Whether you’re a first-time gardener, or already have a green thumb, you’re garden hose is a big part of what’s keeping your plants lush and green. Some of the best garden hoses come with innovative attachments that ensure ease of use and enjoyable lawn maintenance. Gardening is more than just growing pretty flowers, fruits, and veggies.
Researchers from the University of Florida found gardening helped to lower stress, anxiety, and depression among a group of healthy women attending twice-weekly gardening classes. “Past studies have shown that gardening can help improve the mental health of people who have existing medical conditions or challenges. Our study shows that healthy people can also experience a boost in mental well-being through gardening ,” says principal investigator Charles Guy, professor emeritus in the UF/IFAS environmental horticulture department. Hose Pipe
Another study found gardening leads to eating more fibrous fruits and vegetables, exercising more and building social connections. These positive elements of gardening can ease stress and anxiety and lower the risk of various illnesses, according to researchers from the University of Colorado Boulder.
“These findings provide concrete evidence that community gardening could play an important role in preventing cancer, chronic diseases and mental health disorders,” says study senior author Dr. Jill Litt, a professor in the Department of Environmental Studies at the university.
Now that you know the benefits, it’s time to go outside and get your hands dirty. But first, you’ll need to pick the right hose for watering those plants. StudyFinds compiled a list of the five best garden hoses, from ten expert websites, to keep your grass green and flowers flourishing. As always, we’d like to see your own recommendations in the comments below!
Starting at around $30 for the 25-foot version, this garden hose is a top-choice among reviewers. “The Flexzilla stood up to our durability tests and the black inner tube is lead-free and drinking-water safe, nice if it will keep you hydrated in addition to the lawn, or if you’ll use it to fill the kiddie pool,” according to Good Housekeeping.
USA Today notes, the hose’s “SwivelGrips, allow the hose to twist freely, making the hose easy to maneuver around the yard.” Popular Mechanics adds the SwivelGrip, “allows the hose to twist, inside the grip, as it is pulled out from a coil on the ground. So, instead of watching the hose and twisting it as it uncoils, it can just be pulled straight out with each loop untwisting on its own.”
Its bright green color makes it easy to spot. However, reviewers noted the hose’s outer coating isn’t smudge proof, so it may not look like new for long.
This lightweight hose comes in multiple sizes. You can grab the 100-foot version for under $60. “This expandable garden hose from TheFitLife fills with water in seconds to provide homeowners with a convenient way to water their lawns,” points out This Old House.
It features a latex core, fabric covering, and brass fittings. “Easy to coil and lightweight when empty, it’s got a shutoff switch attached to the solid brass fitting at the end of the hose, and it was easy to attach to a spigot. When it was full of water, the hose remained stretchy but still durable, and it was easy to walk around with while testing,” according to People Magazine.
Garden Gate Magazine raves: “TheFitLife Garden Hose is an excellent choice for anyone looking to take care of a few small tasks around the house. This garden hose is amazingly lightweight, weighing only 2 pounds when it’s fully collapsed. The best part? It’s available in an array of sizes.”
Plus, it contracts for easy storage after use.
The 50-foot length costs under $60, and features “four layers of latex that protect the inner tube effectively from any types of thorns, punctures, and sharp corners. The included 8-pattern rotating spray nozzle is built out of durable zinc alloy and features a slip-resistant rubberized handle for extra comfort,” according to Garden Gate Magazine.
“Unlike some other expandable choices, the Flexi Hose performs well at various water pressures, keeping its shape and putting out decent water pressure,” adds Tech Gear Lab.
According to USA Today, “With over 31,000 reviews and an overall 4.5-star rating, the garden hose is one of the most popular options on Amazon. It has durable brass fittings that are easy to secure to spigots and the included nozzle head.”
One drawback for some reviewers? The hose showed some wear and tear under the connection points after everyday use.
This durable, all-weather hose is a bit more expensive. It’s about $85 for the 100-foot hose. USA Today writes, “The Craftsman garden hose feels extremely durable, and it should be since it’s made with an all-rubber body and brass fittings.”
“We like that it has a 300 PSI burst strength, enough to the high water pressure necessary for heavy-duty jobs or tackling out-of-reach places from a distance. Plus, it has the ability to handle hot water up to 180 degrees Fahrenheit,” according to Real Simple.
“ After dragging it around on various surfaces, including grass and cement, our testers consistently described it as easy to maneuver and durable,” notes The Spruce.
However, if you are looking for a kink-free hose, this may not be the best choice. On the upside, the brass couplings are simple to take on and off a spigot.
This 50-foot hose is affordable, flexible, and under $50. “The Zero-G hose comes with a high 600-psi burst rating and is one of the most robust hoses around. Yet it remains flexible,” according to Bob Vila.
“This is due to the coiled design, which helps the keep hose effortlessly serpentine and gliding through grass, dirt, and gravel without kinking. It’s also puncture-resistant, so you can carry it with you through tough jobs without worrying about wearing away the material,” adds People Magazine.
Lastly, The Spruce points out, “whether it was full of water or empty, it proved to be easy to handle, use, or store, making it the best portable hose to consider.”
Note: This article was not paid for nor sponsored. StudyFinds is not connected to nor partnered with any of the brands mentioned and receives no compensation for its recommendations. This post may contain affiliate links.
Melissa is a freelance writer, based out of New Jersey. She has over two-decades of writing, editing, and producing experience for Radio, TV, and Digital Media.
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *
Gas Hoses Best Gardening Tools: Top 5 Landscaping Gadgets Most Recommended By ExpertsFlamingos ‘form cliques’ with like-minded friends, just like humansBest Beauty Blenders: Top 5 Makeup Sponges Most Recommended by ExpertsCure for Parkinson’s? First patient receives stem cell transplant to treat disease