Selecting a Garden Hose
When it comes to a garden hose, any old thing will not do! If your hose is old, then it is probably very twisted, hard or tangled up. It is time to get a new one. If you bought a cheap one, then it will not last very long. So again, it is time to invest in a hose that will last you for more than one summer.
When it comes to watering your yard and your garden, a hose that is made of layers will stand the test of time more so than any other kind. Look for an inner layer that is flexible and is made of either a synthetic tubing or a smooth rubber. The outer layer is the part that needs the most protection from the elements. It also needs to be resilient. The best designed hoses have an outer layer that has mesh or nylon fabric.
The part of the hose to which you will be exposed is the outer skin. This part needs to be very sturdy. You need a material that will not crack or break due to exposure to sunlight or heavy rain and will resist scratches and punctures.
The outer layer on most well made hoses is made of either vinyl or a combination of vinyl and rubber. The color is generally black or dark green. Hoses that have more than one layer tend to be thicker, heavier and more of a challenge to use. However, they are also worth the money you spend on them, and they will reward you by lasting longer and working better.
Most hoses are standard made, layered ones that are made of vinyl. Vinyl is a material that will bend and move with ease. Vinyl is versatile in the yard.
Hoses come in three ply, four-ply and five-ply. The five-ply are the heavy duty hoses that are thickest and most expensive. Be aware that five-ply hoses can handle higher levels of water pressure, and they don’t kink or get all twisted up as easily. They also will ensure that you will get your money’s worth because they will last a longer span of time.
You might want to invest in two hoses- the lower ply for the simple jobs in the garden and the higher ply for the jobs that will take longer and require more effort.
