Garden Hoses
The Romans had aqueducts, but aqueducts are not a good solution for most backyard watering needs. And you can't wash your car with an aqueduct. If you want a beautiful garden minus the hassle of a watering can  (or an aqueduct), you'd better get a garden hosepipe!
There's more to buying a garden hose than length and colour. A good quality hosepipe can last for many years, so choose wisely!
Materials
The two main materials for hoses are vinyl and rubber. - Vinyl
- Lightweight, easy to handle.
- Inexpensive.
- Not as sturdy as rubber, and won't last as long.
- Rubber and Reinforced Rubber
- Rubber can take a lot more use and abuse than vinyl.
- Rubber hoses are more expensive, but since they're more durable, it is usually worth it.
- Less prone to kinking and breaking.
- Rubber reinforced with nylon or additional layers of rubber are the strongest hoses and can withstand exposure to the elements as well as temperature variations within the hose.
Additionally, hoses are built from layers of materials. Each layer is called a ply. The more layers, the stronger your hose will be. Hoses range from one to six ply.
Material Safety
Before buying a hose, consider how you plan to use it. If you occasionally drink from the hose, or plan to use it for backyard water activities (like filling the kids' inflatable pool), make sure it is safe to drink from the hose. Some hose materials contain lead, which is dangerous in small quantities.
Size and Length
Obviously, you need a hose long enough reach everything you want to water. However, water pressure drops through the length of the hose, so you don't want a hose that's longer than you need. If you usually need a short hose but occasionally need a longer hose (e.g., for occasionally cleaning jobs), you might be best off buying two shorter hoses and only connecting them when you need a long hose.
The other important dimension of a hose is its diameter. Hoses available for household use come in 1/2", 5/8", 3/4", and 1". The two most common widths are 5/8" and 3/4". A bigger diameter will allow you to spray more water at once.
Fittings
The fittings, also known as the couplings, are the ends of the hose where it attaches to something else -- either the water tap or the nozzle. Fittings may be metal (usually brass) or plastic. Brass is more durable, but plastic is easier to tighten. A tight fit is important for water conservation, so be sure that you can tighten the fitting adequately.
Related Products
External Links - CarryOnGardening.org.uk -- a guide to the different kinds of watering systems (including hosepipes) geared towards people with physical disabilities.
- BBC.co.uk -- Some tips on watering your garden, including effective water usage.
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