There are many different types of hoses and an even wider choice of attachments, but this section has some of the more easy to use equipment and tools on the market. Here are a few general points for consideration:
A straight and heavy hose might be difficult for you to manage. A lightweight curly hose will be easier to carry and to use.
Store hoses at a height where you can reach them easily. Consider a wheeled hose reel, which you can move around the garden, or if you prefer a fixed hose look at fitting a hose reel with an auto-rewind mechanism.
Lance spay, fan spray, trigger grip or squeeze grip spray attachments can
help you get water to hanging baskets or other out-of-reach plants. Try out any spray controls to make sure that you can operate them easily.
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HosepipesCoiled expanding hosepipes save time and effort, can be fitted with spray guns, and are ideal for small gardens. Straight hoses can be stored on reels or in wall mounted holders. Sprinkler hoses are perforated to allow water to sprinkle out along their length and soaker hoses, made of porous flexible plastic, allow water to soak into the soil. |
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Spray guns, lances and hose end feedersLook for well balanced attachments that have easy-to-use triggers and spray head adjusters. Lances are spray guns on a stick which help you water hard to reach plants and are usually operated with either a trigger or twist on/off switch. Hose end feeders are spray guns with a plastic bottle attached to dispense liquid feed. |
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Water connectorsThese connect your hose to the tap, sprayguns and other accessories. Look for connectors with large easy-to-grip tightening parts and avoid the cheaper plastic accessories as they may become brittle and snap when exposed to frost or sunlight. Metal connectors are more durable than plastic, but can be harder to handle. The most useful connectors are waterstops, which fit to the end of the hose and allow you to change the accessory tool you are using without going to turn off the tap. |