Things You Use to Water Plants

The garden hose is king of the watering devices.

The happy gardener has all the watering tools required to fulfill the thirsty needs of his garden. While there are numerous plant watering devices on the marked to make watering plants easier and more efficient, you don't have to use specifically designed watering devices to get the job done. Some general household items created for unrelated purposes can also be used to water plants. While things designed to water plants have the same end goal; not all of them fulfill that purpose equally.

Self-watering Pots

Pots designed with a watering reservoir in the bottom are used for container gardens. Plant roots absorb moisture from the humid air between the bottom of the pot and the reservoir. These pots work well if you're going on vacation and won't be around to water your plants. Fill the reservoir to the appropriate level and let nature do the rest. Don't allow the roots to touch the water in the reservoir to avoid root rot and over-mineralization.

Water-absorbing Mats

Place a water-absorbing mat on the drainage tray of a countertop dish rack next to your sink. Allow the other half of the mat to hang down in the sink. Fill the sink with water and the mat will absorb water. Set the potted plant on top of the mat in the dish rack. The plant's roots will absorb moisture up through the holes in the bottom of the pot. This works best for pots with numerous drainage holes.

Watering Can

A staple in most home and commercial gardens, a watering can is an effective way to water container plants, transplants and other small areas. Water is held in the can and then poured through a funnel which diverts the water through a perforated shower head. The shower head allows the water to fall over the plant similar to the way rain naturally waters plants outdoors.

Garden Hoses and Spray Nozzles

Hoses come in many different lengths and thicknesses. The hose is attached to a threaded supply faucet, allowing water to be delivered to any location within the hose's reach. Many kitchen sinks that come with a spray hose can also be used to water plants indoors. A spray nozzle is a must when it comes to the garden hose and watering plants. Get a nozzle with multiple spray settings so you can water according to the different needs and affections of your plants.

Globe or Drip Waterers

A globe or drip waterer is a nifty little device that allows you to water your plants for up to two weeks without the hassle of manual watering. The globe is filled with water and then the spout or tube extending from the globe is pushed down into the soil near the plant. As the plant needs moisture, it draws water from the globe. Refill the globe when you notice it's empty.

Sprinklers

Summer day memories are filled with children frolicking on the lawn and running through the sprinklers. Oscillating and spin-type sprinklers can be attached to a hose and placed near plants that need watering. The oscillating sprinkler is designed to cover large areas and sprays the water straight up in the air. In-ground automatic sprinklers work well for watering lawns and gardens, but watering should be done in the early morning hours for best results. Watering with sprinklers during the day can result in a large percentage of water evaporation.

Drip Irrigation System

In a drip irrigation system, a supply line is attached to the water main, then a bunch of little delivery lines run off of the supply line. These delivery lines have drip nozzles that can be positioned near the base of garden and landscaping plants. Evaporation is greatly reduced and water use is minimized, with this system because the water can be delivered to the precise area where it can do the most good. One drawback to this system is the clogging up of the drip nozzles. If you have hard water, calcification of minerals can clog the nozzles.

Makeshift Watering Devices

When you don't have the resources, just use what you have available in your cabinets. A bucket, milk jug, pitcher, tub, cup, bowl or any other number of water-holding items can be used when necessary. Set up a barrel beneath the downspouts of your rain gutters to store up water. Use the water as needed.

References

• University of Maryland Extension; Self-Watering Containers: Converting a 5-gallon Bucket into a Mini-Garden; Jon Traunfeld; January 2011
• Colorado State University Extension; Guidelines for Watering Indoor Plants; Sheri Hunter; January 2010
• Enviro Gadget; Water Saving Water Watch Spray Nozzle; Dan; May 2009