit and vegetable crops you plant.

Testing itself can be carried out at any time but if it’s carried out within three months of adding another organic matter such as fertilizer, it could skew your results and be misleading.

Identify the Plant’s Natural Habitat

Another way of determining the soil preference of the plants you’re planning to grow is to reference their natural habitat. 

Plants from the Rocky Mountains for example and the high Sierras or other heavy granite-based terrains won’t tolerate lime at all. 

On the other hand, plants from the western plains are far more lime-tolerant.

These days, a lime deficiency is considered to be one of the principal factors contributing to poor growth, particularly in easter gardens. 

One of the challenges is that lime lovers divide flower families so again, please do your research if you want your garden to flourish.

The Lime Application Process

Now, if your plants require lime, here are the things that you should be familiar with:

Considerations

To go about the lime application process, here are the things to keep in mind:

When to Apply

It’s standard procedure for best gardening practices to add lime during the winter months, especially for your annual crops. 

Lime should be added just prior to digging the soil so that the lime can bed down and take effect over the harsh winter months and not cause any damage to young, winter vegetables.

Effectivity

Do note that lime can take years to have any effect, especially if it’s just applied to the surface around already established plants and shrubs in your garden, so you should be regularly tilling and sowing the soil.

Frequency

It’s important to note that lime is not a fertilizer and shouldn’t be used as such. 

Its principal purpose is to raise the pH level of your soil. That’s why it enables some plants to positively thrive and flourish whereas, for others, it makes them desperately unhappy! 

We all want a garden full of happy plants at the end of the day, don’t we?

If you remove the acidity they crave from the soil surrounding them, they’ll struggle to survive. 

They definitely won’t be delivering an abundance of beauty which is what you’re striving for. 

It shouldn’t be necessary to add lime more frequently than every two years.

Liming Materials

In today’s guide to what garden plants need lime, we thought it would additionally be beneficial to take a look at how to lime and specifically what materials are required. 

It’s normally added in the form of a limestone product commonly referred to as “garden lime”. 

This contains an ingredient known as calcium carbonate and is recommended because it’s easy to spread and widely available to purchase.

Other options include calcified seaweed and ground chalk. 

Ground magnesium limestone, known as “dolomite lime”, which is incredibly rich in both magnesium carbonate and calcium carbonate can also be used. 

It’s an excellent option if the soil where you live is lacking in magnesium and can provide a much-needed source of plant nutrition. 

Hydrated lime, the kind that is typically sold for use by the building trade, is also acceptable to use. 

This is a much finer powder. Its benefit is that it works quickly but on the flip side, it can irritate your eyes and cause damage to the skin if not handled correctly.

Method of Application 

If you are applying more than 0.5kg per square meter (14 ¾ oz per square yard), we suggest that you dig half of the lime into the soil and sprinkle the rest on the surface after digging. 

If you’re applying much less than that amount, the best action is to dig the entire amount in. 

It is, however, possible to sprinkle lime on the surface around your plants and flowerbeds if digging isn’t a practical consideration.

Quantity

In terms of the recommended quantities to apply, that’s likely to be determined by the type of soil that you have. 

Clay content in soil can resist changes in pH, referred to as buffering capacity. 

That means more lime will be required to be effective.

We’ve made some recommendations below of the quantity of garden lime you’d require based on certain soil types and areas. 

This is based on using a commonly available calcium carbonate product that you should be able to purchase in any local gardening center. 

For the majority of most garden plants, the best all-round pH is considered to be pH6.5, which is what the below calculations should deliver.

Clay Soil

Loam Soil

Sandy Soil

Cautions and Problems

Please be sure to take good care when handling builders’ lime in particular. 

This type of hydrated lime can cause irritation to the skin and eyes so we recommend that you wear safety goggles and protective gloves when handling this substance. 

That way, you can protect against any potential adverse reaction.

You may find that your plants suffer from a disease known as clubroot if your soil contains insufficient lime levels. 

Other plant nutrient deficiencies can also be as a result of too much acid in your soil or even too alkaline conditions.

What Garden Plants Need Lime

Lime helps reduce the acidic levels in soil, allowing them to thrive better, but you must always check your soil’s pH level whenever you intend planting something new. That way, you can be sure that the environment is appropriate for the specific plants.

Just as the best results are obtained by lime-loving plants when special consideration is given to the soil conditions they’re in, the same is true for acid-loving plants. 

It’s a good idea to keep all your acidic-loving plants together in one location so that it’s easier to administer lime without damaging any of your other plants and shrubs that prefer different conditions to thrive. 

So wherever practical, try to keep them together in one bed or neighboring beds.

Last Updated on February 22nd, 2020

Review of the Best Garden Hose Splitters – Have you ever tried to water your plants only to find that the hose isn’t long enough to cover your whole garden?

This happens frequently, and most people wonder what to do about it or if there is a solution.

A hose splitter is an excellent product because it can help you connect your hoses to each other, making it easier to get to hard-to-reach places.

Since there are hundreds of choices on the market, it can be challenging to find the right product, so we reviewed 5 options to help you choose the best garden hose splitter.

Best Garden Hose Splitter Reviews

You will also find that we included a Garden hose splitter buyer’s guide and FAQs section to help you understand what splitters are and how to choose one.

Best Garden Hose Nozzles

Morvat Brass Garden Hose Splitter

Morvat is a small company with a philosophy that focuses on treating its customers like family.

It is focused on offering high-quality products with great value as well as in providing the best customer service.

Currently, the brand has no website, but it does have a social media presence.

When it comes to quality, metal is often better than most, but brass is the king.

This brass splitter from Morvat features the same high-grade brass as the older models, helping to ensure durability.

It is designed to work with a variety of water pressure needs, so you get dependable performance each time.

Of course, the top connection is quite strong, so it can attach to your spigot without any issues.

The handles are designed to be large so that you can grip them and turn them easily.

You get high-quality ball valves that offer water-tight shutoff, so you don’t have to worry about leaks.

You also get appropriate washers for both sections of the splitter, which then prevent leaking.

What We Like and Don’t Like About the Morvat Brass Garden Hose Splitter

We like that this brass hose splitter is easy to install.

Plus, it accommodates standard hoses, so you don’t have to go out and buy something new.

Along with that, the main connection (at the top) can be used on both plastic and metal threading.

While we like the leak-proof design, we find that it isn’t quite up to par.

For one, it is quite difficult to turn on each of the spigots because it is also made of brass.

With time, it can get stuck, making it hard to turn on and off.

Plus, we find that the top connector can disengage from the rest of the splitter, rendering the product useless.

• Does not break easily or rust
• Accommodates standard hoses
• Doesn’t interrupt water pressure
• Leakage possible
• The collar can detach from the body of the unit
• May need to use hammer or pliers to turn on

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2wayz Metal Hose Splitter

2wayz is a brand specializing in gardening and watering items.

It was created in 2007 and is based in Israel under the G&S LTD manufacturing label.

The company’s goal is to produce the best products possible for its customers.

Currently, it sells its products on third-party e-commerce websites.

While the brand does have its own website, you cannot purchase its products there yet.

When you buy this 2wayz hose splitter, you get two products for a relatively low price.

This allows you to either use both at the same time (one for the back and front yard) or have a spare just in case.

The product is designed to be used extensively without fail; in fact, it was tested by the company in lab trials for many months without an issue.

It’s been recently redesigned to have the spouts fastened with metal bolts so that they cannot disconnect from the base.

What’s more, this hose splitter is quite easy to install, so long as you know the basic features of a hose splitter and how it works.

You aren’t going to need any tools, so installation is quick and fuss-free.

Along with everything else, you are going to find that this splitter rotates 360 degrees, so you can pull your hose in any direction.

2wayz Metal Hose Splitter Pros and Cons

We like the fact that this unit features long spout handles.

As such, it is much easier to turn it on and shut it off.

Plus, if you have arthritis or large fingers, you can still turn it on and off easily without much fuss.

Though the body is made of metal, the spout handles are made of rubber, which means that they can break if you put too much pressure on them.

In that case, it is advised that you be extra careful when turning the spout on and off.

• Metal body
• Long spout handles
• Two products in one package
• Leakage is possible, especially over time
• Spout handles weaken with time
• Reduced water pressure when using the splitter

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IPOW Garden Hose Splitter

The IPOW brand is a global online retailer that focuses on a variety of products.

You can find phone mounts for bikes and cars, sporting goods, and kitchen appliances, as well as items for the garden.

This company is committed to providing a variety of high-quality products from its factory while keeping prices low.

At present, you can purchase directly from the brand’s website or go to third-party e-commerce sites to buy.

If you’re looking for a hose splitter that fits your standard garden hose and faucet, this one might be for you.

The connector of the adapter is easy to turn and attach to your spigot and hose without the need for extra tools.

Also, it’s made of solid brass, so it’s going to be durable and corrosion-resistant.

You’re going to find that this product is covered with thermoplastic rubber, so it’s easy to operate and grip the handles.

Plus, the valves can be open or shut separately, so you can turn on one hose and not the other or change the flow rate as needed.

What We Like and Don’t Like About the IPOW Garden Hose Splitter

We are impressed that the company provides you with six extra washers.

This is essential because the washer is one of the most common components to fail with time.

With these extras, you can continue changing the washers as needed to prevent leaks.

While the spout handles are designed to be ergonomic, we find that they are just a bit too short.

When both are in the “On” position, they almost seem to catch under the top connector.

It’s not a huge concern, but it does mean focusing on finger placement to shut them back off.

• Tightly sealed ball valves
• Extra hose washers included
• Brass construction
• Leakage possible with time
• Can break if exposed to elements
• Can be hard to turn levers even with larger handles

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Twinkle Star Garden Hose Splitter

Twinkle Star LLC is a top-rated seller on a popular third-party e-commerce website.

The company sells products for the kitchen, patio, garden, lawn, and home improvement departments.

It’s not as well known as some of the other brands, but this up-and-coming company has a variety of items designed to make life easier for a busy household.

The company has been in business since 2017.

This two-way splitter from Twinkle Star is a ¾-inch splitter designed for use with all standard faucets and hoses.

It’s made of brass, so it is highly durable and solid.

What’s more, you get three connectors and two valves, so you can hook up hoses to your outside or inside spigot.

The adjustable flow control has large plastic handles, which means it is easy to grip and turn on and off.

The splitter itself can handle water pressures of up to 80 PSI, making it strong enough to handle most home connections.

Twinkle Star Garden Hose Splitter Pros and Cons

We like how easy it is to install this hose splitter; all you have to do is hand-tighten the top connector to the spigot at the base.

You don’t need tools and, in fact, should not use them because they can damage the connector or strip it.

Though the product is made of brass, the metal seems a bit thin.

As such, we do worry that it could start leaking or break completely with time.

However, with normal use, we do not think it is an issue.

• Easy to install
• The spout handles are easy to use
• Sturdy design
• Thin metal construction
• Durability concerns
• O-ring quite bendable; leads to leaking

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Eastrans Garden Hose Splitter

Eastrans is a newer company and has only been in operation for a few short years.

Nevertheless, it offers a variety of high-quality products for the home and garden.

You can find hose splitters, hose hangers, PVC tubing, and items for the swimming pool, as well.

Currently, it only sells its products on popular third-party e-commerce websites; it has no website or social media presence at this time.

Those who want an all-brass construction are going to like this Eastrans splitter.

It is completely made of brass, which ensures durability, and it can withstand high water pressure without rusting, breaking, or failing.

It’s quite easy to turn the grip handles on the outlets, and you aren’t going to need pliers or other tools; just use your hand to open or close the spout.

The ball valves are high-quality, as well, so you get a tight seal to prevent dripping and leaks.

What We Like and Don’t Like About the Eastrans Garden Hose Splitter

We like that this product is designed to be used on both indoor and outdoor appliances.

Plus, it has a ¾-inch connector, which means that it is compatible with standard hoses and spigots.

Though the all-brass construction is nice, we did find that it could lead to rust or corrosion with time.

Since water is going to flow through it, it might have been better to use durable plastic on the inside where water might go.

Still, it is a decent design and doesn’t seem to have many issues.

• All-brass construction
• Adjustable control of water flow
• Easy turn swivel connectors
• Screws can loosen over time; may need tightening
• Small valve holes may affect the flow rate
• Leaking possible with time
• May require changing the washer periodically

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Best Garden Hose Splitters Buyer’s Guide

When it comes to buying anything, you often wonder if you’re getting the best product.

There are many things to consider, such as what the item is made of and the price.

We look at some of the top concerns in this buyer’s guide so that you are better prepared to make an informed buying decision.

Number of Channels

The goal of the hose splitter is to have at least two channels, which look similar to spigots.

This is where you connect the hoses together.

Generally, you are going to find that these splitters have two channels.

Two-way splitters work well for areas with weak or high water pressure.

You can also find a three-way splitter, which is highly popular because you get one extra port for another hose.

Though the two- and three-way splitters are the most common, you can also find multi-channel options with four-way splitters.

Just remember that if you buy one of these, you are going to need excellent water pressure so that the third and fourth hoses have a steady water stream, as well.

Splitter Material

Most manufacturers use plastic with some metal parts.

Generally, modern plastic is quite sturdy and durable, and you also have the benefit of it not corroding like traditional metal.

There are also metal splitters, which can be better if you are going to use them as stationary objects without having to remove the hoses or unscrew the splitter.

Metal splitters do have one significant issue; attaching a hose to it is ultimately going to result in the hose leaking because the splitter is going to corrode with all that water running through it.

As such, brass is likely going to be the best choice for metal.

A word of caution here, though, is that if you do purchase a metal splitter of good quality, you should remove the hose from it after each use to help prevent rust formation.

Remember, a metal hose splitter is going to be more durable and last longer than plastic.

Price and Warranty

The price you pay is an important factor when looking for the best hose splitter.

It is a good idea to compare the prices between two or three top products, but you must ensure that you’re comparing them correctly.

For example, a plastic splitter is going to be less expensive and less reliable, while metal is going to be slightly more costly and more durable.

Of course, you have to consider your budget, but most splitters, even expensive ones, are only less than $30.

You should also consider the product’s warranty and whether or not it comes from the manufacturer itself or a reliable seller.

Most products come with a one-year warranty, but it is possible to find two- or three-year guarantees, as well.

Some manufacturers even offer a lifetime warranty, but that is mostly for products made of brass or other metals.

Often, the warranty for a hose splitter involves replacing the product or refunding your money.

Garden Hose Splitter FAQs

1. How does a hose splitter work?

A hose splitter works by attaching to your hose spigot.

This is often located somewhere on the house, where water can run through it.

It has an on and off valve, similar to that of your kitchen sink, which turns in one direction or the other.

Once it is connected to the house spigot, you can then connect the hoses to it.

To do this, you are going to take two hoses and connect them to the splitter; then, you just open the spigot.

You can control the water’s flow with the shutoff valves located on the splitter.

Usually, they are designed to be flip switches.

2. Can you hook up a washing machine to a garden hose?

Yes, you can hook your washing machine up to your garden hose.

You may need to do this if you don’t have a washer hookup inside the house, or you don’t have the proper hose for the washing machine.

Regardless, the steps are easy, and you aren’t likely to need many parts to do it.

Usually, the couplings used on your washing machine hose are the same as those on the garden hose.

This means that the threads needed to attach the hose to the washing machine are the same for both products.

• The first step is to wrap some plumber’s tape around the male end threads of your garden hose.
• Then, you are going to insert that end into the cold-water inlet connector of your washing machine.
• You’re going to have to hold the hose in place while twisting the coupler connection clockwise around the hose.
• Do this until it is tight, and then turn another quarter turn for safety to prevent leaking.
• Now, you’re going to have to wrap plumber’s tape around the cold-water interior hookup threads of the washing machine or the threads of your exterior water spigot.
• Take the female end of your garden hose, and tighten it to the washing machine’s water hookup.
• Now, it’s time to wrap some more plumber’s tape around the male end threads of your hot water hose; insert this end into the hot water inlet connection of the washing machine.
• Again, twist the coupler’s connection around the hot-water hose while holding the hose in place; make sure it is tight.
• You’re also going to wrap some plumber’s tape around the hot water interior hookup threads of your washing machine to the exterior spigot for hot water.
• Make sure to tighten the female connection of the hose to the water hookup for your washing machine.
• Lastly, open the valve for the cold water and hot water hookups.

3. Can you connect two garden hoses?

Yes, you can connect two different garden hoses, and it isn’t difficult to do.

If both of your hoses have standard fittings already, all you have to do is screw one hose’s male connector to the female connection of the other.

However, it can become more difficult if one or both hoses don’t have the right connections.

When that happens, you need to cut one hose end straight off with a utility knife.

After that, force a barbed rod into your hose until it is flush with your connector.

Take a crimp and fit it around the end of your hose, joining both halves using the provided screws.

Tighten everything to ensure that the connection is leak-proof.

4. What is a female hose connector?

Generally, garden hoses use a male and female thread connection, which is called a hose union.

You can find fittings for 1/2-inch, 3/4-inch, and 5/8-inch hoses.

Usually, in the US, thread sizes are 3/4-inch GH for female ends of the garden hose.

There are two different options to connect here.

Fit the brass female ¾-inch threaded connectors to the hose, which have a bayonet or barbed section to push into the tube.

Of course, you can also screw in a ¾-inch plastic fitting to the tap so that the hose connector can be pushed onto the fitting.

5. Are all hose connectors the same?

Yes and no.

All of the hose connectors are the same size, but they are specified by the internal dimensions of the hose.

Therefore, typical fittings are either 5/8-inch (internal diameter) with an 11.5 thread pitch or ¾ inches in diameter with the same thread pitch.

They are not all the same because they can be made of different materials and may require the use of various fittings or couplings to get them to attach to the splitter.

Our Recommendation on Best Garden Hose Splitters

Best Retractable Garden Hose Reels

When it comes to choosing the best garden hose splitter, you’ve got many options.

We thoroughly reviewed five products and have concluded that the hose splitter from IPOW is the best of the best.

The body is made of brass with rubber spout handles; plus, you get six extra washers, making it easy to prevent leaks for an extended period.

Last Updated on February 22nd, 2020

Best Garden Hose Nozzles – When it comes to watering your garden, washing your car, or doing other outside chores that need water, you need a hose.

Then again, most jobs require a different spray pattern.

For example, washing the car may require you to use a spray pattern with some pressure behind it, while spraying delicate plants means using a fine mist.

To achieve this, you need the best garden hose nozzle possible.

Best Garden Hose Nozzle Reviews

We are going to talk about five products, all of which are designed to make using the hose easier.

Best Retractable Garden Hose Reels

Best Garden Hose Splitters Review and Buyer’s Guide

INNAV8 Heavy Duty Garden Hose Nozzle

INNAV8 LLC has proven its innovative style with its name.

While the company has only been around since 2016, it has taken the online world by storm.

It primarily sells INNAV8 and Pura Vida products.

Since it is such a new company, it only sells on third-party e-commerce websites, with Amazon being the top platform.

This company chooses to sell garden hoses and accessories at this time.

With the INNAV8 Garden Hose Nozzle, you are going to have 10 different spray patterns.

This means that you can use whichever one is best for your watering needs.

There is a high-pressure jet of water that can clean hard surfaces, and you’ve also got a soft shower option to wash your dog, water the garden, and much more.

This product looks a little different than others because it doesn’t have a lever to push; instead, there is a thumb control, which is very easy to use.

This is a no-squeeze version, which makes it ergonomic and doesn’t require a lot of pressure on the button.

You also get easy flow control to help you with your needs.

Simply adjust the dial at the front of the nozzle (where the water comes out) to get the right spray pattern.

The ergonomic handle features a soft rubber grip, so it’s comfortable to hold for long periods.

Plus, your hands won’t slip if they happen to get wet from the spray.

What We Like and Don’t Like About the INNAV8 Heavy Duty Garden Hose Nozzle

We were impressed with the precision thread connection with the rubber gasket included.

This makes it so much easier to connect your nozzle to the hose.

Also, you get a water-tight seal, so the nozzle isn’t going to leak.

There are no spare rubber gaskets or washers that come with the purchase, and the one included can fall out.

While this isn’t a huge concern, it does mean being extra careful when disconnecting the nozzle from the hose.

You may want to do so in good light and on a light-colored surface just in case.

• Thumb control is easy to use
• Many adjustable pattern options
• Ergonomic feel for comfort
• Gasket and washer may fall out
• Not very forceful spray settings
• Plastic housing

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ALMA Garden Hose Nozzle

ALMA is another brand that has recently hit the market.

It does feature a variety of products, including baby safety locks and no-contact thermometers.

The brand focuses on providing innovative items that can make people’s lives easier.

This is also evident in their garden hose nozzle, where you can quickly see how beautifully designed it is.

While you can find these products online from the company’s website, most of its sales come from third-party e-commerce sites.

If you’re looking for something that’s easy to use and looks similar to those you’ve used in the past, the ALMA brand has it.

This product features 10 different spray patterns, so you can get high pressure when you need it and lower pressure for delicate things.

The nozzle is heavy-duty and made of ABS plastic and zinc alloy.

It also features a rubber coating, so it is more durable than others of similar materials.

The ABS plastic is resistant to corrosion, ensuring that the spray holes of the nozzle do not rust.

This nozzle features an ergonomic shape with a slip-resistant rubber coating.

Therefore, it’s comfortable to hold for long periods, and you aren’t going to tire out your hands easily.

ALMA Garden Hose Nozzle Pros and Cons

We were impressed by the control of water flow here.

Instead of pushing down on a lever, you push a button on top of the handle with your thumb.

Then, you adjust it to the right spray and lock it into place.

This means that you do not have to continue holding the button while spraying the water.

Though it is designed ergonomically and for comfort, the nozzle handle is quite small.

As such, those with larger hands, such as men, might find it a bit cumbersome to use.

With time, though, you are going to get used to it and aren’t going to have any problems.

• 10 spray patterns
• Heavy-duty design
• Ergonomic handle
• Leaks are possible with some spray patterns
• The thumb trigger is a challenge to get used to at first
• The pattern symbols are difficult to understand

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Dradco Heavy-Duty Fireman-Style Hose Nozzle

Dradco hasn’t been around that long, but it is becoming one of the most popular brands for fireman-style nozzles.

It’s taken old-fashioned products and improved them using many methods.

Of course, the brand focuses on using high-quality materials; plus, it is an American veteran-owned family company.

You can find that the brand is sold at a few retailers, but it primarily makes its sales on third-party e-commerce websites.

Those who like the old-fashioned fireman-style nozzles are going to enjoy this one from Dradco.

It features high-grade stainless steel and brass, without any plastic, so it is almost indestructible and isn’t going to leak.

You’re going to find a variety of different spray patterns, too, which means that it can hold up to any job around the property.

What We Like and Don’t Like About the Dradco Heavy-Duty Fireman-Style Hose Nozzle

We were impressed by the materials used in making this hose nozzle.

The brass offers durability and rugged styling, and the stainless steel threads are designed for longevity.

There’s also a rubberized grip at the base that’s ergonomically shaped to make it comfortable to use for long periods.

The one issue we found was that you couldn’t control the flow rate of the water.

You can change the pattern of spray, but you cannot stop the water from flowing unless you turn it off.

• Brass construction
• No leaks
• Easy to adjust and use
• Unable to change the flow rate
• The spray patterns are too high-pressure
• Made in China

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GREEN MOUNT Hose Nozzle

GREEN MOUNT is another up-and-coming business that features a variety of garden and home tools, which include hoses, recoil hoses, and sprayers.

Of course, with it being a newer company, it does have a website, but you cannot purchase products there.

Instead, it primarily sells its products on third-party e-commerce websites.

Those who prefer a “normal” garden hose nozzle might like this one from GREEN MOUNT.

This nozzle features zinc alloy materials, which is stronger than plastic, so it can prevent corrosion and rust development.

It is lightweight and small enough to fit in little hands, but it’s also comfortable for larger hands.

You also get adjustable spray patterns, making it easy to choose what you need for the task.

GREEN MOUNT Hose Nozzle Pros and Cons

We were impressed with the trigger lock bar, which is integrated to the top of the handle.

Thanks to this, the water can continue flowing without giving your hand cramps.

Though it is designed to be leak-proof, it can leak at the base of the hose.

You can often fix this issue by using Teflon tape on the threads, but it is an extra step you must take.

• Locking mechanism
• Durable construction
• Adjustable spray patterns
• Leaks possible
• Hard to control how much water comes out
• Issues with pressure

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IRRIGLAD Hose Nozzle

IRRIGLAD is an enterprise that focuses on every part of the process, including design, development, and manufacturing.

It offers many gardening products, and this sprayer nozzle is one of its top contenders.

You can find some retailers that sell the products, but most of the company’s sales are from third-party e-commerce websites.

If you prefer traditional hose nozzles, you are going to enjoy this one.

It features an all-metal body, so it’s more durable and can withstand corrosion.

Of course, it is designed with a locking mechanism to keep the spray going without having to hold the lever down.

When you need a different water flow, you simply change your grip on the handle, though it cannot be locked into place then.

Nevertheless, it helps when you’re watering a delicate flower or otherwise need different pressure.

What We Like and Don’t Like About the IRRIGLAD Hose Nozzle

We were impressed by the fact that you get two products for a similar price of one.

Of course, we did worry that this indicated an issue with durability, but none were noted.

Though it looks like your average hose nozzle, this also means it functions similarly.

The handle is not ergonomic, but there are finger grips.

• All-metal construction
• Locking mechanism
• Streamlined design
• Leaking possible
• The handle is not ergonomic
• Possibly cheap design

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Best Garden Hose Nozzles Buyer’s Guide

When it comes to buying a garden hose nozzle, you need to choose something that is going to last.

It must also be comfortable and fits in your hand appropriately.

Often, it is hard to find the right product, but we have created this short buyer’s guide of the best garden hose nozzles to help you out.

In it, you are going to find the information you need to make a wise decision.

Durability

We made sure that each nozzle we chose for our review had a solid build quality for durability.

To do this, we looked at the materials used for the product.

Of course, we also focused on the individual components to ensure that there was a low likelihood they could break down or jam with time.

Another important consideration was the number of moving parts inside the nozzle.

Often, garden hose nozzles are going to get dropped and are going to be wet a lot.

Hence, it is essential that the nozzle isn’t susceptible to rapid wear and tear or corrosion.

Ergonomics

Ergonomics also plays a part in the right garden hose nozzle to buy.

Washing your vehicle or watering your garden can mean that you have to hold the garden hose for a long period.

Many other outside watering chores also take a long time, and for that reason, it’s important that you can easily hold the nozzle.

We also considered the ease of holding it for people without a strong grip.

Particularly, we looked at nozzles that “locked” into place.

This means that the water could continue flowing, even if the nozzle wasn’t being squeezed by a hand.

Of course, every nozzle had a different locking mechanism, so we made sure that our finalists locked into place.

Comfort was also another factor here.

If you’re holding the nozzle for an extended period, you need to be quite comfortable.

The locking mechanism also had to be easy to lock into place and switch between modes.

Functionality

When testing the nozzles, we also considered functionality for each.

In practice, most people purchase garden hose nozzles for various reasons.

There’s no single set of features that work best for each application.

With that said, we looked at specific functions for each nozzle.

The most important ones were locking mechanisms, spray patterns, and ease of use.

Plus, we looked at how far the nozzle could spray using the jet configuration.

Of course, we also have to determine how easy these functions were to use, and if they worked well together.

Longevity

In most cases, garden hose nozzles are generally inexpensive.

Therefore, most people believe they are going to have to replace them each year around spring or summer.

However, the cost of the product should not mean that you have to settle for something that breaks after moderate or light use.

This is a waste of money and time.

Price

Again, many of these nozzles we reviewed are inexpensive.

Price is a concern, but it shouldn’t be the only one.

Plus, you may think it’s a good idea to buy the most expensive one you can afford, but that might not be ideal either.

If you only go by price, you may not get the features you want, or it might be uncomfortable to use for long periods.

Take price into consideration, but don’t use it as the only factor to help you decide.

Garden Hose Nozzle FAQs

1. What is a hose sprayer?

A hose sprayer is an excellent tool to spray water from a garden hose.

In some cases, it can also be attached (in some cases) to liquid gardening products to spray directly from the bottle.

In a sense, the hose sprayer is used to siphon out water from the hose and spray it in the pattern of your choosing.

It makes it much easier to get an even spray or stream when using a hose sprayer rather than using the water directly from the garden hose.

You can find many styles available, such as the pistol grip, fireman, and turret versions.

Pistol Grip

The pistol grip is a nozzle that’s shaped similar to a gun, and it features a trigger or lever to turn on the water and control the rate of flow.

Often, it’s found on the front of your handle so that the fingers can depress it.

Generally, a pistol grip nozzle is made of plastic or aluminum; they have many moving parts, so quality is essential to prevent it from wearing out or breaking too soon.

Turret or Dial

You’ve also got the turret or dial version, which is a type of nozzle that is also often a pistol grip style, but they have one key difference.

You adjust the spray pattern by turning a dial, which is often found on the front of the sprayer.

Often, they’re made of plastic, but you can find some that are made of aluminum.

Still, it’s important to focus on quality to ensure that the product lasts a relatively long time.

Fireman

This version often features high pressure and a lot of water at once.

They’re perfect for washing vehicles but might not be best for tender seedlings and plants.

Generally, they are made of metal with a rubber coating to protect it from getting dropped.

With that said, you can expect that they are often more expensive.

2. How do you use a garden hose nozzle?

The way to use a garden hose nozzle varies, depending on the style.

With the pistol-grip version, you just point the nozzle in whichever direction you want to spray and then pull on the trigger.

It’s easy to turn off the water by releasing the nozzle’s trigger, and you can control the flow rate of the water based on how hard you depress the lever.

If you buy the turret or dial nozzle, the way to use it is similar to that of the pistol grip version.

You can still point and shoot the same way; the only difference is that you control the spray pattern using the dial on the front of the nozzle.

In this style, the flow rate can also be adjusted based on how hard the level is depressed.

Those who want a fireman nozzle are going to find that it works similarly to the others.

You can attach it directly to the garden hose, just like you do the others, but you hold the nozzle in one hand while turning the dial with the other hand.

Generally, there is no “Off” feature to this nozzle; water just continues to flow until you shut off the hose at the source.

3. How do I get the nozzle off my hose?

In most cases, it is best to remove the nozzle from the hose after each use.

In that way, there is less risk of it getting dropped or damaged.

Keep the nozzle in the house or a shed away from direct sunlight and the elements.

To remove the nozzle from the hose, hold the connector for the hose’s end and grip it tightly.

Generally, turning to the left is going to loosen the fitting (righty-tighty, lefty-loosey).

Make sure that you are loosening instead of tightening; else, you could damage the threads that attach the hose to the nozzle.

Often, this is all you have to do, and you probably aren’t going to need tools.

If, for some reason, the nozzle becomes stuck, you may need to use pliers and appropriate force to remove the nozzle.

Just remember that too much force could do damage.

If you can’t get it off otherwise, you may just have to remove it with whatever force possible and purchase a new one.

4. Can you leave the hose on with the nozzle?

Yes, it is possible to leave the hose on with the nozzle attached, but you are going to waste a lot of water by doing this.

Even if you put the nozzle in the “Off” position, the water can still leak out of the nozzle’s head.

It is a safety mechanism so that the hose does not have too much pressure to spring a leak.

Often, though, leaving the hose on is going to cause a leak.

The hose is stretchy and bendable, so it can swell to take on that extra pressure.

However, this is only possible for a short time before it becomes detached from the tap (base at the house), the nozzle breaks off, or the hose springs a leak.

Always remember to remove the nozzle from the hose and turn off the garden hose after each use.

5. How do I keep my hose nozzle from getting stuck?

Often, your hose nozzle is going to get stuck because of corrosion and calcium deposits.

While this is natural, there are ways to prevent it.

The first thing to do is always remember to remove the nozzle from the hose after using it.

You can then let it dry and then store it in the house or shed.

Consider using Vaseline or Automotive Grade Anti-Seize.

Just put a bit on the threads of the hose, and it can keep the nozzle from getting stuck.

For those who water their gardens, this option may add some toxins to the water.

If you worry about this issue, you can always put some Teflon tape to the inside of the hose nozzle to prevent it from getting stuck.

Our Best Garden Hose Nozzles Recommendation

When it comes to buying the best garden hose nozzles, we found that we were quite impressed with the INNAV8 Garden Hose Nozzle.

This product features an ergonomic handle and a button to start the water spray, and we also liked that it has 10 water patterns.

Last Updated on February 22nd, 2020

What is the best retractable garden hose reels? Do you hate when your garden hose turns into a tangled mess?

Is it too difficult and time-consuming to reel it in by hand?

If either of these answers is yes, then it might be time to buy a retractable one.

There are seemingly endless choices, but which one is the best retractable garden hose reel?

We looked at five different models to help you choose the right one.

We also included a retractable garden hose reels buyer’s guide and an FAQs section to help clear some of your doubts.

Best Retractable Garden Hose Reel Reviews

Best Garden Hose Splitters Review and Buyer’s Guide

Best Garden Hose Nozzles

Tacklife Wall-Mounted Hose Reel

Tacklife manufactures products that help people live a secure and convenient lifestyle.

It offers a variety of items, including automotive, hand, and power tools, as well as home appliances.

You can find these products at select retailers, but the company sells most of its products through its website and from third-party e-commerce sites.

Those who want a hose reel that is mounted on the wall are going to like this product.

It is heavy-duty and looks almost like a large tape measure.

Plus, it is easy to use because you just rewind the hose by tugging to unlatch the drum.

The auto reel features a patented rewind system, which automatically takes over.

There is also a braking mechanism to ensure that the rewind is controlled without adding tangles or kinks to the hose.

This reel also has an automatic lock, so you don’t have to continue holding the hose taut.

You can easily unwind more of the hose by pulling it, making the mechanism unlock so that you can get the length that you need.

It comes with a 72-foot hose, which is quite long and is likely to be ideal for your gardening and watering needs.

What We Like and Don’t Like about the Tacklife Wall-Mounted Hose Reel

We are impressed with the 180-degree pivoting option of this reel.

Even when mounted on the wall, it can move so that you can reach all parts of your garden.

Plus, you can also remove it from the bracket (attached to the wall), allowing you to store the unit during winter or when you don’t need it.

The guide to help retract the hose could get broken over time.

While you can prevent this by retracting it slowly, this does take more time and a bit of effort.

Still, it’s not a deal-breaker, as you should be careful when retracting hoses to ensure that they don’t damage the home or ground by moving too quickly.

• Swivel movement from reel
• Very long hose
• Keeps hose from getting kinked
• Tedious installation
• Retracting guides can break
• Must gently guide hose

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Giraffe Retractable Hose Reel

RongTong Group owns Giraffe Tools, and it is a leader in the reel industry.

It’s been in the business for many years and can produce over 1.5 million products a year.

Currently, it is found worldwide, though it is only available at select retailers.

The company prefers to sell its products primarily through third-party e-commerce sites.

Right now, it does not have a website or much of a social media presence.

The Giraffe brand features a patented lock so that you can lock it down at your desired length.

This guide works automatically and can help the hose to move back into the casing without tangling.

There is also a swivel bracket, which attaches to the home or a post.

It allows for 180-degree swiveling, so you can get to every inch of your garden; plus, you can use it at various angles.

With 60 feet of hose, you have plenty to allow you to go to any corner of your garden.

You are going to find that it comes with the hose and a sprayer nozzle with nine different options for spraying.

Giraffe Retractable Hose Reel Pros and Cons

We are quite impressed with the hose that comes with the product.

While you can use your own hose or nozzle, this one features an ergonomic grip and thumb-button action.

Plus, you get nine spray patterns for every watering need you might possibly have.

While the idea of a stopper is a great one, we aren’t impressed with the plastic.

If the hose happens to fly back to the base, it could break the plastic over time.

Plus, the entire reel seems to be made of plastic, which doesn’t seem very durable for the long haul.

• Lead-in hose included
• Swivel bracket
• Automatic-locking hose
• Requires a two-person installation because of its weight
• Nozzle appears cheaply made
• Plastic housing

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Power Retractable Garden Hose Reel

Power USA was founded in the early 2000s and has become a revolutionary brand since.

It sells its products at select retailers, but it also sells online on its website.

Still, most of the company’s sales come from third-party e-commerce sites.

The company focuses on garden products, including pressure washers and garden hose reels.

This retractable hose reel features a slow return system, so it doesn’t jump back to the base and cause damage.

You get a ½-inch hose, which is 100 feet long and can support 500 PSI.

This allows you to tackle many projects around the house.

It also has a heavy-duty twist collar and uses brass fittings.

Of course, there is a locking mechanism included, so you don’t have to have a lot of hose pulled out or keep it pulled tautly.

Power Retractable Garden Hose Reel Likes and Dislikes

We are quite impressed with the nozzle protector; it almost looks like a suction cup, and it goes over the hose nozzle.

Because it is made of rubber, the nozzle is protected from getting damaged or broken if it accidentally hits the concrete, ground, or side of the house.

There isn’t much to dislike about this product, but the mounting bar is made of plastic, and we thought it might be better if it had been made of metal.

Plus, the hose can wrinkle somewhat while going back into the reel.

• 100 feet of hose available
• Can remove the reel from the mount for storage
• Brass fittings
• Smaller hose, less pressure
• Reels in quickly, so you must manually slow it down
• Hose damage possible with leakage

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HOSELINK Retractable Hose Reel

HOSELINK is a top brand in Australia that was founded in 1998.

Hose connectors often burst because they weren’t made like the brass threaded ones in the US, so HOSELINK chose to create a variation of the traditional design.

Since then, it has been selling its products primarily in Australia, but the company started branching out to other countries.

Now, it sells its products world-wide on third-party e-commerce sites, as well as its own website.

If you’re looking for a garden hose reel that’s retractable and comes with everything you need, this one from HOSELINK is ideal.

It features a flexible reel and hose that can transform your chores and prevent wasted water caused by dripping.

You get the best solution to watering your outdoor spaces because this hose reel is mounted on the wall.

Plus, it uses a spring-loaded hose, which is going to retract automatically when you tug on it a bit.

You are going to get hose fittings that are easy to connect without leaks.

Of course, the locking mechanism stops anywhere, so you only get the length of hose you need for the task.

What We Like and Don’t Like about the HOSELINK Retractable Hose Reel

We like how easy this reel is to install; you get all of the components to mount it to a post or wall, and you just put the whole reel on the bracket and attach it to the tap.

Though it’s a minor concern, we aren’t happy that the reel itself is white.

This is going to attract a lot of dirt and dust.

Still, it’s water-resistant, so you can spray it down with the hose before retracting it all the way.

• Reliable locking mechanism
• Easy to install
• 180-degree pivot from the reel base
• Pricey
• No manual handle override
• Larger than you might expect

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Wasser Vela Retractable Hose Reel

Wasser Vela has been around for 30 years, so it knows a thing or two about garden hoses and reels.

It’s an Australian brand with products made and sold primarily in the UK and Australia.

However, it sells its products worldwide through third-party e-commerce websites.

Currently, it doesn’t have a website of its own, but it does have a social media presence.

Though the product is made in Australia, it does fit standard US tap threads.

There is a spring inside the hose reel, so it can rewind with ease.

Plus, you can pull the hose to the length you need it, and it can automatically lock into place.

You get a plastic nozzle with six spraying patterns, as well.

What We Like and Don’t Like About the Wasser Vela Retractable Hose Reel

While all wall-mounted products here have a mounting bracket, this one is quite large and goes the length of the reel.

We like this feature because it seems sturdier and stronger.

Though it is nice to have a full kit, the plastic nozzle isn’t likely to hold up to extended use.

It is possible to buy a replacement and attach it to the hose, but this defeats the purpose of having a kit.

• Automatic locking mechanism
• Mounting bracket included
• Built-in handle for portability
• Plastic nozzle
• Reel made of plastic
• Longevity and durability concerns
• Leaks possible

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Retractable Garden Hose Reel Buyer’s Guide

When it comes to buying the right retractable garden hose reel, you need to know a few things about them.

For example, how portable are they going to be, and how durable are they?

We talk about these things below so that you have a better idea of how to choose the one for your needs.

Portability

You’re going to want a hose reel that is portable.

Gardeners and homeowners desire to save money by utilizing the same reel for multiple purposes.

You can use a single hose reel to clean the car, water the plants, and wash the dog; you just have to make sure that you can carry the hose to the place you’re going to use it.

Therefore, you want something that is portable.

Still, many people prefer to mount it on the wall of the house or garage and just pull the hose out as far as it can go.

Hose Length

The length of the hose must also be considered here.

You’re going to find that there are multiple lengths for various hose reels; make sure you choose one that meets your needs.

It might be a good idea to measure the farthest thing you may water and how far away it is from the water source.

Then, you can easily choose the best length for your hose.

While you could just buy another hose and attach it, your reel may not be big enough to accommodate it.

Therefore, it is best to choose the length of the hose within the reel you buy.

Materials

You may not think much about the materials used to make the hose reel, but they matter.

Durability and longevity depend on how the reel is manufactured.

For example, you can find reels made of die-cast aluminum, polyurethane, rubber, steel, wrought iron, or a mixture of these.

It’s essential that you choose a reel that is weather-resistant or waterproof, isn’t going to rust, doesn’t kink, and isn’t going to break easily.

Plus, you should make sure that the hose itself is included with the package so that you don’t have to buy anything extra.

Durability

You are spending money to have a tool that is going to help you with your gardening and other chores, so you want it to be durable and last a long time.

Many manufacturers guarantee their products for up to 10 years.

It might be helpful to consider the warranty; this ensures that you have something that is designed for longevity.

Plus, you can get familiar with the tool and use it often.

Then, you can choose to buy the same product again because it works and you know it is going to last.

Retractable Garden Hose Reel FAQs

1. How do you use a garden hose reel?

If you’ve just bought the reel, you need to put it together and install it wherever it is going to go.

Choosing a wall-mounted version means that it is going to be installed on the wall of your home or garage.

You can also find free-standing ones that can just sit in the corner and be moved as needed.

Make sure that the reel is located near the water supply.

The hose reel you bought should include the tools you need to install the hose onto the reel; this includes the clamp, washers, screws, a spring, and an Allen wrench.

• Take your garden hose and feed it through the opening of the reel.
• Make sure you have created a large enough loop so that you can attach the hose to the water source to prevent kinks.
• Feed the kink-free spring into the hose end that you fed through the reel opening.
• Now, you just attach the hose to the water source.
• Keeping the loop large and free, start rolling the reel one full turn.
• Now, take the hose clamp that came with the kit, place it on the hose that you’re reeling in, and pinch it.
• Then, take the screw and insert it into the hose clamp hole and into the reel.
• The tricky part is getting the washer and nut through to the other side; all you need to do now is roll the reel until the hose is all the way on it and set the locking mechanism so that it doesn’t unravel.

2. How do you roll a garden hose without a reel?

If you don’t currently have a hose reel, you can still roll the hose so that it doesn’t kink and is ready for use next time.

Hoses that are smaller can be wrapped around the arm.

Do this by holding one end of the hose in the right hand, keeping the hand up about shoulder level with the elbow bent.

With the left hand, wrap the hose down around the elbow and over the shoulder.

Hold that loop in place with the right hand.

Now, continue doing this until the hose is completely wrapped.

To keep it in place, you can zip-tie it, use a piece of string, or something else you have lying around the house.

You can also complete the same process using a ladder or any “frame” that you can wrap the hose around.

3. How does a retractable garden hose reel work?

If you are tired of unkinking the garden hose and recoiling it each time you want to use it, you can use a garden hose reel.

Once you have it mounted, hooked up, and the hose is reeled in, you are ready to begin.

Most reels feature a locking mechanism to prevent it from unraveling your hose before you need it.

Therefore, you should unlock the reel first; gently tug on the hose so that it starts unraveling from the base.

Then, turn on the water source to the appropriate flow rate.

Start walking away from the reel and to the location where you need water, making sure that the hose doesn’t snag in the grass or on debris.

Use the garden hose as you need it, and when you’re finished, walk back to the reel.

It is either going to have a crank, or you just turn the wheel part.

Turn slowly and make sure that the hose comes to you without snagging on anything.

Once the hose is back on the reel, lock it in place, and you are done.

4. Can expandable garden hoses be repaired?

Expandable garden hoses are an excellent addition to your home, but they can get damaged with time.

However, most water hose repair kits aren’t going to work to fix an expandable one because of its nature.

The inner tubing of the hose works like surgical tubes than normal hoses, so you need special items to fix it.

Your expandable hose has two parts: the covering and the tubing.

Since the tubing is soft and expandable, you need to be careful when cutting it.

If the repair has to be done in the connection area, you have to disassemble the end.

Unscrew the parts while holding the tubing to cut the cover.

The leak is going to be in the middle or at the end of the hose, and this determines how you repair it.

Repairing a Leak in the Middle

Once you find the leak, you’re going to need a pair of scissors or a knife and locking pliers.

Lock the pliers onto the hose, but not too tightly; make sure it is a few inches from the leak on either side.

The hose should be unexpanded at this point, so make sure that the pliers have a decent hold on the covering with the tubing inside.

Cut the hose close to the leak and pull back the covering to do an inspection of the tubing.

You’re looking for tiny holes or punctures, which are going to be quite small because the tubing is quite flexible.

To repair it, you’re going to need a ½-inch barbed coupling.

Make sure to lubricate the coupling with soapy water and cut a small piece of tube from the material removed.

This can slide over the inner tubing to protect it from the clamp.

Slide the piece over the tube and then slide the inner tubing over your barbed connector.

Now, slide the smaller piece over the connector.

Since the tubing is firmly over the coupling, you can pull the outer cover back over it, applying a wire clamp to secure the hose.

You are going to have to repeat these steps for the other side of the hose, next to the leak.

Repairing Leaks at the End of the Hose

Make sure you know where the leak is and have locking pliers, a sharp knife, and something to cut the metal crimped at the end of the hose.

Unscrew the hose fitting and collar, sliding it down the hose a bit.

Consider using some folded cardboard over the tubing below the leak, and then clamp the pliers onto the hose.

Cut the metal crimp from the hose fitting, and then cut the tubing a few inches from the leak.

Consider lubricating the hose fitting with some soapy water to help with installation.

Slide the tubing over the barbed end of the hose fitting.

If the hose has more hose pieces over the clamped part, put it on the tube before putting the tubing over the barbed fitting, and then slide over the extra bit.

Now, slide the cover over the tube and secure it with a wire clamp.

Our Recommendation on the Best Retractable Garden Hose Reels

While we liked all of the products we reviewed, we did find one that seemed to have few drawbacks and many perks.

The best retractable garden hose reels, for us, is the Power Retractable garden Hose Reel.

All in all, we were quite impressed with the overall design of this retractable hose reel and the fact that it has a built-in sprayer cover.