Aeroponics: It's Fun and Easy to Grow Plants Without Soil
Aeroponic farming is a way to grow plants without soil. The roots are actually suspended in the air and sprayed with nutrient-rich water on a regular basis.
This method of growing plants has been used for centuries (even before traditional farming methods), and now it can be done at home too.
Aeroponics is suitable for all types of plants, from vegetables to flowers. It's also relatively cheap.
Aeroponics is a super useful method of growing plants without soil or other mediums like pebbles or compost and is a part of the indoor farming family.
The plant root(s) are suspended in the air in a tower garden and sprayed with nutrient-rich water on a regular basis.
This allows the plant to absorb all nutrients it needs for its growth. But because you're not using any paper, there's no risk of root zone diseases either!
You'll also hear the term "vertical farming" to describe it.
How does the Aeroponic system work?
An aeroponics system has a reservoir, and the roots are suspended in this water. Then you use an automatic mister to spray them with a nutrient-rich solution on a regular basis.
It's simple! You can also check if your plants need more or less of certain nutrients by measuring how much light they're getting.
Types of aeroponic systems
Aeroponic technology is rapidly advancing as a lot of people are experimenting with a vertical farm in their homes, but here are there are four main types to choose from:
High-pressure Aeroponics (HPA) - Uses high-pressure nozzles to shoot a fine mist of nutrient-rich water at the root system.
Medium-pressure Aeroponics (MPA) - Uses an air compressor and pressure regulator, but smaller nozzles than you'd use in HPA.
Super Low-Pressure Aeroponic Systems (SLPAS) - Uses a low-pressure compressor and bigger nozzles.
Ultrasonic fogger Aeroponics - Uses an ultrasonic fogger to disperse water, resulting in a fine mist.
What plants can you grow with Aeroponics?
Leafy green veggies like lettuce, spinach, kale, and even strawberries will do well. You can grow tomatoes too if you use a system that provides enough light for them to photosynthesize properly.
If it's flowers or plants with fruit that require more sunlight than an LED strip can provide, then you'll need to supplement this with a grow light.
How much does it cost to set up an Aeroponics system?
If you already have the parts, then the setup is free.
For example, if you use a fish tank or another large container as your reservoir and hang some mister heads in there using wire hangers, that's basically it. You can add a grow light if you want to because the plants need 12 hours of darkness every day.
If you don't have any parts, then you should be able to get everything for less than $500 in total. This is worth it when compared with other hydroponic systems because aeroponics allows your plants to absorb more nutrients and grow faster. Also known has rapid nutrient uptake.
If you want to set up a bigger system with more plants, then it might cost $1000 or so.
Tools you'll need to get started
Ready to start growing? Great, here's what you're going to need:
A reservoir/container - It should be around 20 gallons and made of food-grade plastic, glass, or acrylic.
A cycle timer - This is how you'll set up the timing for your system.
A water pump - This provides pressure to spray the nutrient-rich solution onto the plant's roots. You can use a pond or aquarium pump but make sure it has enough power to push against gravity and deliver proper amounts of nutrients!
Tubing - This is the piping that connects your water pump to your drip emitters.
A nutrient pump - this is how you'll pump the nutrient-rich solution into your system.
Baskets (for suspending plants) - These are optional but if you're growing leafy greens then it's recommended to use them.
Enclosed growing chamber - This is where you'll keep your plants, and it should be well-ventilated. You can use an aquarium or even a large plastic tub with holes in the top!
Mist nozzles - These are what sprays the nutrient-rich solution onto your plants' roots.
Watertight containers - These are where you'll keep your nutrient solutions.
Advantages of aeroponics
Let's discuss the pros of Aeroponics:
It's easy to set up - If you already have the parts, then it'll take less than an hour.
You can use a variety of containers and systems for different purposes (small or large).
Aeroponics sprays more water on your root zone compared with other hydroponic methods like NFT. This means that nutrients are more available for your plants.
Aeroponics uses less water compared to other hydroponic systems like Ebb and flow or drip irrigation, making it a great choice if you're in an area where there's not much access to clean water.
It works well with any type of plant - Even flowering ones that need special light schedules and more space.
It's easy to harvest and maintain - You can easily adjust the nutrients as your plants grow, making it a great option for first timers!
Disadvantages of aeroponics
Finally, the cons of Aeroponics:
It's not suitable for plants that require lots of water - like succulents and cacti.
You can't use it with large, woody trees or fruits because they won't be able to absorb the nutrients from a mist.
The nutrient solution is expensive if you have to buy it online or at a store rather than make it yourself.
If you don't follow the instructions carefully, then your plants could die because of nutrient shortages or over-watering.
Conclusion: Is Aeroponics right for you?
Knowing whether Aeroponics is a better system for you to use than others like NFT or Ebb and Flow, for example, will depend on what you want to grow - whether it's your first time growing plants indoors or not.
Aeroponics is a great choice if you're someone who likes experimenting with different systems while giving your plants the best chances of survival at the same time!
Aeroponic systems tend to be expensive but if you want an easier way to set up your hydroponic system for growing fruits and vegetables at home or indoors then this could be a good option for you too!
How to Prune Drift Roses The Right Way
The first thing you should know about pruning drift roses is that it is not necessary. You do not have to prune your drift roses; however, they respond extremely well to it, and pruning them will encourage heavier flowering and result in a much better-shaped bush.
What Are Drift Roses?
Drift roses are repeat-bloomers and are very tough regardless of the season. They are low-maintenance roses that are also disease resistant.
Drift shrub roses are perfect for smaller spaces because their growth habit is low and spread out in the space they’re given to grow. They are perfect for placing along pathways or walkways or to brighten up borders, among other things – again, low maintenance.
How to Prune Drift Roses
You can prune drift roses hard as soon as you see new leaves emerging – usually in late winter or early spring. Once you see the leaves, use an extra-sharp pair of pruning scissors and cut the roses back to four to six inches above the ground.
Regular pruning is a good idea because it helps the plant. It is a good habit, and you can enjoy a nice, healthy plant regardless of the time of year.
Deadheading spent blooms is also a good idea because it encourages more blooms and buds to grow during the bloom cycle.
When you do this, always perform a clean cut at the base of the flower’s cluster stem. In addition, make sure you stop pruning your drift roses about two months before the average first frost date in the area you live in.
Other Tips to Make Your Drift Roses Look Amazing
If you really want your drift roses to look their best, here are a few extra tips to follow:
Always fertilize your drift roses because they bloom heavily and grow fast. Feeding them right after the late-winter pruning works best, then fertilize them every six weeks during the growing season. Use an organic plant food or a rose food, and stop fertilizing two months before the average first-frost date where you live.
When your drift roses are in containers, always pay attention to the product label and do as it says so you can get the best results. Usually, container drift roses need a slow release fertilizer, preferably one that is slow-release or water-soluble and specifically made for plants that live in containers.
Test the pH of the soil for your drift roses, and for ideal soil pH, make sure it stays from 6.0 to 7.0 on the pH scale, which is considered mildly acidic to neutral. There are numerous probes that will instantly test the pH level of your roses’ soil, making it a lot easier to keep the level at the right number. Check out our recommended soil test kits.
So, in essence, you’ll want to prune your drift roses by following these steps:
Cut them back once a year to roughly six to eight inches high. In late wintertime or early springtime, when you see new shoots growing from the canes on your rose bushes, this is a good time to start pruning.
Always use hedge shears or hand pruners for the best results, and always wear your gloves the entire time you’re working. All you need are some basic tools that you likely already have.
When deciding where to cut, consider the size you’ll want your rose bush to finish. Normally, drift roses triple in size by the end of the season if you’ve cut them back properly.
When pruning to the desired height, make sure you remove any damaged, smaller, or dead canes so you can enjoy better growth and air circulation in between the branches.
Always discard the debris when you’re finished pruning so they don’t sit on top of the roses and cause the flowers to decay or stop growing.
Besides Pruning, What Else?
In addition to pruning, drift roses also have to be well-watered at all times. These roses grow best in moist soil that offers good drainage. Never let the soil get soggy or wet! In other words, you don’t usually have to water your drift roses every day.
If you’ve just planted the roses, you can water the newly planted roses with some type of root stimulator, which reduces transplant shock and promotes more vigorous plants.
For the most part, allowing the soil to dry out somewhat between waterings works better on drift roses. If you plant these roses during the winter dormant season, you’ll need much less water for them to grow and thrive.
If this is the case, be careful never to overwater your plants or you can suffer with root rot and similar conditions.
How To Prevent And Fix Root Rot
Root rot is a condition that, when left untreated, will kill your plants. It can be quite difficult to know when your plants have root rot, as the first symptoms will only occur beneath the soil, making it hard to actually be aware of the problem until it has advanced.
Once your plants start to show symptoms of root rot, you won’t have long to rectify the problem, which is why it is often much easier to prevent it from happening in the first place. Root rot is actually a common issue when it comes to potter plants, and it is fairly easy to avoid if you follow some simple rules.
In this article, we are going to provide you with some handy tips that will help you to prevent root rot. We will also tell you how you can fix root rot if it has already started to develop. Just keep reading to find out more.
Root rot is a condition that will kill plants if it has been left untreated. Unfortunately, the first symptoms of root rot will not be visible as they are underneath the soil. This makes it difficult to be aware of the problem until it becomes too advanced.
When your plants do start to show symptoms of root rot, like yellowing leaves or stunted growth, you will need to take action straight away to solve the issue.
Plants that are in soils that are too dense for the water to be able to drain out efficiently or that are in containers that lack sufficient drainage holes are the most susceptible to root rot.
Even though planted pots are at the highest risk, garden plants can also get root rot. The majority of garden root rot issues can be prevented with proper soil drainage before planting. Otherwise, too much water provides the ideal environment for fungus to grow.
How To Identify Root Rot
Root rot can be identified through the presence of soft and brown roots. The root system of a healthy plant should be both firm and white. However, when the soil is soggy, the fungal spores will multiply and then spread. As the fungus advances, healthy portions of root will turn brown and mushy as the roots begin to die.
The plant will be left unable to absorb the nutrients that it needs, and this deficiency will become apparent in the condition of plant foliage. The leaves will start to wilt and turn yellow or they will fall off. The growth of the plant will slow, and blooming may even be delayed.
In some of the more extreme cases, when conditions are ideal for the fungus to spread quickly, plants can die within 10 days.
If these symptoms are occurring in a plant, you should loosen the soil around the base of the plant with a hand trowel or shovel, and remove the plant from the soil. You will need to gently shake the soil for the roots and inspect them for rot.
How To Prevent Root Rot
Thankfully, there are some simple ways of preventing root rot. Most of it has to do with watering and drainage. You can follow these simple rules to help to prevent root rot altogether.
Make sure that your plant has proper drainage. It needs to be potted into a pot that has drainage holes. If you are using a decorative pot that does not have any drainage holes, then you should leave the plant in a plastic pot with holes, and then place this inside the decorative pot.
Create a watering schedule and stick to it. The majority of plants will appreciate a regular watering schedule. Sporadic watering is more likely to hurt your plants than help them, as they may not have enough time to dry out between waterings.
Make sure that you check the soil of your plant before you water it. Most plants like to dry out a bit before being watered again. Depending on the type of plant, you might need to wait until the top 2 inches of the soil are dry.
Aerate the soil to help loosen it up. This will allow for a more even distribution of water and a better flow of oxygen, which will prevent a buildup of moisture in the roots of your plant.
How To Fix Root Rot
If your plant is already starting to show signs of root rot, but you have managed to catch it early on, then you might be able to still save it if you act quickly. You can follow these steps to fix root rot in some of the most common houseplants.
Diagnose The Issue
If your plant has been dropping leaves, yellowing, or getting soft and mushy leaves, then it may have root rot. You should remove the plant from its pot to inspect the roots. If the roots are soft, wet, and brown, then you will need to treat the roots.
Cleaning The Roots
Once your plant is out of its pot, you will need to carefully remove as much soil as you can and cut the affected roots off with clean shears of scissors. Gently wash the remaining roots clean of soil under running water.
Repot Your Plant
You should then re-pot your plant using fresh soil in a pot that has proper drainage. If you are going to use the same pot, then you should clean it thoroughly first. For more serious cases of root rot, you may also choose to prune the top of the plant a bit so the plant will have fewer leaves to send its energy to.
Place It In A Bright Spot
You should place your plant in a bright spot and only water it when the top of the soil is dry. After a few weeks, your plant should take root and return to normal.
Ensure that you regularly water your plants, and be on alert for any issues that arise so you can treat them quickly.
How To Fix Nutrient Lockout
When you are trying to grow plants indoors, there are lots of things that you will keep in mind throughout the process. It is more than possible to miss something important when you are caring for your plants, and one issue that can really damage the health of your plants in the long-term is something known as “nutrient lockout”.
Nutrient lockout is something that can be really challenging and annoying to deal with when you are growing your own vegetables, fruits or herbs. But, if it does happen, it doesn’t necessarily mean you need to throw away those plants you’ve put so much effort into growing.
In this article, we are going to explore nutrient lockout, which is one of the most common issues that growers can experience in their indoor garden. We are going to tell you what it is, how to identify the problem, and how you can fix it with some TLC.
Nutrient lockout is something that can occur due to the soil medium that you have chosen to use being oversaturated with specific nutrients, especially chemicals and high salt contents. This can also happen with hydroponically grown plants, and even when you are using plant nutrients with rockwool, pebbles, or coco coir.
Adding even the smallest amount of extra nutrients than your plants need can lead to an accidental overdose of nutrients. When the soil accumulates an excess of salt and other nutrients, one of two things can happen. They can bond together or they can develop an incompatibility.
When either of these things happen. the plant is not able to absorb the necessary nutrients that it needs to keep growing.
Nutrient lockout is also something that can happen when the pH levels of the water, soil, or nutrients are unsuitable for your plant.
All plants have an ideal pH that they can happily live in, and if the pH level is out of balance, then the plant can start to turn to certain other nutrients over others. With the wrong pH, the roots of the plant will not be able to absorb all of the necessary nutrients that it actually needs to grow healthily and survive.
How To Identify Nutrient Lockout?
It’s really important that you’re able to notice the initial signs of nutrient lockout, as this will help you to act quickly before it starts affecting your plants. Some of the symptoms of nutrients lockout are:
Weak or limp plants
Curling or yellow leaves
Stunted growth
The biggest issue with these symptoms is that they are often the same as other issues that can occur. To make sure that it is actually nutrient lockout that you are dealing with, you will need to check the pH levels of the water, soil, and nutrient solution. If the pH is above 7 or below 5.5, then you have an issue.
Nutrient lockout is a problem, but it is also something that can be fixed by following these steps.
The first action to take if you are going to address nutrient lockout is to stop feeding your plants. If you continue, you’ll only overload them with more nutrients and this will make the problem worse
You should also flush your plants with water. This involves flooding your plants pots with pH-balanced water. This will help to dilute the minerals that are present and rebalance the pH level. If you have a hydroponic system setup, then you will need to use a fresh solution.
You also need to make sure that your growing system is fully saturated. This will help with any excess salt that has built up in your growing medium as it will break it up and make it easier for your plant to absorb all of the nutrients that it needs again.
Once you have flushed your plants, you should ensure that you let your soil completely dry out before you try to water your plants again. This will help to make sure that you prevent root rot by giving your plants the room that they need to breathe.
After all of this, you should water your garden as you normally would for a while before you begin to reintroduce nutrients to your plants. This will ensure that they have been completely flushed and that they will be able to healthily absorb the nutrients again. See our top recommendations for choosing nutrients for hydroponics.
It is really important to be careful and delicate throughout this entire process. Otherwise, you can end up with your plants having nutrient lockout all over again. Worse yet, you could end up causing additional problems like root rot, which will only be more harmful to your plants.
As long as you closely follow the above steps, you should be able to restore your plants to their healthy condition, and they will be thriving again in no time.
Can You Prevent Nutrient Lockout?
Nutrient lockout is not always entirely preventable, but there are some things that you can do to help prevent it from happening. There are a few things that you can do to stop it from happening, like flushing out your plants and trying to maintain normal pH levels.
These are two of the main things that can help with this, though there are some other methods of preventing nutrient lockout. You can follow the above steps to flush out your plants, and we will explain more about the pH levels of your plants below.
However, you should keep in mind that this is not a one-time thing, and you will need to continuously work at preventing nutrient lockout if you don’t want to have to deal with it later.
Maintaining The pH Levels
One of the best ways to avoid nutrient lockout is by keeping a close eye on the pH levels of your plant’s environment. You can test the soil to find out the pH level, and if it is off, you can buy a pH adjuster to either increase or decrease the pH.
You should check the soil on a weekly or bi-weekly basis to ensure that your plant is continuing to grow in the healthiest possible environment. If you stick to this, you will be less likely to have to deal with a serious case of nutrient lockout issue in the future.
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Can Plants Drown?
Plants love water, but did you know there’s such a thing as overwatering?
In fact, overwatering is actually the leading cause of early plant death. Many of us are so afraid of not watering our plants enough that most of us end up overcompensating by watering too much.
How Can You Tell If Your Plant Is Drowning?
The first sign that you're watering too often is to ask yourself how often you’re watering your plant. The general rule of thumb is that your plants need watering when the surface of the soil is dry. If you water when the soil is damp, there’s a strong chance that you’re overwatering your plant.
Another tell-tale sign is that your plants have a light-green appearance and look generally unhappy. One of the most common indicators, however, is that a plant has wilted even though the soil is still wet.
Having healthy roots is the most important thing for healthy plants, as they are their primary source for water and food. Roots take up the water you pour into the soil, but they also need room to breathe.
By overwatering your plant, you are basically drowning it. This is due to the fact that soil that is consistently wet won’t have enough air pockets which will allow the root to breathe. This puts a lot of stress on the plant and leaves it more susceptible to root diseases, such as root rot.
Many plant owners are unaware their plant is suffering from root rot until the plant wilts.
What Is Root Rot?
When a root has rotted, it has been taken over by several different fungi. The most common fungi found in diseased roots are Rhizoctonia, Phytophthora, and Pythium.
When a root is healthy, it should have a clean, white appearance. Roots that seem to be suffering from root rot will look grey, brown, or black, and will be slimy. Sometimes, the root may completely disappear.
When you overwater your plant, you’re actually robbing your plant of the proper nutrition. Either the roots will become damaged, or they’ll no longer be able to absorb any fertilizer in the soil, which leaves the plant without the food it needs.
If your plant has started to yellow but has not yet wilted, you should be able to quickly bring your plant back to full health.
Start by following proper watering techniques, which means only water your plant once the top of the soil has dried out. Make sure your pot has drainage holes, and don’t let your plant sit in standing water.
Don’t add any fertilizer until you’ve noticed new growth. Once new growth has started, add a water-soluble fertilizer, and use it for an additional 3 times to increase the fertility level. Then return to fertilizing once every 7 to 10 days.
If your plant has wilted but the soil is still wet, the problem is far greater, and you will have to be more aggressive in your approach.
How To Save a Drowning Plant
Step 1: Dry The Plant Out
If you think your plant is overwatered, it’s important to take a break from watering it whilst you wait for it to dry out, otherwise, you could end up making the problem worse.
This may take a few days, so don’t worry if there’s a long gap before the next water.
Step 2: Move The Plant into the Shade
Even if your plant loves the sun, it’s important to move it to a shady area to protect the upper leaves as they will be vulnerable to drying out. Also, plants in shady areas take up less water than plants in direct sunlight.
Once the plant has stabilized you can place it back into the sunlight.
Step 3: Create Air Holes In The Soil
An easy way to do this is to tilt your plant on an angle and begin tapping lightly at the sides of the pot. This should loosen the soil ball, so when you re-stand the pot, there should be small air pockets between the soil ball and the wall of the pot. This will help the soil to dry quicker and bring oxygen to the root zone.
It’ll also make it easier to remove the plant from the pot.
Step 4: Check The Roots
Carefully slide your plant out of the pot to check the roots, and speed up the drying process. This isn’t a necessary step, but it does help the plant dry out and gives you the opportunity to repot your plant. Just make sure you’re holding the plant upside down in your hand.
Step 5: Remove Old Soil
Use your fingers to gently remove any old soil you can see around the roots. If the soil looks moldy or green, remove it completely as it will contaminate your plant. Also, if the soil smells like decay, remove it as it will most likely contain root rot.
If the soil looks healthy you can reuse it, however, it’s always best to use fresh soil when repotting.
Step 6: Cut Away Dead Or Decaying Roots
If you notice any brown or smelly roots, use scissors to trim as much of the rotting roots away as possible. Make sure you save as many of the healthy roots as you can.
If most or all of the roots are rotten, the plant may not be able to be saved. However, you can try trimming the plant down to the base of the roots, and replanting them.
Step 7: Remove Dead Leaves
Just like you need to remove dead roots, you also need to remove dead leaves as they will infect the healthy leaves that are left. Cut off any brown or dry leaves and steams first.
If you cut away a lot of the roots, you may also need to cut away a tiny portion of the healthy part of the plant too, as the plant should be no more than twice the size of the root system.
How To Repot A Plant
Your plant should now be ready for repotting.
Step 1 - Transfer your plant to a pot that has drainage holes and a tray.
Step 2 - Add around 1 to 2 inches of mulch at the bottom of the pot to encourage drainage.
Step 3 - Add new potting soil around the plant, and fill up to the base of the plant.
Step 4 - Only water your plant when the top layer of soil feels dry to avoid drowning your plant again.
Best Soil Test Kit For Healthy Plant Growth
Soil testing kits have been around for so long. You can choose to go for the best soil test kit for healthy plant growth present on the market and pay a lot of money for it or, you can choose to go with the homemade soil testing that requires some baking soda and vinegar.
Whichever way you decide to go, the importance of testing your soil acidity and alkalinity remains the same. Otherwise, you’ll find yourself paying tons of money and putting hours upon hours of sweat, blood, and tears into your crop without getting the results that you want.
After a ton of research, we've handpicked some of the most promising soil testing kits you can find on the market. Keep in mind that you must focus on what kind of testing you need and how many tries you can get out of each kit when shaping up your decision.
Without any further ado, let’s get straight into our products and what each of them has to offer.
Our first pick is the Sonkir Soil pH Meter, MS02, and it’s genuinely an amazingly compact and lightweight device that gives you a simple, to-the-point idea about the state of your soil.
One of the many great attributes of this kit is the fact that it’s beginner-friendly. The interface is easily understood by everyone, and every piece of information is explained thoroughly.
As for the kit’s functions, it’s a 3-in-1 soil test kit, as in it tests sunlight and its penetration of the soil, the pH level, and the level of moisture in the soil.
Next in line, we’ve got an excellent choice to go with that covers almost all the basics that anyone would need to test to determine the state of the soil. That is the Soil Savvy - Soil Test Kit.
This soil testing kit produces accurate results when testing for both macro and micronutrients, which is something that we don’t see often. Moreover, after it’s done with its analysis, it’ll break down the results for you.
For instance, it’ll tell you how much nitrogen is present in your soil; then, it’ll let you know how much nitrates and ammonium are present individually.
Pros
Explained results
Fast
User-friendly
Results are almost identical to laboratory results
Now, we’re onto our best choice in regards to analog soil testing kits, and that’s the Luster Leaf 1880 Rapitest 4-Way Analyzer, which can easily give you the statistics of the pH level, sunlight, and moisture levels in the soil.
Moreover, it tests for micronutrients using its four separate meters. Another kind of testing that it does is the soil fertility test that mainly involves nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus.
Furthermore, this analyzer is designed to be comfortable for everyone; beginners and experienced farmers alike. So, the device itself is large, easy to hold, and maneuver in your hand.
Now, we’ll move on to a soil testing kit that can be labeled as the jack of all trades. The Whitetail Institute Laboratory Soil-Test Kit is an amazing kit that gives you detailed and specific results incredibly fast.
Why is that? Simply because using the kit, you’d collect the sample and follow the instructions, then send it to Whitetail Institute Laboratory for them to analyze it.
Consequently, you’ll be receiving the analysis of all of the organic elements in your soil, as the kit can be used to analyze the levels of pH, and the presence or absence of micro and macronutrients.
If you don’t want to go through all of that back-and-forth with the company and wait for your results, then maybe a simpler path is more tailored towards your needs, and that’s where simpler testing kits such as the Atree Soil 3-in-1 Soil Tester Kit comes into play.
Now, this lightweight, compact device has double poles, enjoying the double-needle technology, which allows the device to capture accurate information in regards to the three essential aspects of any soil.
What’s more, the Atree soil tester works on all types of soils. Not to mention, it needs very little maintenance to perform.
Lastly, we have the Luster Leaf 1601 Rapitest Soil Test Kit, with its wide coverage range and affordable price tag. This kit comes with multiple tests included and 40 capsules, allowing you to test several parts of your soil.
Furthermore, it gives quick, accurate results and comes with a pamphlet that explains the pH levels of 450+ different plants and the rhythm of their nutrient uptake.
Also, it offers quick solutions to soil problems, and only needs distilled water. On the other hand, it’s not specific to a certain problem, and disposing of the capsules can be a bit tough.
Pros
Affordable
Quick and accurate results
Multiple tests included
Wide coverage
pH test
Cons
Not specific
Tough capsules management
How to Choose a Soil Test Kit
Types of Soil Test Kits
There are so many different types of soil testing kits, from DIY home kits all the way to laboratory testing that is done only by certified professionals and all that lies in between these two extremities. We’ll explore all of your options in detail.
Chemical
In general, chemical testing relies on a chemical reaction that will happen when each reagent responds to a particular nutrient that you wish to measure in your soil, and the general rule is that you take a sample from your soil, put it in a tube, and add the reagent of choice to it.
Take the vile, shake it, and wait for the reaction to take place. Afterward, compare the color of the product that you have to the reference chart that would be included in the kit. Some chemical kits are a bit more advanced, and they require the addition of another substance to the agent to make it more accurate.
Digital
Unlike chemical testing kits, which are focused on the elements, mostly nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus, digital testing kits are focused on the pH level. Some of them can give information regarding the nutrients level. Nevertheless, it’s not near as accurate as of that of the chemical testers.
With the digital testers, you’ll either have to insert the probe into the soil or if the kit comes with a vial, you’ll be making a solution or a slurry of soil and distilled water inside the said vial and inserting the probe there.
Analog
Analog soil testing kits are a bit like the digital ones. Yet, they use three probes at a time, as each one tests a certain variable. Mostly, these variables are the pH, soil moisture level, and sunlight absorbance.
The analog testers give a range of their tested variables, and they must be moved all over the soil area in order to get the most precise results possible. Plus, the probes ought to be cleaned and maintained properly in between uses.
Lab/Professional
This is the most accurate method that you can go with. But, this accuracy has a price as it can take up to a week or even more to get your results. Additionally, the process of collecting samples is way more complicated than what the other methods require of you.
To collect a suitable sample, you have to collect soil from various places in your land and mix that together thoroughly.
Next, you’ll need to let the sample dry completely, then preserve it till you get it to the laboratory. The thing about professional testing is that it provides several types of analysis, such as micro and macronutrient levels, in addition to analyzing the composition of your soil in regards to sand, clay, and silt percentages.
DIY Home Testing
When testing for the pH level of your soil, the perfect result that you can get is no results at all. You need two clean cups, half a cup of baking soda, half a cup of water, and a soil sample, of course.
Add equal parts of your soil to each container, and to the first container, add your half cup of vinegar. If a reaction takes place, and you start to see bubbles, your soil is too alkaline.
As for the other container, add your half cup water, mix it to form a slurry, then add your half cup of baking soda.
Types of Testing
We’ve mentioned that if micronutrients and micronutrients are balanced correctly, they can give the soil an incredible boost. Subsequently, it’s essential to test specifically for them. Then, you’ll be able to provide precisely what our land needs.
Micronutrient Testing
This type of testing goes in-depth, as it explores all that is present in your plants. It crosses the border of the standard nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus testing to include smaller elements like zinc, magnesium, calcium, and even different types of sulfates.
Macronutrient Testing
The point of micronutrient testing is the diligent analysis of our three main factors; nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Each one of them has an essential role in the life of plants.
Nitrogen boosts the growth of leaves and stems and is stored in great amounts by different plants. As for potassium, it goes for the roots, allowing the plant to become stable and have better access to nutrients that might be stored in lower levels of the soil.
Nevertheless, too much of it will disrupt the roots. As for phosphorus, It's all about the growth of flowers and, later on, fruits.
Soil pH Testing
Staying neutral when it comes to soil pH is definitely the best way to go, as around 99% of different plants prefer this environment and grow optimally in it. However, every rule has its own exceptions, and there are some plants that only grow in acidic environments or alkaline environments exclusively.
For these plants, it’s better to specialize certain parts of your land for their usage. With soil pH testing kits, all you need to do is grab a sample from your soil, put it in the device with water, and compare the color of the water to the reference.
Why Having a Soil Testing Kit Is Important
Boosts Soil Productivity
Having different kinds of soil testing kits gives you a better idea of your soil’s needs and reactions. Every patch of soil is different and can support certain types of plants.
Sometimes, what soil needs is crop rotation to boost its productivity. When you know what kind of nutrients and the normal level of pH present in your soil is, you’ll be able to decide on the best crops to rotate to maximize your own profit and work your soil without overworking it.
Fertilizer Management
Fertilizers come in all shapes and sizes, but mostly they consist of the three main ingredients; nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
These three elements support plants in different ways, and when you already know what your soil has and what it lacks, you’ll pick the perfect fertilizer for your land and use it economically and wisely.
Overusing fertilizer isn’t a good thing. It might burn your plants if it has a high level of nitrogen, and it’ll also result in loss of resources.
Knowing the State of the Soil
Logically, using a soil testing kit will lead you to understand the state of your soil. It might need aeration, it might need to rest for a season or two, or you might even need to start mixing the type of soil you have with another type to enhance its productivity and help revive it a little bit.
There are so many procedures that can be done to have soil reach its optimum, and it all starts with a simple soil testing kit that’ll give you a more detailed look at what’s lying beneath your feet.
Figuring Out How to Improve the Soil
Most of our soil testing kits today come with guides, pamphlets, and brochures with all sorts of different information regarding how you can improve the quality of your soil, how you can adapt your soil to different plants, and general solutions to the more common soil problems.
Avoid Unnecessary Erosion
Unbalanced soil management is a problem that faces a lot of gardeners as the worst-case scenario is soil erosion which unfortunately happens to around 24 billion tons of fertile soil every year.
So, knowing the state of the elements in the soil, the pH, macronutrients, and micronutrients will allow you to start balancing out your soil like you need it to be.
Are Home Soil Test Kits Accurate?
Yes, they’re accurate, to a certain degree. However, they’ll really depend on the brand that you decide to purchase. More often than not, the specific kit that you intend to buy will have a rating of its accuracy in percentage printed on it. Search diligently for that number before you purchase any kits.
Is It Possible to Get a Free Soil Test?
Many universities and colleges offer free services in different fields that they teach in order to educate their students.
Fortunately, this is the case for agriculture colleges, so you can visit the nearest school to your location and have one of the students analyze your soil for you for free in exchange for documenting the experience so that they can add it to their portfolio for extra credit.
Which Soil pH Tester Is Best?
Undoubtedly, the Sonkir Soil pH Meter, MS02 will take the crown as it produces the most incredibly accurate results in regards to pH testing.
It also boasts an easy, beginner-friendly interface that won’t frighten anyone. Furthermore, it’s affordable, and since it’s a 3-in-1 kit, you’ll be getting a lot of bang for your buck.
Can You Test Soil at Home?
Yes, of course, you can test your soil at home using a few products easily in any kitchen, which are vinegar water and sodium bicarbonate. It’s an incredibly simple process that won’t take you more than half an hour.
As we’ve discussed before, you create a solution of either vinegar and water or sodium bicarbonate and water, drop equal amounts of soil in each, and wait for your results.
Are Cheap Soil pH Meters Accurate?
The accuracy of a soil pH meter doesn’t depend on price but rather on the type. And, we’ve discussed the different types of pH meters before.
The cheapest type that we’ve got will have to be the strip tests which are more or less advanced litmus paper. To be honest, they’re accurate to an end, but the problem lies with the calibration of the color that you are receiving.
How Do I Know My Soil Type?
Your soil type can be one of six: sand, clay, silt, peat, chalk, or loams. Let’s quickly get to know the trademarks of each type.
If you have sandy soil, you’ll be able to see and feel the sand more than anything else, and the thing about sand is that this stuff, no matter what you do to it, can’t be shaped.
How Can I Test the pH of My Water Without a Kit?
We go back again to the kitchen for this little experiment. Fetch a cabbage and cut it up into pieces, then place it in a bowl. Boil two cups of distilled water, take the distilled water and pour it over the cut cabbage. Cover the bowl and leave it for an hour and thirty minutes.
Then, you’ll notice that the color of the distilled water is changing to a red-purple shade.
What Is the Fastest Way to Lower pH in Soil?
In case of wanting to lower the pH for soil quickly, we turn towards the elements. Here, we can use aluminum as it easily dissolves in the ground and spreads quite fast. We can also utilize sulfur as it has so many variants, and according to its purity, the soil will go down in terms of pH level.
What Is the Optimal Time for Soil Testing?
Any gardener should know when to test their soil to get the most accurate results. The general rule is to test your soil right before you start planting your seeds, hence, guaranteeing optimal conditions for them.
Different plants have different seasons, so you must know what you’re planting, where you’re planting it, and how exactly you’re going to test the soil. You also need to know what kind of results you’re aiming for.
Can You Test Your Soil at Any Time?
The state of your soil is greatly dependent on the weather; hence it passes through times of activity and dormancy in regards to its nutrients and pH level.
There’s no harm in testing the soil whenever it looks a bit rough, so you can deal with any problems as soon as they happen. Your soil might end up needing one of many procedures such as aeration to improve its quality.
What Happens When pH Becomes Way Too Acidic in the Soil?
Firstly, any imbalance in the pH levels of the soil will lead to stunted growth and general soil toxicity, which is bound to affect the absorption of the plants quite negatively; but, in different ways.
For instance, when the pH is way too acidic, the plants might die due to a deficiency of calcium and molybdenum, which can cause chlorotic blotches. That will lead to leaves’ cupping as they grow much thicker than their normal.
What Happens When pH Becomes Way Too Alkaline in the Soil?
When the pH is way too alkaline, the plants will lose their ability to absorb certain nutrients.
Moreover, you’ll be facing incredible microorganism imbalance as the alkaline micro-organism will gain the upper hand while the others will die out. Also, you’ll lose every chance at the species’ balance as the alkaline plant will flourish while others degenerate due to many things, such as molybdenum build-up.
Final Thoughts
The Sonkir Soil pH Meter, MS02 is our top pick with double-needle detection technology and battery-free operation.
Another good choice is the Soil Savvy - Soil Test Kit. It’s accurate and can analyze macro and micronutrient analysis.
Go for the Luster Leaf 1880 Rapitest 4-Way Analyzer for a fast analog tester.
5 Best Lightweight Garden Hoses For Easy Watering
Your garden hose can either make or break your garden maintaining experience.
Watering your plants can take a while, and if you live in a dry climate with little to no rainfall, chances are you’ll need to do it frequently. And since you’ll have to carry your garden hose for prolonged periods, you don’t want to strain your muscles by using a heavy garden hose.
In this guide, we’ve reviewed some of the best lightweight garden hoses for easy watering, so stick around.
There are countless garden hoses on the market, and we can totally see how overwhelming it’d be for you to pick one. Worry not, because we’ve done the research for you and created a shortlist of just 6 garden hoses for you to choose from.
Without further ado, let’s take a closer look at what each of these garden hoses has to offer in terms of weight, weather resistance, and durability.
Tip: The weight of your hose isn’t the only thing you should keep in mind. Make sure that its length and diameter are suitable for your garden, too!
Let’s kickstart our list with the Flexi Hose, one of the most lightweight garden hoses on the market. What makes this hose stand out from the crowd, other than its weight, is that it automatically expands to up to 3 times its length when filled with water. This makes it easier for you to store the hose without having to settle for a shorter one.
On top of that, this expandable water hose can withstand temperatures between 41-113 °F with utter grace. It can even tolerate pressures as high as 12 Bar.
Moving on to the materials, the Flexi Hose boasts a 3750D elastic outer fabric for maximum durability and puncture resistance.
The J&B XpandaHose is a lightweight, expandable garden hose that weighs just 3.5 lbs without sacrificing durability. This garden hose is available in 3 sizes: 50 FT, 75 FT, and 100 FT.
Since this is an expandable garden hose, its actual size when not filled with water is much smaller. For example, the size of the 100 FT model is actually somewhere around 33 FT when empty.
Made of 3750D with a 4-layer latex core, the J&B XpandaHose can definitely withstand some abuse. Additionally, the hose is equipped with a 10-setting nozzle that lets you change the water pattern.
Pros
Super duper lightweight
High-strength brass connectors
10-setting hose nozzle
Expandable hose design, available in 3 sizes
Lifetime warranty which is awesome
Cons
Some connector-related issues when creating a multi-hose setup
Searching for a premium, slim, and lightweight hose? The Water Right 400 Series might just be what you’re looking for. It weighs just 4.06 lbs, so you can easily water your plants without straining your muscles.
Made of toxin-free polyurethane resin, the Water Right 400 Series hose is super-strong and flexible. Say goodbye to punctures, knitting, and leaks; this hose is tougher than it looks.
This garden hose is offered in 4 different lengths, but the hose diameter is the same (7/16”). The fittings are made of brass, so rest assured that it won’t leak at the connection sites.
Having to buy a new garden hose every couple of years doesn’t sound very persuasive, and that’s where the Zero-G hose comes into action. This hose is one of the most durable garden hoses out there!
Made of vinyl, the Zero-G hose flaunts impressive leak, puncture, and abrasion resistance. And despite its high strength, the Zero-G hose weighs just 4 lbs.
It’s also worth noting that the Zero-G vinyl hose is non-expandable. Its 50 FT length doesn’t change whether it’s filled with water or not. This may help with kinking, but it could make it harder for you to store it.
Pros
Durable construction
Leak and puncture resistance
Can withstand 600 PSI+ pressure
Very lightweight
Cons
Non-retractable design could impose some storage challenges
The Gilmour Flexogen boasts an 8-layer construction and a sturdy core with double polyester cord reinforcement, meaning that you won’t have to deal with kinking without neglecting durability and weight. This high-quality hose flaunts a 600 PSI burst strength; you’ll have a hard time trying to puncture it.
The icing on top is that it’s equipped with crush-resistant heavy-duty hose couplings with O-rings for leak prevention. It also has a stainless steel spring which further enhances its kinking resistance. Not to mention, the hose remains flexible at subfreezing temperatures.
The Gilmour Flexogen is available in 3 lengths: 50 FT. 75 FT, and 100 FT.
Pros
Very lightweight
Excellent kinking resistance
Crush resistant couplings
Stainless steel spring
Cons
Available in 1 color only
How to Choose a Lightweight Garden Hose
Material Types
Contrary to popular belief, not all garden hoses are made of rubber. And while rubber is the most common garden hose material, there are other popular materials used in making garden hoses, and we’re going to explore what we like and what we don’t like about each material in the following sections:
Rubber Tubes
As we’ve mentioned, rubber is a pretty common garden hose material, and we can see why. Since rubber is elastic, a rubber hose almost never kinks or twists. Not to mention, it’s quite durable. Any traditional hose is mostly made of rubber.
Some manufacturers layer their rubber garden hoses with foam and add a layer of wrapped or woven nylon to boost durability.
Vinyl Cores
Vinyl cores are lightweight, which is why many manufacturers have started adopting these materials in their garden hose designs. However, they’re not very strong, which is why they’re usually wrapped with woven nylon for extra protection.
Thermoplastic Elastomer
A thermoplastic elastomer is a combination of rubber, polypropylene, and plastic. Garden hoses made of this material are very flexible and can withstand some pretty tough conditions. You should expect your thermoplastic elastomer garden hose to last for a very long time if you take good care of it.
Polyurethane Resins
Polyurethane resin garden hoses are very lightweight and display desirable properties like high strength and flexibility. Sometimes, polyurethane resins are combined with other materials to make a garden hose.
Polyurethane resins are usually considered “hybrid” materials that have the good properties of both rubber and plastic. Garden hoses made of these materials are usually expensive, though.
Polymers
Polymers have recently gained some popularity as garden hose materials. One of the main advantages of polymers is that they’re super flexible, so you don’t have to worry about twisting or knotting disrupting the water flow. They’re also pretty lightweight.
Polymer garden hoses are designed differently according to how you’re going to use the garden hose and the surrounding environment.
And while polymers have a decent level of resistance to high/low temperatures and high pressure, a hose made of these materials won’t be as tough as a metal hose.
Hose Fittings
There’s no denying that hose fittings are more important than the hose itself. Low-quality fittings will ultimately cause your hose to leak at the intersections with the water source or the nozzle. Here are some of the most popular fittings materials and why you should or shouldn’t pick one of them:
Brass Fittings
Brass fittings are super durable. They’re probably the go-to choice for those who prioritize longevity. Not to mention, they don’t stick to connections, making it easy for you to detach them. There’s a catch, though; a brass connector can be heavy, which is why some manufacturers have started replacing them with other, lighter alternatives.
Stainless Steel Fittings
Stainless steel fittings offer the perfect balance between weight and durability. They can resist rust and corrosion pretty well. Additionally, many people use stainless steel fittings to connect multiple hoses together.
They’re not very common, though. Most people who use stainless steel fittings have bought them separately to replace the OEM fittings.
Aluminum Fittings
Aluminum fittings are the most lightweight fittings you can get. They’re also quite tough, but not as tough as stainless steel fittings. When wet, aluminum fittings may deform if impacted with a stronger metal.
Aluminum fittings can be difficult to disengage from faucets at times, which is why manufacturers usually add a layer of nickel to reduce friction.
Hose Sizes (Width and Length)
The width of your hose primarily depends on your gardening needs. Obviously, the thicker your hose, the more water it can hold. This comes at the price of some extra weight, though.
As for the hose length, longer hoses are usually preferable for large gardens since you’ll need a hose that can be extended to farther distances.
Weather Resistance
When deciding on a new garden hose, make sure that it’s capable of resisting bad weather conditions. Materials behave differently in variable weather conditions. For example, stainless can get brittle in extremely cold weather.
Usage
The way you’re going to use your garden hose should shape up your decision about its width and length. For light usage, a garden hose with a small width would be ideal.
On the other hand, if you need a garden hose that can withstand some heavy-duty gardening, you might want to consider getting one with a large diameter.
The hose’s length primarily depends on the size of your garden. A small garden won’t likely require a very long hose. In fact, using a long hose in a small garden will likely cause it to kink.
Kinking
Garden hoses with small diameters are more prone to kinking than their thicker counterparts. So, if kinking is a big irritation in your book, you’re better off going with a garden hose with a large hose diameter. It’s also worth noting that longer hoses are more likely to kink since you won’t have much control over its full length.
Who Makes the Best Lightweight Garden Hose?
Flexi Hose makes some of the world’s lightest garden hoses out there. J&B comes at a close second. There are other manufacturers who make lightweight garden hoses, but these two seem to offer a great well-rounded experience by being lightweight while also maintaining a decent level of durability.
Not all lightweight garden hoses are going to last you 5-8 years of moderate use; that’s a fact!
Are Stainless Steel Garden Hoses Better Than Rubber?
One of the primary advantages of stainless steel garden hoses over their rubber counterparts is that they have more tolerance to cold weather conditions. However, in extremely cold weather, rubber hoses have the upper edge since their rubber is more durable than the rubber tubes found inside stainless steel hoses.
It’s also worth noting that stainless steel hoses may corrode when exposed to saltwater.
What's Heavier, Stainless Steel or Rubber?
This might sound confusing, but rubber garden hoses tend to be heavier than stainless steel ones. But how can a soft material like rubber be heavier than stainless steel? The answer is simply because rubber hoses are thicker than stainless steel hoses since you need a thick cross-section to prevent rupture.
How Long Should a Garden Hose Last?
A garden hose can potentially last anywhere from 5 to 10 years, depending on how durable it is and how frequently you use it. Generally speaking, the higher quality your garden hose is, the longer it’ll last. You should also maintain your hose by turning off the water and letting it drain after every use.
It’s also recommended that you avoid dragging it by the spray nozzle because this can wear out the nozzle connection and cause leakage.
Are Flexible Garden Hoses Any Good?
It depends. Some flexible garden hoses are almost on par with their non-flexible counterparts, while others tend to be less favorable. A good flexible garden hose should resist bursting and kinking. It should also be able to maintain a stable water flow even when folded or knotted.
Conclusion
To recap, the Flexi Hose is undoubtedly the best lightweight garden hose out there. Here are some of its perks:
Easy to carry around
Good temperature resistance
Expandable
You can also get the Water Right hose if you need a slimmer one. Finally, consider going for the Craftsman Premium if you’re on a budget.
Best Organic Fertilizer For Your Plants, Fruits And Vegetables
Finding a good organic fertilizer can be difficult. Organic fertilizers are wrongly misunderstood to be ineffective with low nutrient levels, which makes artificial fertilizers more popular.
However, if you find the correct organic fertilizer that suits your soil condition and plant types, you'll be able to see results that last much longer than those produced by a chemical fertilizer.
In this article, you'll discover which organic fertilizers are worthwhile, as well as know how to choose the fertilizer type you truly need so that you don't invest money in the wrong products.
To save you the trouble of looking and searching for effective organic fertilizers, we've put together a list for your convenience. This list contains organic fertilizers that we reviewed and found to have passed our assessments and quality tests.
We've categorized them into seven different categories to make it easier for you, so read on to discover the best organic fertilizer that most suits your needs.
Jobe's Organics All-Purpose Fertilizer Spikes are absolutely brilliant. The spikes are easily driven into the ground near the plant's roots, saving you the mess that would've resulted from other fertilizer applications.
This organic fertilizer has an NPK ratio of 4-4-4, with many other trace elements. Also, it's registered on the Organic Materials Review Institute's list, so it's 100% organic with no artificial and synthetic chemicals.
Plus, it contains microbes that break down the fertilizer to increase its efficacy and efficiency. On another note, the spikes can be dug up with animals, so keep them away until they can fully dissolve.
The Espoma Plant Tone is a versatile fertilizer that can be used on trees, shrubs, flowers, and vegetables. It has a 5-3-3 NPK ratio, and it slowly releases these nutrients over a lengthy time period, granting you durability.
It's made of a combination of mineral, animal, and plant-based fertilizers, in addition to other salts and minerals. It also contains microorganisms, which break down the fertilizer particles and result in faster nutrient delivery and plant growth.
However, it has a bit of a strong smell, so it's better to use it outdoors to disperse the smell and make it less noticeable.
For lush lawns and turfs, the Scotts Natural Lawn fertilizer is the perfect choice. It can be applied at any given time to all grass types, producing good results each and every time. Four applications per year are more than enough to create and sustain a flourishing, green lawn.
Once applied, you can walk on it immediately, and you can see results in as fast as 1-3 weeks.
This organic lawn fertilizer is chemical-free, and it’s also OMRI listed. Moreover, it's completely safe for both kids and pets, so don't worry if your dog or child accidentally ingests this fertilizer.
The triple set of Fox Farm Liquid Fertilizer is an excellent purchase for both beginners and experienced gardeners, consisting of three different bottles; Grow Big, Tiger Bloom, and Big Bloom.
Grow Big is used at the beginning to stimulate plant growth until the flower buds start to form. Then, Tiger Bloom is used because it's very rich in phosphorus. Lastly, the Big Bloom is used for fruiting and flowering plants for maximum nutrition and root health.
These fertilizers have to be diluted in some instances, or else the plants may burn. Research your plant's requirements before applying any of them.
Pros
Suitable for various fruiting and flowering plants
The Espoma BioTone Starter Plus Fertilizer is a mix of organic fertilizer types, made up of greensand, feather meal, alfalfa meal, bone meal, poultry manure, and other ingredients. It has an NPK of 4-3-3, and its nutrients are slowly released over time.
The fertilizer has 13 types of microbes for optimal root and stem formation, and it also contains humates for increased plant uptake of nutrients.
This organic garden fertilizer is best used when you're just starting your outdoor planting endeavors or when you're repotting your indoor plants. Yet, thoroughly mix it in with the soil to reduce its smell.
Pros
Suitable for various plants
Cons
Product smell and consistency may slightly vary from batch to batch
Made from a blend of rock phosphate, feather meal, fishbone meal, and alfalfa meal, the Dr. Earth 707p Organic 8 Bud & Bloom Fertilizer is a great option for flowering plants.
For starters, it allows for better root formation, which results in a greater quantity of buds and flowers. This is due to its high phosphorus content, with an NPK of 3-9-4.
Not to mention, this fertilizer gives your plants all the nutrients they need and will last you for many months. Also, it doesn't contain any sewage sludge or chicken manure, making its smell considerably better than other organic fertilizers.
If you want an amazing organic soil builder and fertilizer, then Unco Industries Worm Casting Fertilizer is the answer to your prayers. It's suitable for almost all plants and is loaded with both macro and micronutrients for your plants' benefit.
The earthworm castings can provide both fast and long-term nutrition, so your plant will be able to have what it needs when it needs it.
It also improves your soil structure and aeration, which results in more extensive and stronger plant roots. Leaves, buds, flowers, and fruits take the energy that would've gone into the roots and make themselves known.
Pros
Quick and long-term nutrients
Improves soil condition
Non-toxic
Has no smell
Reduces damage from pests
Cons
Quite pricey
Can lose its efficacy if not stored in a dark and dry place
How to Choose an Organic Fertilizer
Organic Fertilizer Types
There are three main types of organic fertilizers; mineral, animal-based, and plant-based.
Mineral
This variety of organic fertilizers comes from natural rocks and sands. That means they're not artificially made and have no chemicals in them. Since they allow for a chemical-free planting, they were thus dubbed organic.
There are two varieties available, rock phosphate and greensand. The former has a high level of phosphorus, while the latter has a high potassium content. Both contain traces of other minerals like nitrogen, iron, calcium, magnesium, copper, and many more.
Did you know? Rock phosphate doesn't immediately dissolve in water and remains in the soil, slowly releasing its nutrients till they're called upon by the surrounding plants.
Animal-Based
There are numerous types of animal-based fertilizers, manure and urine being the most common. Bone meal, blood meal, and fish meal are also popular and are made from what their names indicate. Some other types include shell meal, fish emulsion, seabird guano, and many others.
These fertilizers are rich in the major three minerals. Except for fish emulsion, all types release their minerals a bit slowly, so don't get them if you want a quick fix.
Pro tip: Blood meal can burn your plant if used excessively as it's highly acidic, so use with caution.
Plant-Based
Plant-based fertilizers are what you want if you need a slight nutrient boost. They're suitable for soil preparation and conditioning as they have natural stimulants and enzymes that’ll help your plants grow healthy and fast.
They include compost, alfalfa meal, cottonseed meal, soybean meal, corn gluten meal, seaweed, grass clippings, and more.
If you need a nitrogen-rich fertilizer that doesn't involve animals in any way, fortunately, cottonseed meal and soybean meal are one such fertilizer.
Dry vs. Liquid
A dry fertilizer doesn't work if the microorganisms do not break it down in the soil. So you have to incorporate the fertilizer into the soil and thoroughly mix the two for this to happen.
Since it's long-acting and encourages plant growth for a long time, it's best used with seeds and transplants.
Conversely, liquid fertilizers deliver a fast punch of nutrients into the soil. They can be directly applied to the soil or sprayed on the plant's leaves.
Leafy plants that are starting to grow are the optimal recipient of this fertilizer. However, beware that newly-sprouted seedlings can only withstand a diluted version of this fertilizer.
Nutrients
When choosing your organic fertilizer, you have to look at its NPK ratio. This ratio represents the weight percentage of the three major nutrients; nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Each one of these macronutrients is essential for the different processes a plant goes through as it grows and flowers.
Organic fertilizers also contain micronutrients needed by plants in lesser amounts for their general health and well-being. These nutrients include iron, copper, manganese, boron, chlorine, zinc, and molybdenum.
To make the fertilizer more effective, microorganisms like beneficial bacteria and fungi are often included in the fertilizer. That's because they increase the amounts of nutrients available for uptake and use by the plants.
Plant Type
Different plants need varying amounts of nutrients for optimal growth and development. For example, some plants require high nitrogen levels, while others benefit more from phosphorus and similar.
That's why fertilizers come in different NPK ratios to suit specific types of plants better. For example, lawns need high nitrogen levels, not so much the other two. On the other hand, vegetables generally require relatively high equal levels of the three elements.
Moreover, bulbs require lots of phosphorus for strong roots, while trees and shrubs benefit from low to moderate levels of the three macronutrients every now and then.
Desired Effect
Depending on what you want to see happen, different types of fertilizers should be used. If you're just starting a new garden, you won't benefit from a liquid fertilizer. That's because your goal should be to raise the fertility of your soil, so soil builders and dry/granular fertilizers are the way to go.
In contrast, if you already have an established garden with plants in various development stages, a burst of nutrients from a liquid fertilizer is what you need. It'll allow your plants to grow well and reach their full potential.
Soil Condition
Your soil's condition will directly affect the type of fertilizer you'll use. So, make sure to check your soil's pH, organic content, and nutrient content with a soil test first.
If you find your soil unsuitable for planting purposes, then you need to modify its composition and supplement it with what it lacks.
For sandy or rocky grounds, you have to add abundant amounts of mulch, which adds the organic material needed for plant growth. Compost, bark chips, leaf mold, cow manure, and other animal manures are all excellent sources of organic matter. Follow the mulch with soil builders and organic fertilizers.
Synthetic vs. Organic Fertilizers
Gardeners and farmers sometimes use synthetic fertilizers for fast and instantaneous results. However, these results come at a cost.
Over time, the fertility and quality of the soil drop, while its acidity shoots up due to the high salt levels in any synthetic fertilizer. This acidity eventually burns the roots of young plants and stops their growth. These fertilizers also drive away beneficial earthworms.
Meanwhile, organic fertilizers preserve and improve your soil's quality as time goes by, where they increase soil moisture and aeration.
And if you want fast results, don't forget that organic liquid fertilizers are available.
How Can You Tell if Fertilizer Is Organic?
Besides checking the fertilizer's label for the word "organic", you can check if the fertilizer is listed in the OMRI. Its product list only contains truly organic materials that have been measured against strict organic standards.
Also, look at the ingredient list of your fertilizer. If it has superphosphate, potassium sulfate, potassium chloride, ammonium nitrate, or other synthetic ingredients, this fertilizer isn't organic.
How Do You Apply Organic Fertilizer to Plants?
Organic fertilizer generally takes some time to work because you have to wait for the soil microbes to break down the fertilizer into ready-for-use nutrients. This can take two weeks in warm weather, but cold weather can double or triple this duration.
So consider your climate and apply your granular fertilizer in the top 3-6 inches of your soil before you plant the seeds. Pour or spray liquid fertilizers when extra nutrients are needed.
Can You Over-Fertilize Your Plants With Organic Fertilizers?
Yes, of course. Excessive fertilization will harm your plants, whether the fertilizer is synthetic or natural. It’ll burn off the plants and alter the soil's composition, making it hard for new plants to grow. In addition, insects and fungi may seriously infest your ground, and consequently, your plants can contract and suffer from various diseases.
What Natural Fertilizer Is High in Nitrogen?
Blood meal, feather meal, and urine/urea all have pretty high levels of nitrogen. The nitrogen levels can range from 12 to 15 percent in those organic fertilizers. Bat guano and seabird guano also have high nitrogen contents, reaching 10 percent nitrogen.
And if you want a plant-based alternative, cottonseed and soybean meals have decent nitrogen levels, coming at 6% and 7%, respectively.
What Are the Disadvantages of Organic Fertilizers?
One drawback of organic fertilizers is the relatively low nutrient levels when compared to synthetic fertilizers. This can result in smaller and less green plants. Another disadvantage is that it takes a longer time for the fertilizer's effects to be noticed.
Moreover, the fertilizer's composition may vary from batch to batch because organic products are biologically active. This can, unfortunately, produce unpredictable results, which can be very annoying since most organic fertilizers aren't exactly cheap.
What Type of Nutrient Is the Most Important for the Plants?
Nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium are the three major nutrients needed by plants. Some plants may need one of those nutrients more than others, but all are still important.
Nitrogen is usually the nutrient that plants lack the most as it can rapidly leave the soil in gas form. The other two are more stable and remain in the soil for longer durations.
Other micronutrients are still of value to plants, but to a lesser extent.
Quick Recap
Don't expect instantaneous results with organic fertilizers as it takes time for the soil microorganisms to break it for the plants' easy use.
Liquid fertilizers are faster than granular ones.
Jobe's Organics All-Purpose Fertilizer is the best dry fertilizer, while the Fox Farm Trio formula is the best liquid one.
Best Hori Hori Knife - Top Choices in 2023
Most gardeners have heard of the hori-hori garden knife by now, also known as the weeding knife. It's a multi-purpose miracle that can easily replace any garden tool that you currently depend on. This must-have knife can dig, weed, saw, cut, slice, transplant, measure soil depth, harvest, prune, and so much more.
Since there are various choices on the market, there are probably many knives that aren't worth your attention. So, if you're interested in finding the best hori-hori knife available now, why it's the best, and how to even choose one, continue reading.
It's tough to narrow down all the Japanese hori-hori knives on the market to a limited selection that you can choose from. You'll need to understand what you should be looking for in a soil knife first.
So, we've decided to do the hard work for you and find the best options, pointing out which features they excel at the most.
If you don't want to waste time on lesser products and want a shortcut to the best hori-hori knife, there's arguably no better option than the Nisaku NJP650 Hori-Hori Knife. It has everything from affordability to quality construction and practicality.
For one, the knife is quite affordable and almost too good to be true considering its quality. Like the original hori-hori knife, this one's made in Japan. It has all the qualities of the classic design, including the wooden handle, double-sided stainless steel blade that resists rust and scratches, and inch markings that enable you to work at the desired depth.
Pros
Authentically made in Japan
Rust and scratch-resistant stainless steel blade
Inch markings to ensure gardening at the proper depth
We recommend the Black Iron Hori-Hori Knife for people who want knives that can handle heavy-duty use and won't break in two at the first challenge.
From the start, the sturdiness of the hardwood handle is the biggest tell-tale sign that this is no ordinary knife. The high-grade stainless steel blade is rust-resistant and double-sided for versatile use, from weeding to planting bulbs. Its full-tang design promises that it won't break or bend, regardless of your work's intensity.
Also, it has millimeter and inch markings to tell the depth. Finally, it comes with a sharpening stone and heavy-duty leather sheath.
Pros
The full-tang blade is unbendable and unbreakable
High-grade double-sided stainless steel blade
Sturdy hardwood handle
Comes with a sharpening stone and heavy-duty leather sheath
Millimeter and inch markings for reading and measuring the depth
Cons
It feels relatively heavy, so might give you an arm ache after a while.
For a traditional design with a modern twist, check out the Sensei Hori-Hori Knife. It's an interesting crossover between a hand trowel and a knife.
The knife has many traditional features. They include the durable stainless steel blade, concave blade with serrated and straight edges for versatile applications, and inch markings that tell you how deep you're digging or seeding.
However, it comes with a modern twist, thanks to the ergonomic, non-slip polymer handle that ensures a secure grip, even when you're sweating. It also comes with a leather sheath with belt loops to keep it on yourself while working.
Pros
Ergonomic, non-slip polymer handle
Durable stainless steel blade that resists the elements
Comes with a leather sheath with belt loops
Inch markings to ensure gardening at the correct depth
Concave, double-sided blade for versatile applications
People that seek hori-hori knives typically want an all-in-one option. If that sounds like what you're looking for, the Truly Garden Hori-Hori knife is a good choice with helpful accessories.
The hardwood handle is riveted, which enhances its strength. Even better, the handle has a guard that protects you against the knife's serrated and flat edges. The stainless steel blade is a full tang one, so nothing can break or bend it. And the 5-year warranty makes us confident in the product's durability.
Additionally, it comes with a leather sheath and diamond sharpening rod to keep the blade in the best shape.
Pros
Riveted hardwood handle for extra strength
Handle guard for safety from sharp edges
The full-tang stainless steel blade is unbendable and unbreakable
Comes with a leather sheath and diamond sharpening rod
While polymer handles have their advantages, many gardeners still prefer the wooden handle of the Cielcera Hori-Hori Garden Knife and similar options. That's due to its durability and comfort.
Starting with the handle, it's made of sturdy hardwood and riveted for extra durability. It also comes with a guard that protects you from its sharp double edges. Moreover, rust and corrosion have nothing on the 420 stainless steel blade, as it's rigid with a full-tang design.
In addition, the weeding knife has a leather sheath and diamond sharpening rod so that you can maintain it for a longer shelf life.
Pros
The full-tang blade is unbendable and unbreakable
Riveted wooden handle for extra strength
Handle guard for safety from sharp edges
Comes with a leather sheath and diamond sharpening rod
420 stainless steel blade resists rust and corrosion
For beginners, we suggest the Fiskars Big Grip Garden Knife. It's a handy garden tool with a simple design for basic gardening tasks.
Once you hold the knife, you'll notice its padded, oversized, and comfortable grips. Also, the notched tip is unique and helps remove weeds easily. So, it's a simple knife suitable for beginners or gardeners who don't have high demands. And It's impressively lightweight.
Furthermore, this knife's the most affordable one on our list. Yet, it's backed by a lifetime warranty that guarantees a long shelf life. But you'd do well not to use it for heavy-duty work.
Pros
Most affordable on the list
Backed by a full lifetime warranty
Straightforward design for beginners
Comfortable, padded grips
It has a unique notched tip for removing weeds
Cons
It doesn't come with a sheath
Not durable enough for heavy-duty use
No markings for measurement of depth
The blade isn't stainless steel, but a coated one
How to Choose a Japanese Gardening Knife
There are two possibilities: you're either a beginner who's buying their first digging knife or a professional gardener or landscaper who's on their way to buy their tenth one.
Either way, you don't want to invest time and money on the wrong garden tool, only to have to return or replace it in a couple of weeks. So, pay attention to the features we'll discuss below to know how to decide whether a weeding knife's right for you.
Handle
Because handles make all the difference, most experienced gardeners prefer the wooden handle. For starters, hardwood and bamboo handles aren't affected by the temperature. Also, they provide a non-slip grip for safe usage. Plus, wooden handles are the most aesthetically pleasing and authentic-looking option. However, they may be heavy.
Alternatively, some handles are made of plastic or soft polymer. They're good and lightweight, which is perfect for beginners, while others are flimsy and cheap.
Quick Pro Tip: Look for a handle that's riveted to hold all the knife's parts together and has a lanyard hole to hang the knife on.
Length
It's vital to consider length when it comes to your favorite weeding tool. The length of the blade itself typically ranges from six to seven and a half inches, while the total length of the gardening tool ranges from twelve to fourteen and a half inches. The average width of a Japanese hori-hori knife is an inch and a half to two inches.
Blade
The knife's concave blade comes in varying degrees to help you scoop and dig. The most sustainable material is stainless steel, which handles continuous soil and water exposure, thanks to its corrosion and rust resistance.
This blade type is long-lasting, with little maintenance needed. And the carbon steel blade lasts just as long with good care.
In a dual design, every traditional Japanese garden knife has a serrated edge for digging, sawing, and other demanding tasks and a straight edge for basic slicing and cutting. Furthermore, it should have an engraved ruler/depth scale to gauge how deep you're digging.
Extras
Sometimes, a Japanese gardening knife will come with additional features or accessories that help it stand out. Extra accessories give you the best value for your money, so we highly recommend them if you're on a budget.
A high-quality hori-hori knife comes with its own leather sheath, whetstone, sharpening rod, belt clips, extra blades, and other accessories that save you the cost of having to buy them separately. So, find knives that come with their own accessories.
Tang
The word tang refers to the extension of the blade through the handle. Knives either come with a full tang or half tang.
On the one hand, a full-length tang is an ideal choice for a strong knife that doesn't bend, detach, or break, no matter how much pressure you put it under. So, it's more suitable for heavy-duty use and demanding gardeners that don't settle for less, even if it's more affordable.
Most beginner gardeners don't realize how tiring gardening tasks can be, primarily when they depend on monotonous hand movements.
So, look for knives with an ergonomic, fatigue-free grip because you deserve to take care of your garden without your hands cramping. Different designs cater to different comfort needs.
Many gardeners find natural materials like wooden handles to be the most comfortable. On the other hand, many people find the more modern polymer handles excellent, especially for sweaty hands. If the knife you already have isn't the most comfortable, consider making up for it with comfortable gardening gloves.
Size
When it comes to size, some knives are made for larger hands, while others are made for smaller ones or for people who prioritize portability above everything else. So, bear in mind the size of your own hands and choice of application the next time you buy a hori-hori knife.
Stain/Corrosion Resistance
Any gardening tool you use will constantly be exposed to the elements, whether it's water, soil, or even the sun. It's important to consider whether the materials involved will rust or stain.
If you're looking for a knife that's virtually unaffected by these factors, we highly recommend investing in one with a stainless steel blade.
There's a lesser option that's more affordable, which is the carbon steel blade. For even more affordability, consider blades that are coated with rust-resistant materials. However, these don't even come close to stainless steel blades.
Cleaning/Maintenance
Like other gardening tools, your Japanese garden knife needs care. Whenever you use your soil knife, it collects dirt, sticky sap, and so much more. If these things continue to build up on the blade, they'll reduce its quality.
So, the most basic care routine that you can do is wipe it clean with white spirit after each use. Clean the handles and oil them to prevent them from cracking, as well. Also, sharpening the blade is a no-brainer for the knife to last, so get a diamond sharpening rod to sharpen it whenever it gets dull.
The Sheath
The sheath is the cover that protects the knife from the elements and enables you to store it anywhere. It also saves everyone from the knife's sharp edge. And it comes with belt loops so that you don't lose it while working. Generally, it helps your knife last long.
A leather sheath is the most high-quality option, but there are good nylon options at a lower price. Faux leather is also a popular option for vegan gardeners who don't want any animal-based materials in their products. And it's popular for its affordability when compared to genuine leather.
Why You Need to Buy a Hori-Hori Knife
Cost-Effectiveness
If you think about every garden tool out there and how much it costs, gardening would seem to be very expensive. But, what if we told you that you can save all that money on multiple tools by getting only one? That's precisely what the hori-hori knife is here for. It replaces many tools, which ends up saving a lot of money for gardeners on a budget.
Versatility
It's one little tool that's probably the most versatile in someone's backyard. With a hori-hori knife, you can make seed troughs, slice through anything, cut through roots, loosen up the soil, harvest crops and flowers, remove deep-rooted weeds, mix in fertilizers, dig holes, prune branches, aerate the soil, and do much more.
The engraved measurements also help you understand the depth that you're working with. So, in many ways, this knife acts as a trowel, ruler, pruner, weed extractor, and small saw.
Ease of Use
One of the advantages that hori-hori knives have over other tools is how straightforward they are. Even if you're an amateur in the world of gardening or landscaping, using a knife to cut through stuff and dig up holes comes quite naturally. You can probably tell that the serrated edge is for complex tasks, while the flat edge is for basic tasks without anyone telling you.
So, the hori-hori knife is a favorite among amateurs and professionals alike.
Origin of the Hori-Hori Knife
This is for all Japanese gardening tools enthusiasts. Let's take a trip down memory lane to better understand Hori-Hori knives and how they came to be what they are today.
How It Started
This convenient tool originated in Japan in 1876, when the Meiji government officially banned the manufacturing of katanas, so swordsmiths had to make a living in another way. Their talents of sword forging paid off in the world of gardening. This was all thanks to the high quality of their work and the versatility of their tools.
In the beginning, the Hori-Hori knife was called the "Sansai knife", as it was used to excavate Sansai and harvest vegetables from the mountains. Its handle was either wooden or bamboo.
As time went by, more and more people started to take notice of this particular knife. The duality of its blade's sides helped many farmers and gardeners saw anything with one side and dig with another.
How It's Going
Modern advancements were reflected in the construction of the Hori-Hori knife, as well. Manufacturers are now more able to balance durability with lightness, and the materials used are more affordable to the average gardener.
To give you an example, you can now find knives with good-quality plastic handles. There's even more variety in wooden handles. Also, blades now come in either stainless steel or carbon steel so that you can choose depending on your usage.
Finally, modern knives come with their own accessories. From sharpening rods and stone to nylon and leather sheaths, there's a lot more comfort in these garden tools.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are the most common questions people have.
What Can Japanese Gardening Knives Do?
Believe it or not, it'd be easier to ask, "what can't Japanese gardening knives do?" The soil knife is a multi-purpose garden tool that can do many gardening tasks and even replace essential gardening tools.
You can use it to dig, cut, slice, remove stubborn roots, harvest all root crops, eradicate all kinds of weeds, saw through anything, mark rows for seeds, transplant, measure soil depth, prune, and finally, seed and plant.
What Does Hori-Hori Mean?
The word "Hori" alone means "to dig" in Japanese. To elaborate, the expression "hori-hori" is an onomatopoeia for the sound of digging, which is a pretty clever way of referencing the common usage of the tool in digging and scooping dirt.
More importantly, the expression refers to a multi-purpose tool, and digging is only one of the many ways you can utilize it. It's also called the weeding knife or soil knife.
How Do You Sharpen a Hori-Hori Knife?
Before you sharpen the tool, make sure you clean it with soapy water or white spirit. Then, grab the sharpening rod, and start sharpening the straight edge of the knife in small circular patterns up and down the blade.
Next, switch to the pointed side of the rod to sharpen the serrated edge of the blade. Then, insert the rod between the teeth, and go back and forth in twisting motion, focusing on the bigger gaps.
What Is Half Tang?
A half-tang knife is one where the blade extends for a short part into the handle, meaning that it doesn't extend to the bottom of the knife. This kind of construction makes the knife more lightweight and maneuverable than its full-tang counterpart, making it ideal for light cutting and gardening tasks.
That being said, we don't recommend the half-tang knife for heavy-duty tasks because it might break under pressure. However, it's better suited for beginners.
Final Word
Ultimately, the best knife is probably the Nisaku NJP650 Hori-Hori Knife. This Japanese knife is durable and rust and scratch-resistant.
Also, its inch markings are pretty helpful. If your priority is optimal construction, consider the Black Iron Hori-Hori Knife. Finally, we recommend the Sensei Hori-Hori Knife for its traditional-modern blend.
The 5 Best Watering Cans For Your Garden
Watering cans are an essential accessory for any novice or aspiring green-fingered gardener.
The Union Watering Can delivers 2 watering styles, thanks to its removable plastic spout, which makes it versatile for those who need a garden-hose backup and have a lot of watering to do. In addition, the twin handles give you more leverage to choose the way you hold the can.
It also comes in a 1 or 2-gallon size, so you can choose from the two models, depending on how much water you think you'll need or how many plants you have to water. We believe this is the best watering can for most uses, and it's available in a range of bright colors with a cute tulip motif.
Pros
Twin handles perfect for picking up
Shower and stream watering styles
Choice of 1 or 2-gallon sizes
Cons
The removable plastic spout may be flimsy and could leak
This watering can by Bloem can hold more than 2 gallons of water, ideal for those who have lots of flowering beds and plants to water. We've considered it the best all-rounder because of its ergonomic design that allows you to fill it with water from the side so that the handles aren't on the way.
It features a unique sprinkler head that lets you switch between rainmaker watering style to stream with one easy click, targeting areas such as roots without affecting the soil.
This watering can's twin handles make carrying and refilling easy. Its high-quality, UV-resistant, BPA-free plastic body with soft edges gives you an easy watering experience and feels good in your hands.
Pros
Twin handles
Rotating spout clicks into place for 2 watering styles
Holds over 2 gallons of water
Durable plastic and convenient side hole for filling water
Cons
Can be hard to get a light water flow using this can
This budget plastic watering can by Novelty is ideal for day-to-day maintenance of indoor plants. It holds a gallon of water and is lightweight.
Moreover, it features a long spout with a small opening to let you have complete control over the water flow, making it ideal for flowering baskets and hanging plants that may be placed high up. In addition, its long handle gives you leverage, allowing you to move your hand as the water drains out.
Novelty's watering can is sturdy and durable, made of shatterproof UV-resistant plastic. Not to mention, its small size means you can easily store it away.
Pros
Long spout with small water opening
Long, ergonomic handle allows for easier movement
Durable and lightweight, made of shatterproof plastic
Behrens steel watering can has a vintage appeal and performs as well as it looks! It's made from sturdy galvanized steel that resists rust, so it's ideal for outdoor watering. It's incredibly durable and lasts longer than any plastic watering can, so you could leave it out anywhere, and it'll be as good as ever.
It comes in a range of capacities, including 1.5, 2, 2.5, and 3 gallons, and features a handle at the top that flips down to make filling water easy.
Moreover, it delivers a wide spray pattern, allowing you to cover distant areas, and is suitable for most plants. In addition, it can be tipped forward if you require a stream of water.
Bloem has designed this watering can with plastic resin to ensure long-lasting performance, so you can rest assured that your UV-protected watering can will be fine if you leave it outside or on the window sill.
Unlike chunky cans, this one is beautifully streamlined, so your water won't be splashing about when moving around with the can. In addition, it has a convenient long-stem spout to give you leverage with water control, especially when it comes to delicate plants, houseplants, small plants, or those that may be low down, protecting your back.
You won't get tired of lugging this around your home thanks to its curved, comfortable long handle. You can easily switch between periods of holding and pouring using two hands or one.
You also get a capacity of half a gallon of water and an aesthetically pretty flower motif.
Pros
Long stem spout
Allows precise watering
Curved design avoids water spillage
Long handle
Cons
Small, holds half a gallon only
Catered mainly for day-to-day maintenance
Suitable for plants placed at waist-high length or low down
How to Choose a Watering Can
When it comes to choosing which watering can to go for, it all depends on your requirements and whether you're going to be using it inside or out.
Another factor to bear in mind is the capacity and how much you can carry. Some large watering cans may end up feeling too heavy to hold.
Other cans come with handles that allow you to use both your hands which can be convenient when holding a lot of water. Below are the factors you need to consider when choosing your watering can.
Spout Options
The spout of a watering can will determine the watering style that's delivered. For example, some spouts will have only a stream or pour function while others will sprinkle like a shower, and some will let you switch between both.
A sprinkle head has the advantage of evenly coating your plants with steady pressure, giving you precision by directing where you want water to be sprinkled. In addition, it allows for a light flow to avoid damaging soil.
If, however, you need deep and direct waterings as well, then you might benefit from a can that gives you the flexibility of removing the sprinkle head.
For example, if you require your watering can to provide you with a straight stream directly to the soil, or if you want something to help you extend your reach, then a longer spout would be ideal.
Size
Larger watering cans feel heavier when they're full, so if you know you're going to require a lot of water to serve your needs, opt for a watering can that's large but streamlined and can carry a gallon or two.
Most watering cans will have a carrying capacity of about 1 or 2 gallons, and the ones on the larger end of this spectrum have the advantage of reducing the number of trips to the water faucet.
On the other hand, if you have a few indoor plants to water, you don't need a big watering can. In this case, opt for smaller, lightweight, and compact designs that can cater for about half a gallon.
Pro Tip: Smaller-sized watering cans are perfect for new plantings, seedlings, and houseplants.
You can always choose an inexpensive and small watering can for day-to-day uses and a larger one for mixing in fertilizers and intensive waterings during the main growing seasons.
Material
Some materials give a lovely aesthetic to a watering can, while others tend to be more practical or functional.
Plastic
Being lightweight and therefore easy to refill and relatively sturdy, plastic watering cans are a good choice. They're long-lasting and never rust, especially when stored correctly.
Plastic watering cans are also more streamlined, so they can be stored in small spaces, and some even come with UV-protective coatings so you can leave them out in the sun, and they won't fade.
Plastic cans are cheaper than metal ones and often come with versatile spout options, such as a stream or sprinkler head.
Metal
Metal watering cans have that beautiful, vintage appeal. You can opt for one made of galvanized steel with the advantage of being very strong and durable, so it won't rust the way other metal (particularly tin) watering cans do.
Galvanized steel will probably last you forever, or you can opt for brass, copper, or stainless steel watering cans, all of which have a beautiful aesthetic to them and can look charming in any garden. Metal watering cans tend to be long-lasting but can be heavier than plastic watering cans.
Leak-Free Design
Plastic is usually constructed in one piece, so there are no seams for water to seep out. In contrast, metal cans that tend to rust will potentially leak.
They're also not constructed in one piece, so there might be small joinings in the metal that water may seep out of after some time.
If you're searching for indoor watering cans for indoor house plants, consider one with a curved spout that will prevent leakages when refilling and moving around.
One vs. Two Handles
Two handles can make things feel more comfortable for your hands when operating with larger capacity watering cans, giving you more control over water flow.
You can use the top handle for carrying the watering can around, while you can use the back handle for directing flows.
Some designs come with a long continuous handle from the top to the back, commonly seen on smaller cans and indoor watering cans.
Indoor Plant Misters
Plant misters are used to gently mist plants to encourage humid conditions that plants love. You’ll need to use your watering can for watering the soils, as that helps plants take up water through their roots, but misting can prevent leaves and petals from drying out.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are the most common questions people have.
Are Watering Cans Necessary?
Watering cans give you complete control of the water flow necessary for new plants and seedlings.
Hoses can cause damage at times due to the intense water pressure they impart. Indoor houseplants like succulents would benefit from direct and precise watering with long spouted watering cans without creating the mess that a regular cup might do.
Do Galvanized Watering Cans Rust?
Galvanized and stainless steel cans won't rust but will be heavier than plastic ones. You could opt for an aluminum watering can if you want a metal-based watering can.
How Do You Maintain a Watering Can?
Storing it away from light and in a dry place will help preserve the plastic or metal materials of the can.
How Big Is a Normal Watering Can?
Average watering cans will hold about 1 to 2 gallons of water.
What Can I Use Instead of a Watering Can?
You can use any bottle that has a handle, such as a milk bottle.
Conclusion
The ideal watering can shouldn’t be too heavy and must give you the flexibility of two handles to comfortably hold and use it.
It should also have a spout that matches your requirements for the type of watering pattern you desire and carry a water capacity that would be suitable for either indoors or outdoors, depending on which you prefer.
With the right choice, you are sure to provide excellent care and continuous flourishing for your plantings, new seedlings, and crops.
![Black Iron Hori Hori Garden Knife [7 Inches, Japanese Stainless Steel] Durable Gardening Tool for Weeding, Digging, Cutting & Planting with Leather Sheath and Sharpening Stone](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51MDK+nqozL.jpg)
