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Allotment Stuff => The Basics => Topic started by: jennym on May 13, 2006, 09:46:51

Title: Watering cans - types?
Post by: jennym on May 13, 2006, 09:46:51
Having seen a thread here about methods of watering and showing some equipment has prompted this question. I need to buy a couple of new watering cans. Preferably these would cover all stages of plant growth. Have only ever had cheap plastic cans, and am getting a bit fed up with faulty sprays, and cans cracking, so am very tempted to buy expensive ones for a change, in the hope that they will last almost forever and give me a good spray quality. Comments please?
Title: Re: Watering cans - types?
Post by: adam04 on May 13, 2006, 09:50:33
ive got a metal one at home, and that isnt the bets either, the welds break quite easily and the water begins to seap out. plus i find thme not as comfortable to hold and carry as plastic ones.

Plast ones i always think are the best. ive had one for a couple of years with no problems. For seeds, turn the rose round, for normal plants rose the normal way and for lots take the rose off....thats alround enough for me :)
Title: Re: Watering cans - types?
Post by: Anne Robertson on May 13, 2006, 10:40:54
From Lakeland you can get a pack of 4-5 small watering heads of different aperture's that screw on to a drinks bottle. They are perfect for watering seedlings.
Title: Re: Watering cans - types?
Post by: tim on May 13, 2006, 10:43:17
A couple? Depends on how big your 'estate' is. Need one at each end!  And a light one for the greenhouse.

1. Size - 2x2gal. Plus small one.
2. Shape - V important. Must balance in your hand when full. And must be of a shape which will fill from the top of a water butt. Seldom need for those loooong spouty things.
3. Roses - Haws are always good.
   a. A normal oval Haws brass faced one.
   b. A small round one for more accurate watering.
   c. A squidgy fit-almost-all-cans (the near one) for VERY fine spray - won't flatten the most delicate seedlings.
Title: Re: Watering cans - types?
Post by: katynewbie on May 13, 2006, 10:59:42
;D ;D

Ani...brilliant idea, just ordered some...thanks!!

;)
Title: Re: Watering cans - types?
Post by: flossie on May 13, 2006, 11:24:27
thanks - really helpful  - will leave as "suggestions" for by birthday and hope that the hint is taken
Title: Re: Watering cans - types?
Post by: Curryandchips on May 13, 2006, 17:53:44
By adopting the attitude that we are 'serious' gardeners, then it can be deduced that we would appreciate serious tools - Tim's array testify to that I think. I also think plastic has generally ousted metal now, but they do need to be kept out of sunlight to avoid embrittlement from UV. The 'feel' of a can is a personal thing, just like with so many other tools, eg knives, spades, etc.

Being a cheapskate, I purchase mine from Wilkinsons, and am happy to have a few positioned where useful (although I only have one watering point available). However bear in mind when lugging cans around, it is more comfortable to carry TWO cans (one in each hand).
Title: Re: Watering cans - types?
Post by: Anne Robertson on May 13, 2006, 18:53:26
Tim, I love that 'squashed' effect one, much more 'focused' on what you're watering.
Title: Re: Watering cans - types?
Post by: jennym on May 13, 2006, 19:19:54
Definitely need at least 2 cans to replace the 2 that I have. Balance is important. Unfortunately drinks bottle type things wouldn't be practical for me (but do look fun!)

I do fancy the Haws ones - but am a little unclear as to what's on offer. The ones I've seen are metal I think, and definitely have screw on spouts - but have not seen spare or different spouts for them.
Tim, are you saying that they do a range of screw-on spouts to fit these Haws cans? I have seen the squidgy fit-all ones, but never the fine rose version - is this a Haws type too?

Sorry to labour the point but this would be a big investment for me, never mind living on a shoestring, it's more like living on a piece of cotton thread at the moment!