After an extremely dry spring in some regions, gardeners may soon be reaching for their hosepipes to keep beloved flowering plants, fruit, and vegetables thriving. While choosing drought-tolerant plants and applying mulch to retain moisture are wise strategies, occasional extra help during summer is often necessary.
With a wide array of watering aids on the market, deciding which to invest in can be challenging. Here are seven top options to consider for a lush, hydrated garden.
1. Hozelock Solar Select Automatic Irrigation System
Price: £124.99 at good garden centres
This innovative, fully solar-powered watering system is ideal for holidaymakers who want to ensure their potted plants and hanging baskets remain healthy. It features a large solar panel that charges three rechargeable batteries, powering a pump that draws water from rainwater collectors like water butts. With 13 pre-set programmes, it can automatically irrigate up to 20 containers without requiring a tap or mains electricity.
2. Gardena Classic Multifunctional Sprayer Starter Set
Price: £17.99 at The Range
Perfect for beginner gardeners, this set offers four spray patterns suitable for watering flowerbeds, delicate plants, powerful cleaning, and fast bucket filling. It includes an easy-to-use trigger that locks automatically to reduce hand strain, plus a tap connector, hose connector, and water stop.
3. Elho Foss Round Pots with Reservoirs
Price: From £11.99 at elho.com
These stylish, frost-resistant planters are made from 100% recycled plastic and suitable for indoor and outdoor use. Each pot features a two-litre reservoir that provides plants with water as needed and stores excess for later, saving you time on watering.
4. Garantia Linus 2In1 Grey Ribbed Water Butt with Planter
Price: £274.99 at Crocus
This 220-litre stone grey water butt combines functionality with aesthetics. It includes a planter on top that can be filled with plants to enhance your outdoor space. The planter is removable for easy planting, and excess water drains back into the butt. The kit comes with a chrome tap and standard threaded connection; a separate diverter is needed for downpipe connection.
5. Woodland Wonders RHS Watering Can
Price: £22.99 at Burgon & Ball and good garden centres
This stylish indoor watering can, featuring a Woodland Wonders design, is perfect for houseplants. Made from galvanised steel with a tough powder coating, its slender spout ensures precise watering without mess.
6. DIY Olla Pots
Create your own unglazed clay irrigation pots by burying terracotta pots with plugged drainage holes next to plants. Fill them with water, which seeps slowly into the soil to hydrate roots directly. Use a matching saucer as a lid to reduce evaporation. This budget-friendly method delivers water efficiently to plant roots.
7. EGO Misting Fan
Price: £279 at EGO
For those scorching summer days, this compact portable misting fan keeps both plants and people cool. Battery-operated, it connects to a garden hose and offers three misting settings, five speeds plus turbo, oscillation, and a hose connector. Battery and charger are sold separately.
