Around 35% of Americans have a home vegetable garden, and even more have other types of gardens.
However, gardening requires tools, many of which are pretty specific. These tools range from specially designed gardening knives and edging equipment to tools that make watering easier.
One such device is a watering wand. This indispensable gardening item provides a lot of help when working in the garden and is a must-buy for gardeners.
But picking the right watering wand for your needs isn’t always easy. So keep reading to discover five tips for selecting the best watering wand.
1. Watering Wand Length
One of the most important things to consider regarding watering wands is their length. The wand is designed to deliver water to areas that are hard to reach, so if it’s too short, it’s almost worthless. However, a wand that is too large is unwieldy.
Short wands are best for smaller plots or areas where the plants are easily reached. Beginner gardeners often have plots that are 100 square feet, which a shorter wand can easily cover.
However, a more advanced gardener may be dealing with spaces many times that size. For these situations, a larger wand is necessary. This prevents the gardener from entering their garden and trampling plants as they water the back of the garden.
Larger wands may also be necessary for other situations where plants are hard to reach. For example, when plants are hanging from high containers. Or when plants are located around the edge of a building or wall.
There are also some watering wands with adjustable lengths. These are perfect for people who need to use their wands in various situations. They may require a short wand for their small garden but need a larger wand to reach a few hanging pots.
2. Material
One of the other vital features of a watering wand is the material it’s made from. This will have a significant impact on the lifespan of the device. The two main choices for material are plastic and metal.
In most cases, metal wands are superior. They can handle the wear and tear of everyday use without breaking down. Even if they have a few nicks and scratches, it takes a lot to stop them from working.
Metal wands are an excellent choice for homeowners who use their wands daily. These wands can handle daily stress without breaking.
However, plastic wands do have certain advantages over metal wands. The biggest is price, as plastic wands are often cheaper than metal alternatives. In addition, plastic wands usually weigh less than metal wands and, thus, are easier to use.
Plastic wands are great for people who don’t use their wands often and for people who have trouble wielding heavier items. They won’t be putting much stress on their wands, so they don’t need to fork out for a sturdier product.
Meanwhile, anyone having trouble wielding heavier items can hold a plastic wand easier.
3. Adjustability
Adjustability is another concern when it comes to watering wands. The best watering wand will be adjustable rather than static.
Most wands come with an adjustable head that is used to change the angle and direction of the water. Sometimes a sharper angle is necessary to reach behind something, like a wall or another plant. However, the user will still want the wand to be able to spray forward when they’re just watering.
Some of the more advanced watering wands have telescoping capabilities. Gardeners can adjust the length within a specific range. They can choose the exact length they need instead of relying on whatever lengths are available at the store.
4. Nozzle Type
The spray nozzle of a watering wand is another crucial factor in the decision-making process. Jet, center, cone, shower, angle, flat, full, and mist are the most common spray options.
Each of these will provide a different garden watering experience.
Lighter settings are perfect for watering. For example, the mist setting provides a light spray that will water delicate plants without hurting them, which is ideal for small herb gardens. Meanwhile, the flat setting provides a wide spray great for watering a group of plants all at once.
However, more powerful settings are also helpful. For example, the jet setting provides a powerful stream of water—often too powerful for watering plants. Instead, it’s better suited for washing landscapes and hardscapes.
If possible, having an adjustable nozzle is a great option. This will allow the user to change the stream type depending on the situation. If an adjustable nozzle is not an option, the user should pick a nozzle that covers various situations, like center, cone, or shower.
5. Comfort
Finally, one final thing to consider when buying a watering wand is the level of comfort it provides.
No one wants to use a watering wand that is uncomfortable. Doing so will be annoying in any situation but even more annoying for those who use their wands for extended periods.
A watering hose wand is often equipped with a comfortable handle. The best handles will be made of a softer material than the rest of the wand. Or, they may be designed with an ergonomic grip that makes them more comfortable to hold.
Another comfort consideration is the trigger mechanism. The trigger needs to be pressed to make the wand work. So, if the trigger is challenging, the entire wand will be uncomfortable to use.
Pistol triggers are one of the most common options. These triggers shouldn’t be located too far from the handle, or they will be difficult to press down. They should be responsive, or it will be difficult to press them.
In some cases, thumb control is a better option. These allow the user to flip a switch with their thumb to turn on a constant stream of water. These are nice for users who plan to use their watering wand for long periods at once.
Finding the Best Watering Wand
Finding the best watering wand for your garden can be challenging.
Consider the size of your garden to determine the length you need, pick a durable material, choose flexible options whenever possible, get the right nozzle type, and always ensure the wand is comfortable to hold. If you do these things, you’ll always make the right choice.
If you’re a business owner and want to start selling high-quality watering wands, contact HTI.
