watering kit
Water-wise kit
To ensure you make the most of the water you use in your garden we’ve put together a guide to the products that will help you be as water-wise as you can Spray guns A spray gun attached to the end of a hose gives you control when watering so that water only goes exactly where you want it to. Most guns offer a range of different spray patterns, such as a mist option for watering seedlings or a shower spray for pots and borders, so you can choose the right one for the task at hand. Guns that feature an aerated or bubble spray are particularly useful for reducing water use, and to be really water-wise look for a gun with an adjustable flow
option. Being able to adjust the amount of water that flows through the hose allows you to control the pressure as well as the volume of water you use. Cheaper guns are often made from plastic that can break easily and degrade quickly, particularly if left outside all year round, so look for guns with metal components that will last longer than one season. Some brands are also now making spray guns partly or entirely from recycled materials.
Adjustable spray guns allow you to control the volume of water you use
PHOTOS: SARAH CUTTLE; TIM SANDALL
Watering cans
Opt for a watering can with two handles for better control when full
July 2022
A watering can may be more labour intensive than a hose, but it does make you more conscious of the amount of water you’re using. You’re far less likely to waste water when you’re lugging a can back and forth from a tap, and the spout slows the flow of water so you’re less likely to splash or spill water as you pour. Cans with a long spout help you to aim water at the base of the plants so you’re watering plants right where they need it, at the roots. For even more control look for a can with a detachable rose. Useful
for the gentle watering of seedlings and young plants, it will also ensure you don’t over water. Large cans might be tempting but remember they will be heavy and cumbersome once full, but choosing a smaller, more comfortable can will mean more refills at the tap. Similarly, metal cans will last longer and can often be repaired or recycled, but plastic cans are lighter than metal. Opt for two handles, one at the top and one on the side of the can, to make heavy loads easier to carry, and a large opening to ensure easy filling. GardenersWorld.com
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