Hi all,
I am tired of purchasing the watering wands from the big box stores only to have them start leaking like crazy down my arm after only one or two seasons of use. I'm ready to invest in something good. But what's good? Can anyone recommend a brand/model that they have that works? By watering wand, I'm referring to the long wands that help you water hanging pots and such that are above your head, and come with the multi-option nozzles with spray, mist, soak, etc. to vary your watering depending on what your watering. Hope that makes sense.Thanks in advance for any recommendations you can make.
Recommend a good watering wand?
I have some 200 containers to water, and most require watering daily. I have used dozens of tools over the years, and the Masakuni tool (water brake) pictured here http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/31Klc8E6qfL._SL500_AA280_.jpg is by far the best, functionally, and of superior quality to anything else I've used. I found that, coupled with an in-line shut-off that also serves to regulate the flow, there's nothing else I need. I have one connected to the front hose, one to the hose in back, and I keep a spare in case one ever fails, but so far, after more than 10 years of use, neither that I've pressed into service has.
It sells for about $30. http://www.dallasbonsai.com/store/spray_nozzles.html
Al
Dramm makes a good product also. Big box stores usually don't carry them though. You may have to go to an independent garden center.
FWIW - I've tried the Dramm brakes and find that they don't work well under low pressure. The small rivulets (for lack of a better word) meld into a single large stream, so you can only water at higher pressures, which is fine for mature plantings but rough on seeds, seedlings, and newly established plantings. The wide range of control and gentle spray at low pressure is why I find the Masakuni tool so superior to anything else I've used.
Al
I second the Dramm the one I use and highly recommend is 'Dramm Colormark Premium Rain Watering Wand 30-Inch Length With 8-Inch Foam Grip'. I have had it for years and it is still in excellent working condition purchased it from a large garden center it does not have the option of changing the spray pattern which is kind of like a rain pattern. With the long handle when watering you can shift to water wherever you want easily even to ground level. This is an absolutely essential garden tool to me I use to go thru the box store ones yearly and they would be leaking by the end of the season or even broken.
Added: We have good water pressure so sometimes just turn the faucet partially open for gently watering of young delicate plants, but usually the water in fully on.
This message was edited Jul 9, 2009 7:34 AM
The Dramm I have has stream, gentle spray, regular spray and cone. I only use the stream setting for cleaning the patio. It's a little too strong for plants. We're on a well and the water pressure varies according to the level of water in the pressure tank. I like the gentle spray. It's good for potted plants, it doesn't beat them up and you can water beneath the flower. So many blooms hate their faces wet. Daylilies get spots and Petunias look droopy and take forever to recover.
Thank you everyone for the helpful suggestions. I feel much more confident now plunking down some cash for a new gardening tool!