Gardening Video
Use a soaker hose to water your plant roots instead of leaves or the air. Avoid common mistakes with this video.
Save water, time and money while growing a healthier garden, by using the right watering system for the right plants in the right place. Drip irrigation and soaker hoses:
- Deliver water slowly, close to plant roots where they need it.
- Reduce water losses from evaporation and overspray.
- Are healthy for plants because they keep foliage dry, which reduces fungal disease.
What is the difference between drip and soaker hoses?
- Drip irrigation uses flexible plastic tubing with tiny holes or “emitters” that slowly drip water into the soil. Learn more in Tips for Installing Drip Irrigation at Home (pdf).
- Soaker hoses are made of porous material that “leak” or seep water all along their length. Learn more in the Soaker Hose fact sheet (pdf).
How do I choose? Soaker hoses are cheaper and easier to use but:
- They are not “pressure-compensating”, so do not work well on slopes.
- They only work in lengths of up to 200 feet – because the flow of water decreases beyond this length.
- Some are made of recycled rubber so may not be a great choice for food crops.
More Information Soaker Hose fact sheet (pdf)
Tips for Installing Drip Irrigation at Home – technical fact sheet (pdf)
Smart Watering Guide (pdf)
How to Water New Plants (pdf)
Questions? Call the Garden Hotline at (206) 633-0224 or email help@gardenhotline.org for answers to all of your watering and other lawn and garden questions.