How to Buy a Garden Hose

By eHow Home & Garden Editor

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Whether you're a new homeowner an old gardening pro, a garden hose always comes in handy. Here's what you need to know before you buy.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Step1

Decide what length garden hose is right. How large is your yard? How far from the water supply is your garden?

Step2

Think about the price range. Hoses can vary widely in price, but expect to spend about $20-30 for a good quality, 50-foot hose.

Step3

Think carefully before buying a cheap hose. Poor quality hoses have a very short life expectancy and are prone to kink up when in use. Instead, look for a heavy-duty six-ply hose.

Step4

OTHER FEATURES? "BURST STRENGTH"? COUPLINGS? WARRANTIES? ACCESSORIES?

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Comments

iowasnowboarder said

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on 9/21/2007 Check out www.greatterrain.com for a "drink safe" high quality garden hose.

on 8/28/2007 I second Eugene's comment. Why would I want to water my plants and fruit trees with a hose that contains these harmful substances? I see no mention of this question in most of the literature. A couple say they're "drinking water safe." Does this cover it? Who looks out for this issue on behalf of consumers?
Richard Kuller

EugeneColleen said

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on 6/26/2007 Why does my new garden hose have this warning on the back of the label?

"This product contains one or more chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. Wash hands after handling."

Is it safe to use this hose to water my vegetable garden? If not, how do I find a garden hose that doesn't contain carcinogenic or teratogenic substances?

Anonymous said

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on 11/22/2005 My cousin gave me a hose as a wedding gift. Both my new wife and I thought that it was a very thoughtful gesture. I would say knowing the recipent is the key.

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