Hydrating outdoor plants efficiently is a core task of gardening that directly influences plant health and growth. Selecting the appropriate watering can transforms this chore into a manageable process. The suitability of a tool for outdoor conditions depends on several factors, including the construction material, the volume it can hold, and specialized design features. Understanding these elements guides the choice toward a can that provides improved efficiency and long-term utility.
Material Matters: Durability and Longevity
The material composition of an outdoor watering can dictates its resilience against weather exposure. Plastic watering cans are typically lightweight and rust-proof, making them easy to carry and simple to maintain. However, the polymers are susceptible to ultraviolet (UV) degradation when consistently left in direct sunlight. This sun exposure causes the plastic to become brittle and crack, significantly reducing the lifespan of the can outdoors.
Metal options, often crafted from galvanized steel or copper, offer superior structural durability. Galvanized steel is coated with zinc, which prevents the underlying iron from rusting, even with constant exposure to water and humidity. This coating allows the metal can to withstand years of outdoor use, often lasting decades with proper care, though it will naturally be heavier than a plastic equivalent.
Copper is another metal alternative, prized for its natural resistance to corrosion and its tendency to develop a pleasing patina over time. While metal cans can dent if dropped, they are far less likely to crack than plastic. Their robust nature means they remain stable even when placed on uneven ground during watering. Choosing a material should balance the need for a lighter tool and the desire for a can that can withstand continuous sun and weather exposure.
Capacity and Weight Considerations
For outdoor watering, capacity is a critical factor, as the scale of a garden often requires a volume larger than the half-gallon sizes suited for indoor plants. Outdoor cans generally range from one to five gallons, with two-gallon to three-gallon capacities representing a practical middle ground for most home gardeners. A larger can minimizes the number of trips back to the water source, which is beneficial for watering distant flower beds or numerous containers.
The benefit of increased capacity must be weighed against the physical strain when the can is full. Water weighs approximately 8.3 pounds per gallon, meaning a three-gallon can holds over 25 pounds of water plus the can’s weight. Carrying this weight across a lawn or up steps requires significant effort and can lead to fatigue or spillage.
For small balcony gardens or clustered container arrangements near a spigot, a one-gallon capacity may be sufficient, requiring slightly more refills but ensuring ease of handling. For larger, more expansive garden plots, a two-gallon can often presents the best compromise, offering a good balance between reducing refill frequency and maintaining manageable portability. The weight distribution of the can when full also plays a role, as a well-balanced design can make a heavy load feel more stable and less taxing to carry.
Essential Design Elements for Outdoor Use
The functionality of an outdoor watering can relies heavily on the specific design of its pouring elements, which affect both plant health and user comfort. A proper outdoor can should feature a removable rose, the perforated cap on the spout that disperses the water into a gentle, rain-like spray. This gentle flow is paramount for protecting vulnerable plants, as it prevents the force of a solid stream from washing away topsoil, disturbing fragile seedlings, or damaging tender foliage.
The rose itself should be interchangeable or removable for versatility. A fine-holed rose provides a delicate shower for newly established plants, while removing the rose offers a direct, heavy stream for deep-soaking mature shrubs or filling a bucket. A long, slender spout is another beneficial feature, extending the reach of the user to water plants positioned in the back of garden beds or beneath dense foliage. This design allows for precise water delivery directly to the root zone.
The handle design should prioritize ergonomics for both carrying and pouring the heavy weight of a full outdoor can. Many effective designs incorporate two handles: a top handle for balanced carrying and a rear or side handle positioned to assist with the tilting action required for pouring. This dual-handle arrangement is helpful when dispensing the last of the water, providing a secure grip that ensures the user maintains control and stability.