There are a few good systems to choose from when it comes to watering your garden or yard. Two of the most popular are soaker hoses and sprinkler systems. But which one is the best option for your needs?
Soaker hoses release water slowly and directly to the roots of plants and trees to prevent evaporation and encourage deeper root growth. Sprinkler systems are ideal for covering a large area quickly and evenly. They can also be customized with different heads and set up to water automatically.
Let’s look at the purpose of each watering system and the advantages they bring. We’ll also learn about the cost of each option, to help you make the best decision for your garden.
A soaker hose (on Amazon) is a garden hose with tiny holes or pores along its length. When you turn on the water, it slowly seeps out of the pores and saturates the ground around the hose. In contrast, a sprinkler system releases water quickly and in larger quantities.
A soaker hose delivers water slowly and evenly to the roots of your plants to prevent evaporation and runoff, so it’s a great option for watering flower beds, gardens, and shrubs.
Soaker hoses are much easier to set up than a sprinkler system, so a sprinkler system may not be the best option if you have a smaller yard or garden.
They’re also less expensive to set up and maintain than a sprinkler system. You only need to purchase and place the hoses. No digging or complicated installation is required.
The biggest advantage of a soaker hose is that it conserves water because the water seeps directly into the ground and doesn’t run off or evaporate.
When choosing a soaker hose, consider the length you need to cover your garden, how often you need to water it, and how much water pressure your spigot can provide.
What Is the Purpose of a Sprinkler System?
A sprinkler system is an irrigation system that uses a pump to deliver water to your plants through a series of pipes and sprinklers.
Like soaker hoses, sprinklers help water your plants efficiently and evenly, but a sprinkler system is more efficient and can cover a larger area and disperse water to your lawn. In contrast, a soaker hose may leave some areas dry and others oversaturated.
Sprinkler systems offer more flexibility for covering larger areas because you can adjust them to target specific areas. You can also set them on a timer so that they water your plants automatically. But you must carefully as you lay soaker hoses out to ensure that all garden areas get adequate water.
When choosing a sprinkler, you’ll want to consider the size of your garden and how often you need to water. Automated systems are also great if you want to set it and forget it.
Does a Soaker Hose Conserve More Water Than a Sprinker?
Soaker hoses are a great way to conserve water while watering your plants. By delivering water directly to the roots of the plants, less water is wasted on evaporation.
Sprinklers can quickly cover an extensive area and are great for watering large lawns or gardens. However, they also tend to waste water through evaporation, and they wet the leaves instead of the roots, leading to fungal growth.
So, if you’re looking to conserve water and saturate the roots of your plants, a soaker hose is the best option. A sprinkler may be the better choice, however, if you need to water a large area quickly.
Is a Soaker Hose Cheaper Than a Sprinkler System?
The cost of a soaker hose is generally much cheaper than the cost of a sprinkler system. Soaker hoses range in price from $10 to $30, depending on the length and quality. A basic sprinkler system, meanwhile, starts at around $500 and can go up to $2,000 or more for a system that covers a larger area.
You’ll also need to factor in the cost of installation when choosing between a soaker hose and a sprinkler system. Soaker hoses are much easier to install, and you can usually do it yourself. Sprinkler systems require excavation and professional installation, which can add to the overall cost.
Ongoing costs are also worth considering. Sprinkler systems require more maintenance than soaker hoses as they have moving parts that can break down over time. Soaker hoses are more durable and require less maintenance, saving you money in the long run.
Watering your garden will also be cheaper with a soaker hose. They use less water than sprinklers, so you’ll save money on your water bill.
When to Use a Soaker Hose
If you have a small garden or flower bed, a soaker hose is a great option for watering your plants. Soaker hoses are also ideal for delicate plants that need a lot of water. They’re much cheaper than sprinkler systems and can help you save money on your water bill.
Other reasons to use a soaker hose include:
Watering Hard-to-Reach Areas
A soaker hose is ideal for watering areas that are hard to reach with a sprinkler. They’re lightweight and easy to maneuver through spaces like gardens on slopes or the roots of trees and shrubs to prevent drought stress and keep the roots healthy.
Deep Watering
Another benefit of soaker hoses is that they can help you to water more deeply, which is important for promoting healthy root growth. Sprinkler systems lose much of the water to evaporation before it reaches the roots of the plants. A soaker hose delivers water directly to the roots, allowing them to absorb more of it.
Watering Slowly
Soaker hoses release water slowly, which is ideal for many plants. If water is released too quickly, it can run off the surface of the soil before the roots have a chance to absorb it. By releasing water slowly, a soaker hose allows it to seep into the soil and reach the roots of the plants.
Watering in Hot Weather
Soaker hoses are a good option for watering in hot weather, as they can help to prevent evaporation. When using a sprinkler system in hot weather, much water evaporates before reaching the plants. Soaker hoses deliver water directly to the soil, which helps to reduce evaporation and ensures that the plants receive adequate moisture.
Watering New Plants
When watering new plants, it’s important to water them slowly and deeply to encourage root growth. Soaker hoses are ideal for watering new plants, as they can help you do both. They deliver water slowly and directly to the roots of the plants, which helps promote healthy growth.
When to Use a Sprinkler System
Large lawns and gardens require more water than a soaker hose can provide, so a sprinkler system is a better option in these cases. A sprinkler system can also help you save time, as you can set it up to water your plants automatically.
Other reasons to use a sprinkler system include:
Watering Large Areas
If you are watering a large area, a sprinkler system will be more efficient than a soaker hose. They can cover a wide area quickly and evenly, which is vital for preventing brown spots and promoting healthy growth.
Watering an Irregularly Shaped Lawn or Garden
You can easily adjust a sprinkler system for even coverage if your lawn or garden is narrow or irregularly shaped. Sprinkler systems also have a variety of heads to choose from to customize the shape and size of your watering area.
Watering New Grass Seed or Sod
New grass needs a lot of water to establish itself, and a sprinkler system can help you provide the consistent watering it needs. Set your system on a schedule that allows for frequent, shallow watering, allowing the new grass to develop strong roots.
The delicate seedlings are also less likely to be damaged by a sprinkler system than by a soaker hose.
For an Evenly Watered Lawn
A final benefit of using a sprinkler over a system soaker hose is that you are more likely to end up with an evenly watered lawn. With a system soaker hose, it’s easy to miss spots or end up with patches that are too wet or too dry.
A sprinkler can help to ensure that your entire lawn gets an even amount of water.
