What We Have Covered in This Article
Last Updated on February 9, 2022 by woodcutter
When tending your garden, you should be keen to save time and money – hit both birds with one stone! Good gardening skills dictate that you should get tools that make your plants healthier while keeping you safe. Among the few gardening tools that achieve this is the best soaker hose!
A soaker hose is an irrigation tool with perforations that allow perfect drip irrigation in your garden. The apertures are distributed throughout the length of the pipe. When you open the tap, water runs through the length of the hose and waters the crops through the holes.
Top 6 Best Soaker Hose Reviews
Product & Price | Length | Fitting Size | Warranty |
---|---|---|---|
Miracle-GRO Soaker Hose | 75 ft | 3/8 inch | 7yrs |
Melnor Flat Soaker Garden Hose | 25 ft | 3/4 inch | 2 yr |
Osmile Professional Series Soaker Hose | 100 ft | 5/8 inch | 1 yr |
Apex Soil Soaker Hose | 50 ft | 1/2 inch | 7 yr |
Gilmour Garden Hose Flat Soaker | 50 ft | 5/8 inch | 7 yr |
One Stop Gardens Flat Seeper Soaker Hose | 50 ft | 3/4 inch | - |
When it comes to growing kitchen crops, Miracle-Gro is a miracle worker, literally. Most of their hoses come with an EZ-connect system. The manufacturers boast of being masters of the “Root Zone.” Also, they are 70 percent efficient on water as they minimize water bills.
Features of the Miracle-Gro SoakerPRO CMGSPA38050CC
No products found.
Pros of Miracle-Gro SoakerPRO
- One of the best soaker hose under the lawn
- No lead healthy for drinking water
- 70% of water efficient
- High burst strength
Cons of the Miracle-Gro SoakerPRO
- Not UV resistant
- Not crush resistant
3/8 inches Diameter
The transection of a soaker hose is very crucial in the determination of pressure. The diameter controls the amount of water that can flow through the hose. Although the hose does not dispense water via a specific ending, the width of the pipe dictates how much water gets to the perforations.
50 Feet length
This is medium sized. It is neither too long nor short to handle your kitchen garden. Of course, this is not the kind of hose you take to a large acreage of corn or hay plantation. However, it’s the ideal size for a flowerbed or growing domestic herbs.
150 psi bursting strength
Different states and water companies in the US have different pressure ratings. Some can go as high as 70 psi. A soaker hose does not have an ending, and instead, it serves as a balloon filled with water. The tiny holes are the only exit for the water. Thus, a lot of water pressure builds up, and it could burst the hose. Fortunately, the manufacturers of this hose understand the need to keep the pipe ready for any mishaps. A 150 psi is strong enough to withstand the pressure.
70% water conversation
First, the water is safe for drinking because it is lead-free. Then, the material is crush resistant. Plus, the hose is 70 percent efficient.
Dramm Colostorm 10-17052 is a new brand, but it has incredible features that will work flawlessly for your garden. Their soaker hoses are usually made of rubber. In particular, this unit is black and has metal fits at the ends. The metallic feature reinforces the hose.
Features of Dramm ColorStorm 10-17052
- Thoroughly waters using 90% less water than conventional watering
- Conveniently waters garden and beds
- Made from recycled material; Lifetime Guarantee
Pros of Dramm ColorStorm
- 5/8 inch diameter
- Ideal for watering trees
- Flexible and durable rubber
- The hose dispenses ¼ gallons per minute
Cons of Dramm ColorStorm
- Contains boron and some lead which is against California standards
- Not crush resistant
- 5 feet is short
Rubber
Rubber is a natural material, and it is both durable and convenient. When making your choice for the top soaker hose to water your trees, make sure it is flexible. Flexible hoses can cover tight spaces without breaking. It will not only navigate tight spaces but also take long without breaking or bursting. However, it could contain some boron and lead which makes water unsafe for drinking.
5/8 soaker diameter
The diameter of a soaker hose is crucial because it dictates the kind of pipes compatible with it. When the diameter is large, small pipes will not fit and vice versa. A 5/8 inch diameter is considerate of the standard domestic piping systems. The width also allows the pipe to be moderate on water consumption.
5 Feet hose length
Tree-specific soaker hoses are not long. Unlike other plants, trees need space, and they cannot be too close to each other. Five feet is enough to cover one tree without any wastage.
150 psi burst strength
Experts advise that you must get a soaker hose that won’t burst under pressure. Water pressure can build up inside the pipe especially. The pipe only depends on perforations for its water exit. Such force brings a “balloon effect” to the hose. 150 psi burst strength means the pipe won’t break at ordinary conditions.
When it comes to large soaker hoses, Mr-Soaker-Hose is a stallion! The company manufactures its watering equipment from recycled material. When looking for a lawn soaker hose, be sure to pay attention to length and weight. Lawns are elongated gardens where you plant your grass. Mr. Soaker Hose is long and tough to suit lawn specifications.
Features of Mr. Soaker Hose
- 500' Bulk Soaker Hose, No Ends
- 3/8" Inch ID x .580 OD
- Create your Own Custom Layout
- Uses Black'Yellow Compression Fittings
- Use for Gardens, Trees, Plants and Shrubs
Pros of Mr. Soaker Hose 500’
- Long (500 feet) soaker hose
- Ideal for lawns and extensive gardens
- Allows liquid fertilizer
Cons of Mr. Soaker Hose 500’
- Designed for low pressure
- Water is unsafe for drinking
Measures 500 feet
Imagine using a soaker hose that is so large that it extends more than what Usain Bolt is known for! The Mr. Soaker Hose is 150 Meters long. Such a length is capable of watering large lawns and gardens. The good thing is that you don’t have to place it straight. You can curve it to cover the tight spaces in your garden. Also, the long hose saves you time when watering your veggies.
3/8 inch diameter
As aforementioned, the diameter of the hose should be compatible with that of the water taps and piping system. A diameter that articulates well will save you the money you’d otherwise need to buy fitting accessories. Plus, a 3/8 diameter controls the speed and water in the hose.
Lightweight
Despite Mr. Soaker Hose 500’s extended length, it is lightweight and portable. At 500 feet, 30 pounds is less than what you’d ask for. You can fold it to fit 20 by 20 by 10 inches. Such portability lets you use the hose in different parts of your farm or garden.
Other features
Mr. Soaker Hose 500’ is a product of 70 percent recycled rubber and 30 percent polyethylene material. You can use the hose to distribute liquid fertilizer to your crops. It is capable of dispensing 81 gallons per hour (1.35 gallons per minute) at 25 psi.
A.M. Leonard is an experienced company when it comes to the manufacture of best soaker pipes. Pro Series is a brand with a significant number of good soaker hoses. Their Pro Series Standard Uncoupled is among the most functional watering equipment you can have for your garden. If your yard can extend beyond 250 feet, then this could be the perfect hose to use.
Features of A.M. Leonard’s Pro Series Standard Uncoupled
No products found.
A.M. Leonard’s Pro Series Standard Uncoupled Pros
- It is and measures 50 feet, 250 feet uncoupled
- The hose is thick and sturdy with a diameter of about 5/8” and ½.”
- The rubber is not only flexible but also resistant
- Irrigates about 2 inches wide strip
- Cut the hose to your desirable length
A.M. Leonard’s Pro Series Standard Uncoupled Cons
- Though rubber is resistant, it can burst under high pressure
250 Feet long
If you have large lawns or gardens, then you might want to start using this 250-foot bulk soaker hose. The irrigation tool is capable of performing up to 600 feet runs. And, it will cover a width of about 2 feet. This means that it will water about 500 square foot of your garden at a go.
The diameter
The diameter of a soaker hose is crucial in determining the water pressure and speed. Tracking and controlling the rate of water in the hose protects the plants from damage. A.M. Leonard’s Pro Series Standard Uncoupled has an exterior diameter of 5/8-inch and an interior of 1/2-inch. That means the soaker is thick, which also adds to its durability.
Durable- burry it!
You can mulch or bury this soaker hose up to 6 deep into the ground. Whenever you are choosing a soaker pipes for your garden, be sure to consider its longevity. A.M. Leonard’s Pro Series Standard Uncoupled is made of a hundred percent recycled rubber.
Rubber and synthetic materials, unlike metals, do not rust or react with soil, water or air. Burying a hosepipe makes it efficient. First, you don’t lose water to evaporation. The water finds its way straight to the roots, thus minimizing wastage. Second, a buried hose will not crush as it is far from animals and farm machines.
As we’ve seen earlier in the 500’ Roll review, Mr. Soaker Hose continues to manufacture excellent gardening hoses. The sturdiness, length and pressure rating of watering equipment dictate how well you are going to like the experience. And, if the 500 feet roll is larger than what you need, go for the 250 feet hose. As you’ll see in the next few seconds, the two hoses are different in several ways.
Features of Mr. Soaker Hose Soaker Hose 250
- 250' Bulk Soaker Hose, No Ends
- 5/8" ID x 820 OD
- Create your Own Custom Layout
- Use to Help Prevent Foundation Damage
- Use for Gardens, Small Farms, Trees
- order now back in stock and shipping on 11/28/22
Pros of Mr. Soaker Hose Soaker Hose 250
- Ideal for small farms
- Covers lawns of between 150 feet and 250 feet
- Compatible with the 820 compression fittings
- Sturdy rubber material
- Long enough for grass lawns
Cons of Mr. Soaker Hose Soaker Hose 250
- The water isn’t safe for drinking
- You have to buy accessories such as 3Sets Brass 5/8″ Garden Hose Mender End
Have a look at the ground hoses functionalities that will make your garden better.
Dimensions
Needless to state, the roll is 250 feet (which is like 40 adult humans piled onto each other). Such a length makes it ideal for long lawns and garden strips.
Although the 250’ roll is quite long, it is both compact and lightweight. The reel folds down to about 22 by 22 by 8 inches and weighs 27 pounds. Thus, it is portable to and from your garden.
The inner and outer diameters of a hose should be top of your mind when compiling a budget. The inner diameter dictates how much water flows in the pipe per minute. Then, the exterior diameter lets you know the size of the material used in making the pipe. The outer diameter is also crucial in determining the sturdiness of the soaker hose. Mr. Soaker Hose Soaker Hose 250 roll has a 5/8” interior diameter and an 820 outer diameter.
Safe pressure
After realizing that the pipe is thick, you should also check out how much pressure it can hold. Pressure is the intensity of the flow inside the hose.
On average, every 100 feet of this hose release up to 224 gallons per hour at 25psi. However, the flow rate heavily depends on your inlet pressure. High pressure from your pipes means the pipe will drain more water than when it is low.
Then, the thickness of the hose prevents it from breaking. If water pressure is too high for a pipe to hold, it’d typically break. But, it’d take more than 150psi to burst a rubber or recycled synthetic material hose.
When looking for a soaker hose, you need to go for safety, efficiency, and convenience. And, that’s precisely what Swan MGSPA38075CC brings. The rubber hose is flexible and thus can’t break unless you have the intention. Recycled rubber doesn’t easily get destroyed by nature – it doesn’t rust. So, it’ll take you long before you need a replacement.
In terms of dimensions, the Swan MGSPA38075CC is 75 feet long and has a diameter of 3/8 inches. But, when it folds, it measures barely 11 by 11 by 4.2 inches and weighs 4.2lbs. This makes it ideal for use if your garden is located a little far from where you stay.
Features of the Miracle-Gro Soaker Hose Kit
- Releases a range of . 5 to 1 gallon of water per foot while delivering water straight to the roots; Uses 70% less water than standard sprinklers with water restrictor that controls water flow
- System lies directly under soil or much; Delicate foliage and vegetables stay protected from high pressure water
- Meets the lead free standard under the Federal Safe Drinking Water Act; Measures 100' in length and 3/8" diameter: Includes 4 male connectors with caps, 4 female connectors, 4 feeders, 4 plugs, and 2 Tee connectors
- To use hook the hose up to watersource and place hose in straight line, weaving when needed; For optimal result, water source should be at highest point as water will not flow correctly up an incline
- To acheive ideal water flow adjust water pressure until water drips slowly from hose; Fill fully (takes 1 minute per foot to fill) and turn spit off when full, then back on 1/2 to 3/4 turn for duration of use
Miracle-Gro Soaker Hose Kit MGSPA38075CC Pros
- The water is safe for drinking
- The flexible and durable recycled rubber material
- The hose has a variety of sizes to choose from
- The EZ- Connect System has elements that allow easy customization
- 70% more efficient than the average hose
Miracle-Gro Soaker Hose Kit MGSPA38075CC Cons
- Buying accessories and other pieces can be hard
EZ-Connect Fittings
At first glance, you’ll notice that the hose comes with male and female connectors and a feeder. The two male and female connectors articulate well with each other and the feeder. This allows you to connect the hoses to piping systems seamlessly. Also, the EZ-connect fittings allow you to cut the hose and customize the watering system.
Efficient spillage
The amount of water flowing in a hose per hour depends on its diameter. However, the perforations on a soaker dictate how much can be dispensed at a given time. Swan MGSPA38075CC releases 5 gallons per foot per hour. The rate is not only a quick way to irrigate your land, but also safe enough for delicate plants.
The hose takes water directly to the roots. Therefore, this Miracle-Gro Soaker Hose Kit is efficient in watering kitchen gardens and flower beds without causing any damage.
Plus, in doing this, the kit saves up to 70% more water than standard sprinklers. Ordinary sprinkling devices spill water everywhere around the garden. Thus, they end up wasting the water in making the ground muddy. But, Swan MGSPA38075CC is specific to the roots. So, it reduces your water bills without hurting your plants.
Safe for plants
A buried hose has reduced pressure, which ultimately means crops are safe. Overhead irrigation is unkind to delicate leaves, flowers, and fruits as it damages them. But, in the case of a soaker ducts, water is only felt by the roots. So, the soaker hose is safe to use when you’re growing delicate vegetables or flowers.
Safe water
One of the most stubborn characteristics of standard soaker hoses is that they are seldom approved for drinking water. However, this one is different! Being in-line with the Federal Safe Water standards means the tube is lead-free and you’re free to drink it too!
Which Soaker Hose Features Are Essential For Your Garden Irrigation System?
After you have prepared your garden and planted your favorite herbs, it is time to take care of them. Breaking a virgin land with good tillers may sound like the real work, but; handling the plants is where your attention is needed most. It’s pretty much like bringing up a baby- you need to know what they eat, drink and dress and check on their wealth as well. Likewise, plants need water, top-dressing and fertilizers. A soaker hose comes in handy in growing healthy veggies.
The market has hundreds of hoses you can buy. But, they are likely to make you a little confused. Our best soaker hose buying guide indicates the metric through which you can get the top watering pipes.
It’s worth noting that a flexible soaker hose is far different from an ordinary hose. Most hoses spray water onto the plants, but; the soaker hose directs it onto the roots. Thus, your water is not wasted.
Conventional garden hoses will splash water everywhere and make your garden muddy. Soaker hoses target the roots. Thus, the soaker is cleaner and more efficient than traditional methods.
Below are the features that characterize the top best garden soaker hose
No products found.
Hose pressure rating
What is the highest amount of pressure that your hose can take without bursting? Be sure to find out before investing in a garden hose. Firefighters have tough reels that withstand the high pressure of water. However, ordinary pipes would break if subjected to that kind of water pressure.
Of course, you do not need to buy a fire-grade pressure hose. Get one with a pressure rating of about 20 or 40 psi. Remember, pipes that cannot take the pressure of water flowing inside them are likely to burst and flood your garden.
Again, find out the pressure of your water company. Some towns in America have a water pressure of almost 50psi. Such pressure would require 55+psi. Or, you can use a nozzle that is capable of reducing the stress so that you can accommodate the ordinary 30psi.
Soaker hose Flow Rate
At what rate does the hose disseminate water? Gardening experts advise you to consider having hoses that have a flow rate of a gallon per minute for every 100-feet unit. However, you can buy those with lower rates than this. If you one gallon per minute is too much for your garden, look for a short hose.
The Hose Material
How resistant is your hose? Because you aren’t planning to buy a soaker hose every other month, it is crucial to pay attention to the sturdiness of your pipe. Both the strength and durability of a soaker hose heavily depend on the material used to make it.
Most soaker hoses are made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyurethane and recycled tires and rubber. Pay attention to the longevity and healthiness of the material used. A flexible hose has a longer life than a brittle unit.
Honestly, inasmuch as it is wise to recycle or reuse synthetic materials, they are likely to contain BPA or other harmful substances. First, do not make it a habit of drinking water from the hose. And, if you have to, ensure that your hose is food-grade.
Fortunately, unlike steel or iron, hoses don’t rust! Hoses from recycled tires are sturdy and durable and capable of withstanding different garden conditions. However, you should check out for their resistance to UV light. Most synthetic materials disintegrate when exposed to sunshine.
Hose design
What type of soaker hose are you buying? What is its shape, color, and transection width? Is the hose flat or round?
The design and shape of your hose may not be the top factor to consider, but it is still worthwhile. No matter the shape or design of a hose, it will still work correctly as long as it has satisfactory quality. However, if you give a heck to elegance and aesthetics, you’ll surely want to pay attention to design.
Flat hoses are not only cuter, but they also direct water more efficiently than their round counterparts. Such hoses have perforations on one side, and this marks the difference.
Hose length- the size of your garden
How big is your garden? Are you looking for equipment to water your entire farm or just your kitchen garden and flower beds? If you practice large-scale farming, you’d need several long hoses. However, if all you need to attend are the few herbs in your garden, the soaker will do wonders!
Hose standard sizes range from 25 to 100 feet. The majority of hose-manufacturers have 25ft, 50ft, 75ft, and a hundred feet. The good news is that you can join two or more hoses if you want a long piece. You can use the length of a soaker hose to uphold a safe water pressure.
Warranty
Find out how long the manufacturer is ready to take responsibility for the defects that may come with your soaker hose. Many people ignore the importance of a warranty statement. However, the top manufacturers are accountable, and they assure you of a 12 month proper functioning of your unit. So, remember to pay attention to the warranty and guarantee statements.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Best Soaker Hoses
How effective are soaker hoses?
Soaker hoses are some of the most effective methods of watering your garden. Whether you want to water your beds, flowers, hedges or trees, soaker hoses are worthwhile. And, they are efficient too. As long as you do not use the water prodigally, you will not have to pay huge water bills.
Are soaker hoses toxic?
Today’s market is full of products that have been proved to be carcinogenic. Many gardeners, therefore, want to know whether soaker hoses are healthy enough to use. Usually, the safety of any product depends hugely on the materials used in their manufacture. Best soaker pipes are made of rubber, synthetic petroleum products and sometimes, recycled rubber.
It’s fair to state that recycled tire particles contain certain carcinogens and heavy metals. These include lead, mutagens, and other toxic matter. However, hardly any study establishes whether such components can find their way into edible plants.
How long should I run a soaker hose?
This depends on the kind of soil and type of crop you are watering. The standard time needed to run your soaker hose is half an hour at least twice a week depending on the environment. You can determine the amount of time you need to run the water by checking how many inches the water penetrates the soil.
Which is best soaker hose system: soaker hose or sprinkler?
There are situations in which soakers are better than sprinklers and vice versa. It depends on the types of soaker hoses you want to use for your garden. Sprinklers have tiny perforations from which water flows at a fast rate. On the other hand, soaker hoses spray water at the soil or plants along its length. So, when you are watering narrow lawns which have irregular shapes, the soaker hose is better than a sprinkler.
What is the maximum amount of water a soaker hose uses per hour?
The size of the holes along the length of the hose determines how much water the soaker can release per hour. Also, the pressure of the water entering the pipe dictates the rate at which water flows through the perforations.
Let’s take a 100 feet soaker hose with 0.5 (a half) an inch pipe size and a pressure of about 40 Pascal’s per square inch (psi). With such figures, the water would gush out at 360 gallons per hour. It also adds up to 6 gallons per minute.
Are Soaker hoses recyclable?
Recycling makes use of wastes and turns them into new, useful materials. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) encourages the reduction, reuse, and recycling of wastes. And, as a way of remaining true to the environment, soaker hoses are made from recycled material: 70 percent recycled rubber and about 30 percent recycled polyethylene.
However, the fact that soaker hoses are already products of recycled wastes means they shouldn’t be recycled. Instead, burry or reuse the hoses. You can reuse soaker hoses in the following ways.
- Use pieces of soaker hoses to cover blades of farm cutting tools.
- If you are using an old garden pipe, puncture several holes along its length, and you’ll get a soaker hose
- Make ergonomic handles for chains, knobs and garden tools using pieces of soaker hoses.
- If you are supporting a tree using a rope, slide a piece of the soaker hose at the part the rope makes contact with the tree so that the cord doesn’t slice the tree.
The verdict on the best soaker hose for garden
Homegrown vegetables are not only healthy- they are also an inspiration to millions of gardeners. It is noble to watch a plant grow from a seedling to a mature fruit producing tree.
Watering a garden is essential in the growth of your herbs. But, your success watering of the plant depends on the equipment you use. The best soaker hoses will not only help you keep your crops healthy, but also set you up for a good harvest.
Top soaker hoses are efficient as they don’t waste water. They are also affordable and durable. In our soaker hose review, Swan’s MGSPA38075CC Miracle-GRO Soaker System is the Michael Jackson of gardening soaker hoses. Which is your favorite best soaker hose for vegetable garden?
Leave a Reply