Lawn & Garden

Radio: Garden Hoses

A hose is a hose is a hose, right? Not so fast-not all garden hoses are created equal, so before you spring for a new one, let's review your options.

Listen to ON GARDEN HOSES or read the text below:

Hoses vary by length, diameter, and material. Lengths typically come in multiples of 25 feet. Make sure you're buying a hose that's long enough for your needs, but not too long. Remember: The longer the hose the heavier it will be, and the lower the water pressure it will have.

Hose diameters usually range from half an inch to one inch, with 5/8' and 3/4' being the most common in the U.S. A wider hose will deliver more water, but even a half-inch hose is fine for basic watering duties.

Materials are where hose quality really starts to vary. The least expensive option, vinyl, is lightweight and easy to handle. Vinyl-rubber composites are hardier but heavier. All-rubber and reinforced rubber hoses-the real commercial workhorses-are the most costly. Consider also the number of plies, or layers; hoses range from one ply to six.

