If there's one essential gardening tool you need, it's a watering can. Whether you're looking to hydrate your hydrangeas or saturate your seedlings, we're here to demystify misters and help you discover the best watering can for your indoor plants, hanging baskets, and outdoor beds or containers.
With this straightforward buying guide, even those who've managed to desiccate a cactus will be able to tell the difference between a pour spout and a detachable rose. To make it even easier, our favourites are available for home delivery from Amazon, Argos and John Lewis!
Plants have very specific care requirements and finding the best watering can for your particular crop can be harder than you think. But don't worry, you won't need to be a budding horticulturalist for your plants to thrive. Here are some tips to help you get growing!
When comparing watering cans, you'll notice there are a few different styles to choose from. It's important to choose one with a spout that's suitable for watering your plants. Here's how to pick the right one.
Watering cans with sprinkler, or rose, spouts are designed to mimic rainfall. At the end of the neck, there is a cap with tiny holes that breaks up the stream of water into smaller droplets. These watering cans are good for gardening as they're able to spread water evenly over the surface of the soil.
If you’re looking to buy just one watering can to hydrate multiple plant species, you may want to consider one with a removable sprinkler cap. Some will also let you adjust the water pressure and droplet size for watering delicate plants and seedlings, so look out for this, too.
Pour spout watering cans have a long thin neck with no cap at the end. These are a great choice for houseplants such as cacti and succulents that prefer smaller pots, as you can get right down to the soil without disturbing the plant.
Similarly, the long neck can aid in reaching hanging plants and baskets to save you pulling out the step ladder each time they need a drink.
Although arguably not a watering can, plant misters shouldn't be neglected as part of your watering routine. Featuring a spray or atomiser nozzle instead of a neck, they will distribute a fine mist or water droplets over the leaves of the plant.
If you keep tropical plants, ferns or orchids, then having a mister on hand is ideal. Plants that prefer high humidity will appreciate having a little spritz here and there, especially when the air is dry.
Once you've decided on the style of watering can required for your plant parenting needs, consider the material it's made from.
Traditionally, watering cans have been made from sturdy, long-lasting metals such as copper or zinc, and still come in many suitable options today. The biggest drawback of metal is rusting, though this can be largely avoided by purchasing a can made from galvanised steel.
Plastic watering cans may not always be as pretty to look at, but they provide many benefits for gardeners. As plastic is more lightweight than metal, these watering cans are a better choice for carrying large volumes of water.
Glass is far too fragile for most watering cans, but don't rule it out when choosing a mister! Although this is mainly an aesthetic choice, glass also lets you see how much water is left at a glance. As their capacity tends to be smaller, they can be useful for refilling.
Before you make your final decision, check the capacity of your chosen watering can. Larger watering cans that can hold a volume of 8 litres or more are perfect for gardening. However, when full they often become quite heavy, which may be an issue for some.
Medium-sized watering cans with a volume between 3 to 7 litres are useful for watering both indoor and outdoor plants. They're lighter, but can still hold a decent amount of water when used for larger or multiple plants.
Small and mini watering cans under 2 litres are best for potted plants and houseplants. Their smaller size and capacity also make them a suitable gift and learning tool for green-fingered children. Just be aware that they will need to be refilled more often.
To get you ready in time for growing season, here, in ranking order, are the top 10 best watering cans to buy online in the UK!
£59.99
Style | Sprinkler |
---|---|
Material | Metal - copper |
Capacity | 1 L |
£32.99
Style | Sprinkler, removable rose |
---|---|
Material | Metal - galvanised steel |
Capacity | 9 L |
£27.80
Style | Pour spout |
---|---|
Material | Plastic |
Capacity | 2.1 L |
£12.20
Style | Mister |
---|---|
Material | Plastic |
Capacity | 1 - 1.25 L |
£7.49
Style | Sprinkler, removable rose |
---|---|
Material | Plastic |
Capacity | 7 L |
£11.99
Style | Mister |
---|---|
Material | Glass |
Capacity | 0.2 L |
£6.00
Style | Sprinkler, adjustable and removable rose |
---|---|
Material | Plastic |
Capacity | 10 L |
£26.73
Style | Pour spout |
---|---|
Material | Metal - galvanised steel |
Capacity | 0.7 L |
£12.93
Style | Sprinkler, fine spray removable rose |
---|---|
Material | Plastic |
Capacity | 0.7 - 1 L |
£24.99
Style | Sprinkler, removable rose |
---|---|
Material | Metal - galvanised steel |
Capacity | 4.5 L |
Image | 1 ![]() Moulton Mill | 2 ![]() Haws | 3 ![]() Burgon & Ball | 4 ![]() Ward | 5 ![]() OFFIDIX | 6 ![]() Strata Products Ltd | 7 ![]() Gloria | 8 ![]() Eva Solo | 9 ![]() Tigerbox | 10 ![]() Haws |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Name | Metal Watering Can | The Bartley Burbler | Indoor Watering Can | Slimline Watering Can | Glass Mister | Weed Control Watering Can | Garden Sprayer | Aquastar Watering Can | Traditional Steel Watering Can | Rowley Ripple Copper Watering Can |
Features | A Lighter Weight and Perfectly Versatile Metal Watering Can | A Green-Fingered Gift Idea | The Best Spouted Can for Bushy Indoor Plants | A Budget-Friendly, Slimline Watering Can | An Elegant and Functional Accessory for Misting | Cleverly Designed With a Fan Shaped Rose to Distribute Weed Killer | A Powerful Garden Mister With 3 Bar Water Pressure | A Style-Conscious, Futuristic Pick | The Traditional Metal Watering Can Refined for Improved Functionality | A Heritage Copper Can With Curved Spout |
Price | £24.99 | £12.93 | £26.73 | £6.00 | £11.99 | £7.49 | £12.20 | £27.80 | £32.99 | £59.99 |
Style | Sprinkler, removable rose | Sprinkler, fine spray removable rose | Pour spout | Sprinkler, adjustable and removable rose | Mister | Sprinkler, removable rose | Mister | Pour spout | Sprinkler, removable rose | Sprinkler |
Material | Metal - galvanised steel | Plastic | Metal - galvanised steel | Plastic | Glass | Plastic | Plastic | Plastic | Metal - galvanised steel | Metal - copper |
Capacity | 4.5 L | 0.7 - 1 L | 0.7 L | 10 L | 0.2 L | 7 L | 1 - 1.25 L | 2.1 L | 9 L | 1 L |
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Fancy sprucing up your bathroom or looking for a good pair of wellies to potter down the allotment in? Find our top picks for plant-loving articles below!
Gardening is a rewarding hobby and spending time caring for plants can help you relieve built-up tension and stress. Whether you're growing fresh tomatoes for your bolognese or looking to bring life and colour into your home, we hope this article has helped you find a watering can online!
Author: Wren Mann
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