The Watering Can: Oldie but goodie.

The watering can is a very old tool but still has its uses in gardening today. It has survived the invention of the hose and the lawn sprinkler because it is still able to do some odd jobs.

Some of its Uses

1. Watering small beds.

2. Watering potted plants and small lawns.

3. Watering greenhouse plants.

4. Can be used for mixing soil additives or making manure tea.

5. Wetting the walkway before sweeping to avoid raising a dust cloud.

Selecting A Good Watering Can

They can be made of plastic, metal or even ceramic. And they can have several attachments you can use for various jobs. If you ever intend to get a watering can please read some of the tips below.

1. Ensure you get a one with a reservoir that can hold the volume of water that would meet your needs. There's no point getting a 1 liter capacity reservoir when a 10 liter reservoir would be better. On the other hand why will you want a 10 litre reservoir when you can just get a watering hose. The choice is yours.

2. Hold the handle up to ensure that the can is balanced when carried. To be absolutely sure, you should do it again when full but few shops allow that. Balance is important. It prevents water splashes and falling of the can. It also makes you work better without straining your arms.

3. The Sprinkler should be detachable. This will give you the option of delivering water in shower 'form' or 'jet' form.

4. The spout - that part that connects the reservoir to the sprinkler- should stand higher than the reservoir and should originate from as low as possible as it can from the reservoir.

5. The can should be easy to fill with water. The opening on top should open directly to the reservoir. No fancy connections unless you're really looking for a teapot.

Caring for your Watering Can

1. Always empty stored water before you store it. It should be stored dry.

2. Carry volumes of water that you can comfortably carry.

3. For larger watering jobs you would do better with a watering hose.

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