This summer's hosepipe bans have given gardeners a new appreciation for watering cans. While stepping away from the hose might feel like a hassle at first, watering by hand turns the task from a passive, high-volume soak to a deliberate, mindful ritual. It forces us to slow down, inspect plants close up for pests or drought stress and target precious drops directly at the root zone where they're needed most.
Watering cans vary in shape, size, material and price – but it's worth having one that suits both you and your plants. A watering can that's perfect for keeping pots of patio plants happy may be less suitable for tending delicate seedlings in a greenhouse or maintaining a sprawling vegetable patch. The main considerations are capacity, ergonomics, material and the type of spout and rose.
Key factors to consider when choosing a watering can
1. Capacity: Size is a balancing act between efficiency and physics; watering cans tend to range from five to 10 litres. A larger can means fewer trips back to the outdoor tap or water butt – but bear in mind that water weighs one kilogram per litre. If you want to protect your back or have numerous hanging baskets, a smaller one may be preferable.
2. Material: What the can is made from dictates both durability and aesthetics. Galvanised steel is the traditional choice and will withstand harsh winters, resist rust and look increasingly handsome with age. They are heavy, even when empty, but their weight offers stability against gusts of wind on the patio. The alternative is heavy-duty plastic, which is lightweight, virtually indestructible and usually a lot cheaper. Modern recycled plastics will weather damp conditions and are far easier to hoist up to high planters. Look for UV-stabilised plastic that won't fade or crack after a few summers in direct sun.
3. Ergonomics: The shape of the can and position of handles are also worth considering – a good design will make a heavy load feel half its actual weight. Look for cans with a handle on top, for carrying the weight vertically, and a curved back or side handle that lets your hand slide down as you tilt the spout forward.
4. Spout: A traditional short spout makes it easy to move between plants and offers a higher flow rate. A long-reach spout means you can water deeper into beds and under foliage without leaning in and offers a lower flow rate.
5. Rose: The end of the spout – the rose – is where the real engineering matters. A quality can should come with a detachable brass or fine-mesh rose, which creates a gentle, rain-like shower that won't wash away soil or crush fragile stems, essential for seed trays and fresh plantings. Watering can roses can also be bought separately, with varying sizes and density of holes making them suitable for different tasks. Removing the rose gives you a steady, direct stream for targeted watering at the base of thirsty established shrubs or tomatoes without wetting the foliage.
Top plastic watering cans
Plastic watering cans offer lightweight convenience and affordability. The Haws' Selly Soak Outdoor Watering Can costs £24.99 on Amazon. The one-gallon (4.5L) long-reach plastic can is ideal for general watering and comes with a brass-faced oval fine spray high-flow rose and downspout.
The Cradley Cascader Starter Set costs £44 at Haws. Contains 1.5-gallon (7L) long-reach plastic can and two brass-faced roses (extra fine oval for seeds and seedlings and extra coarse round for established plants). It's also available with one rose for £35.99.
There's 20% off the Geli 10L Big Green Watering Can, now £10.34 on Amazon. It also comes in yellow and red for a few quid more. Popular no frills large capacity plastic can with plastic rose.
Top metal watering cans
Metal watering cans offer durability and classic style. The Kent & Stowe 4.5L Metal Watering Can in Vintage Cream costs £34.99 on Amazon. Classically styled and made from powder-coated galvanised steel with removable rose.
Garden Trading's Classic 10L Watering Can in Thistle Green costs £36 using the code LIVING20. Large capacity traditional can made from powder-coated steel with a smart brass head.
Haws' Warley Fall HDG in Purple Royale costs £175. The two-gallon (9L) can has the longest reach in the Haws range. Galvanised after assembly – every surface and joint gets a thicker zinc coating than standard pre-galvanised steel. Lifetime guarantee.
Prices correct at time of publishing.
