Soaker hoses: The water-saving solution every gardener needs

Water conservation is becoming more crucial as water restrictions expand in various locations. Traditional watering approaches, including sprinklers, are not the most efficient when it comes to gardens because they waste water through evaporation or runoff from the garden area.

Soaker hoses are an excellent, eco-friendly resource to deal with this issue. These hoses gradually release water into the soil at ground level, where the plants can use it. This way saves water, and water a large area so that the water can penetrate more evenly. Soaker hoses save water and waste by concentrating the water at the roots where it is most needed, allowing plants to receive the moisture they need, which in turn saves gardeners time and energy.

What Is a Soaker Hose?

The soaker hose is a porous hose with perforations distributed along its length that slowly emit water. While regular hoses spray water, soaker hoses allow water to flow out at a slow, steady pace, through tiny pores, providing a way to water plants deeply and efficiently.

• Functionality

Soaker hoses are designed to water plants directly, via gradual seepage through the holes in the hoses. The water trickles down the hose and leaches out all along its length into the soil, balancing the rate at which moisture is absorbed and allowing plants to pull it up where most needed. This process wastes less water by reducing evaporation and runoff, and this is a more economical and water saving way to keep the plants watered. It delivers water where plants need it most.

• Materials

Soaker hoses are usually constructed of recycled rubber or PVC. Rubber hoses are tough and flexible, and PVC hoses are lightweight and economical. Both materials stand up to the pressure of water flow and will last through the seasons, for the garden, raised beds or landscape.

Benefits of Using Soaker Hoses

Soaker hoses provide the most convenient way for efficient garden watering.

Water Conservation

Soaker hoses are much more water-efficient than traditional sprinklers. Sprinklers frequently waste water by evaporating and running off, but soaker hoses distribute water directly to the soil, minimizing water wastage. This way the water reaches the roots where it is needed and won’t go to waste, and no risk of over-saturating the area or the plants.

Disease Prevention

One of the great advantages of using soaker hoses is that they keep the foliage of plants dry. As water is transferred directly to the ground, the leaves and stems remain unaffected by moisture. This will decrease the likelihood of mold and mildew, as they love moisture. Soaker hoses also help protect plants from these destructive environments by keeping foliage dry.

Weed Reduction

Soaker hoses deliver water at the base of the plant so that only the area around the roots gets wet. This lessens the water supply to weeds, which are common in irrigated areas, such as next to sprinklers. Soaker hoses naturally keep weed growth to a minimum by keeping the ground around weeds dry, which makes it easier for other plants to thrive without competition.

Types of Soaker Hoses

When choosing a soaker hose, there are a number of things to think about, including design and material in order to make sure it’s the right fit for the garden. Following is a breakdown of the various kinds of soaker hoses to guide people in making an informed choice:

1. Flat vs. Round

The two main soaker hose varieties are flat and round, offering distinct advantages depending on garden type and style.

Flat Hoses

• Flexible and easy to manipulate and fit under mulch, alongside pathways, or soaker hose for raised beds.
• Lay flat against the ground, with even water distribution over a broad area.
• Perfect for those with fewer garden spaces or yards in which plants require only a gentle surface watering.
• It may not be as resistant to heavy handling or high pressure over the long term.

Round Hoses

• Longer lasting and kink resistant, so it is ideal for larger or more open garden spaces.
• Great for gardens with odd shapes, or places where users need to water more at the root.
• Accepts higher water pressure and is ideal for larger garden plots that require additional watering coverage.
• It could be a bit bulkier, take up more space when coiled or in storage.

2. Material Variations

The construction of the soaker hose also affects its performance and longevity, and it is usually made of recycled rubber and PVC.

Recycled Rubber

• Flexible, heavy-duty, and ready for UV rays, weather, and hard use.
• Has a longer life, so it is a better long-term investment.
• Resistant to crushing and cracking.
• It’s more expensive than PVC but stronger, so it's suitable for larger or regularly watered gardens.

PVC

• Light weight, low-cost and easy to work with, it’s an attractive option for smaller gardens or more casual gardeners.
• Not as durable as rubber, but it's mold and mildew resistant, good for a high-humidity area.
• May break down with prolonged sun exposure, especially if not stored or disposed of correctly.
• Easier to install, less maintenance, but may need replacement after a few seasons of heavy use.

4. Length and Diameter Options

Soaker hoses, which are available in various lengths and diameters, enable gardeners to select the right size for their particular garden.

Length

• Comes in a range of lengths from 25 to 100 feet or more, so people can cut to fit based on what works best in the garden’s size and best soaker hose layout.
• Shorter hoses (25 to 50 feet) are good for smallish gardens, while longer hoses (75 to 100 feet) are better for larger plots or multiple garden beds.
• And some soaker hoses are connectable, so users can use several together to cover more ground, providing flexibility in garden design.

Diameter

• Thinner Hoses (¼-inch to ½-inch): They work best for small gardens or as a low pressure hose for raised beds. They're not as bulky as hoses, and they're very manageable.
• Larger Hose Sizes (½-inch to 1-inch): Ideal for big garden spaces or where more water flow is required, these hoses give more water.
• The wider the hose, the more water it can carry; bigger hoses are usually larger in diameter, too and they’d work better for garden spaces needing more water or if the water has to travel through the irrigation system over a long distance.

Pressure Considerations

• The size of the hose determines how the water flows; a 5/8-inch hose was able to handle high water pressure and deliver water in a broader range.
• Thinner hoses are best for a low pressure watering system and a small garden. Adjusting pressure can ensure optimal water delivery without causing damage to the plants.

TOP 3 Soaker Hose Picks

Below are three of the best-selling soaker hoses on Growcycle that cater to different gardening applications:

1. Gilmour 5/8"X25' Water Weeper Flat Hose

The Gilmour 5/8" x 25' Water Weeper Flat Hose is a sturdy flat soaker hose suitable for garden beds and other tight-spaced areas. Manufactured using a fabric material with a clog- resistant cover, it provides for an even distribution of water throughout the bag length. This hose is flexible enough that gardeners can easily navigate it around plants.

It’s also super compact and rolls up easily, meaning it’s ideal for people with limited storage space. With its efficient garden watering, it cuts down on waste and ensures plants get the right amount of water.

• Type: Flat soaker hose
• Material: Durable fabric with clog-resistant cover
• Ideal For: Garden beds and tight spaces
• Key Features: Even water distribution, easy storage, flexible design

2. Andrews 50' Two Tube Soaker Hose

The Andrews 50' Two Tube Soaker Hose delivers a gentle spray and is ideal for all of the garden watering needs. This hose is made of computer-designed flexible vinyl for a super performance Inflator hose with adjustable water flow, to be used in upward and downward directions. It also includes a lay-flat design and uniform watering across the garden.

The hose includes an adjustable end clip that delivers the perfect fit for use with any commercial water nozzle or sprinkler. This soaker hose is ideal for those who want to conserve water and reach optimal efficiency.

• Type: Two-tube soaker hose
• Material: Flexible vinyl
• Ideal For: Contoured garden beds and varied terrain
• Key Features: Adjustable end clip, customizable length, flat-laying design

3. Element 3/8" x 100' Soaker Pro Hose

The Element 3/8" x 100' Soaker Pro Hose is perfect for large lawns and planters, vegetable gardens, and flower beds that need extensive watering. Constructed from environmentally-friendly materials, this hose has a non-clogging pore system for even water distribution. It includes an 18-piece EZ-Connect system that sets up with ease.

The hose's design prevents bursting, leaking, and kinking, provides for efficient and adequate water, utility for plant watering in garden, as well as washing in the backyard. This product is perfect for the home gardener who wants an efficient and hassle free soaker hose for a larger garden area.

• Type: Soaker hose kit
• Material: Eco-friendly materials
• Ideal For: Large lawns, vegetable gardens, and flower beds
• Key Features: EZ-Connect system, non-clogging pores, reduces evaporation

How to Install a Soaker Hose System

Soaker hose systems are easy and inexpensive to install, and this method of watering also helps to make sure that plants do not remain thirsty. If properly planned and installed, it can save time, water and work and still support a healthy garden.

1. Planning

Prior to installing a soaker hose system, it’s critical to determine what the best soaker hose layout is. Begin by finding rows of plants, flower beds or garden plots that require water. Measure the space to find out how much hose is needed. Make sure the position of the hoses is designed to spread water evenly over the plants and if people have a large area to cover, users may need more than one hose or connector.

2. Installation Steps

1. Gardeners can prepare the garden bed by clearing it of any debris to allow the hose to remain flat and evenly distribute water.
2. Unroll the soaker hose and lay it in the location intended to direct the water. It has to get everywhere in the place that needs a drink. If more than one hose is used they should be joined together with hose connectors.
3. Set it up in a zigzag or serpentine configuration to get as much water as possible on the ground, especially in larger areas. It should be positioned close to the plant roots for effective watering.
4. One end of the hose should attach to the water source, whether that’s a faucet, hose bib or part of an existing irrigation system.
5. Gardeners can then turn on the water, checking for the even distribution of it from the hose. Modifications may be added to cover all cases.

3. Maintenance Tips

• Sediment and minerals can clog the pores of the hose over time. To avoid this, flush the hose with water every few weeks to remove any buildup.
• If uneven watering or dry areas are observed, the hose should be checked for particles. Gardeners can also blow the entire system free or use a small tool to unclog the hose’s tip.
• In the winter or off season months, gardeners should be careful to store the soaker hose correctly. They are to be drained whenever any excess water needs to be removed. And just let the hose coils drain water and store them in a cool place, dry and away from sunlight and very cold temperatures to avoid damage from the cold.

Soaker Hoses in Different Garden Settings

Soaker hoses are versatile and efficient tools that can be used in various garden settings.

Soaker Hose for Raised Beds

Soaker hoses are especially useful in raised garden beds. These raised beds can also have superior drainage and water can run away too quickly. This will ensure that the water is reaching the root zones where it’s needed most, and it will keep the plants deeply watered with no excess water spreading elsewhere.

This is particularly useful in raised beds, which can dry more quickly than in-ground gardens. They conserve water by reducing the amount of water evaporation, and are perfect for both new plantings and watered beds.

In-Ground Gardens

Soaker hoses can work wonders in overhead gardens as well. Gardeners can lay the hoses along rows or between plants so that water seeps directly into the soil, where plant roots are. This system allows the plants to get moisture right where it is needed with minimal evaporation and runoff.

Soaker hoses are perfect for gardens that include plants that prefer a constant level of soil moisture while being a little tolerant of overhead watering, which can lead to disease. This also helps with water conservation, as they eliminate wasted water.

Landscaping

Soaker hoses are an excellent addition to gardening and landscaping especially useful in flower beds, landscaping and gardens. Water can be moved around very quickly and efficiently, so when watering these portions of the garden with regular sprinklers, the water can miss or over saturate a particular area. Soaker hoses deliver water straight into the soil, which means plants receive the perfect amount of water.

In addition, it is a way to keep the ornamental plants, shrubs and trees healthy, and out of the reach of weeds and disease. Soaker hoses are a great, simple way to keep the landscape and newly planted trees looking great.

The Bottom Line

Soaker hoses are a practical and eco-friendly choice for watering gardens efficiently. They deliver water directly to the plant roots, helping reduce waste, prevent diseases, and save time. Whether used in raised beds, traditional gardens, or landscaping, garden hoses are easy to maintain and offer a better alternative to traditional watering methods. 

For gardeners seeking to conserve water and simplify plant care, visit Growcycle for a range of high-quality soaker hoses, offering reliable options for their watering needs.

Disclaimer: This material is for informational purposes only and should not be relied on for legal, medical, financial, or any other form of professional advice.

About the Author

Victor Miller

Environmental Journalist Focused on Sustainable Agriculture

Victor Miller is an environmental journalist at Growcycle, specializing in sustainable agriculture. With a passion for storytelling, he highlights the latest trends, innovations, and practices that promote ecological balance and responsible farming.