Get the best watering wand for your garden. One of the best ways I keep updated on what is happening in the garden is by hand-watering with a watering wand. In this post, you will learn why I choose to hand-water, how to save time when hand-watering, and the best watering wands to use for hand watering. What is a watering wand (some people call it a water wand, a gardening wand, or garden wand) and what is the best watering wand for a garden hose? There are even directions for making your own DIY watering wand. Whatever your water wand needs, this list will give you some ideas. Read on to find out about the best water wands out there in my watering wand reviews of different watering wand features.
Table of Contents
What is a Watering Wand?
A watering wand is a long-handled tool used for watering plants, flowers, and gardens. It typically consists of a handle attached to a nozzle that sprays water. The length of the handle makes it easier to reach plants without having to bend over or get down on your knees, and the adjustable nozzle allows you to control the flow and direction of the water. Some watering wands also have multiple spray patterns, making it possible to water delicate plants or seeds without damaging them. The best watering wand for a garden hose can be attached to a standard garden hose for convenience (make sure the part that attaches to your garden hose is the right size), and is often used in combination with a watering can for watering specific garden areas. Overall, a watering wand is one of the best watering tools for anyone who wants a more precise and comfortable way to water their plants and garden.
Why Use a Watering Wand?
Should I use a watering wand? Do I need a watering wand? A watering wand is a useful tool for several reasons:
Precision watering: The long handle and adjustable nozzle on a watering wand allow for precise watering, making it easier to reach plants and target specific areas that need watering.
Less strain: The long handle of a watering wand reduces the strain on your back, arms, and hands, making it more comfortable to use for extended periods of time.
Water control: Many watering wands have adjustable nozzles that allow you to control the flow and pressure of the water, making it easier to water delicate plants or seeds without damaging them.
Convenience: Watering wands typically attach to a standard garden hose, making it easy to use and convenient to store.
Versatility: Some watering wands are designed for multi-use, and can be used for watering plants, cleaning surfaces, and other tasks.
Overall, a watering wand is a useful tool for gardeners and homeowners who want a more precise and comfortable way to water their plants and garden. I am all about gardening smarter, not harder, as you might know from my post about using garden kneelers for comfort. Read on for more about watering wands!
Why I Use a Watering Wand
Even though we have an automatic sprinkler system set up for watering the lawn, I choose to hand-water the container plants, the flower beds and the vegetable garden. Why? I do much better at spotting weeds when I water by hand. Slugs, deer and rabbits are notorious for damaging plants in our vegetable garden. When I hand-water, I can easily spot any damage that has occurred and take action. I know some people are big fans of drip systems, and I agree that they can be a very effective way to water. The main problem is that we rototill our vegetable garden spot every year. We haven’t discovered an efficient way to gather up the drip system then lay it back out again when the garden is ready. If you have an efficient way to do this, please let me know. For now, I will continue to use a water wand for plants, especially when the garden is just getting started.
Do Water Wands Work?
Yes, water wands can be effective tools for watering plants and gardens. By providing a focused stream of water, they can allow you to target specific areas and deliver water exactly where it’s needed. This can be particularly useful for delicate plants, seeds, or flowers that require precise watering. Additionally, many water wands feature adjustable nozzles, so you can control the flow and direction of the water.
However, it’s important to note that the effectiveness of a watering wand can depend on several factors, such as the quality of the wand, the type of nozzle, and the specific watering needs of your plants. So while water wands can be effective, it’s important to choose the right one for your needs and use it properly to ensure that your plants receive the water they need.
How to Save Time When Using a Watering Wand
When I water the container plants, flower beds and vegetable garden with a watering wand, I only have to change to a different hose once. Save time when hand-watering by using a long hose. I use our hose to its maximum capabilities to get it to stretch all the way across the front lawn to the dahlia bed (I’m a great fan of dahlias). I then switch to a different hose for the vegetable garden. There are a few container plants in our backyard that I water with a large metal farmhouse-style watering can, then I’m done.
What is the Best Watering Wand?
The best watering wand is subjective and depends on individual needs and preferences. Ultimately, the best watering wand is the one that best fits your watering needs, is durable, and feels comfortable in your hand. Here I’ve provided a variety of watering wands with different features to fit different gardening needs. Whether you need to water hanging baskets, container plants that are located in the middle of a flower bed, or just need a gentle spray of water to nurture tender new plants, there is something on this list for you.
How Do I Choose a Water Wand?
There are so many options out there. When choosing a watering wand, you will want to consider the following important factors:
Purpose: What will you be using the wand for? Some wands are designed specifically for watering plants, while others are designed for cleaning or other tasks.
Material: Wands are typically made of metal, plastic, or rubber. Choose a material that is durable and can withstand exposure to water and other elements.
Length: Consider the length of the wand and whether it is long enough to reach all of your plants or areas you need to water.
Spray Pattern: Consider the type of spray pattern you need. Some wands have adjustable nozzles that allow you to switch between different patterns, while others have a fixed spray pattern.
Comfort: Consider the comfort and grip of the wand, especially if you will be using it for an extended period of time.
Quality: Look for a wand that is well-made and has a good reputation for quality and reliability.
Price: Consider your budget and choose a wand that offers the features you need at a price you can afford.
Ultimately, the best watering wand for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences.
My Quest for the Best Watering Wand
I really like the watering wand I have right now. Even though its tag had the name Sprout on it, the name it is listed under online is Melnor. It came from our local one-stop-shopping-center, and the only identifying brand name was located on the removable tag. I removed the tag long ago, but I was recently in the same store and checked to see if it was still there. It is, and I’m thinking I might want to purchase five of them, just to be safe. It has done well so far, but it’s the third garden watering wand I’ve had, so when it gives out, I need to be prepared with a replacement. Just in case they are all sold out (already out of stock at Walmart) and I have to purchase a different kind, here are a few features I’m looking for. A heavy duty watering wand would be best, and it’s important that I have a watering wand that doesn’t leak. I’d like to get the longest watering wand I can find, so a telescoping watering wand is a must. I occasionally adjust the spray settings, so a turret wand with adjustable spray options would be desirable. Will I be able to find all of these features in just one garden watering wand? Let’s find out!
Using the Correct Search Terms
When shopping for a watering wand, different search terms might get you different results. Some people use the term best garden hose wands when searching. Others might use the term long rod spray sprinkler. I also encountered the terms garden hose nozzle and rain wand. Sometimes, when I just used the term watering wand, the results included watering wands for washing cars, which was not what I was looking for. I had better results when I made sure to include the word garden in my search. Whichever term you use, I hope you will find this post about the best garden watering wands (or best hose nozzle wands, yet another variation) helpful.
A Note About Pricing
Prices vary and change. Instead of giving an exact figure, I’m going to just use a key. $=less than $30, $$=$30-$50, $$$=$50-$100, and $$$$=more than $100. Prices change constantly, so this way I will avoid giving you outdated information.
Most-Used Watering Wand Settings to Save Time
Even though my watering wand can be compressed to be shorter, why would I do that? Mine is always in the extended position, and I leave the spigot in the on position. Since I can control the flow of the water with a trigger, I see no need to mess around with the on/off spigot at all. I also usually have mine remain on the Shower setting on the nozzle. When I need to water, I just turn on the hose and press the trigger to be efficient.
Best Heavy Duty Watering Wand
As previously noted, I am on my third watering wand. I really like the one I have now, but I’m fully prepared for it to break. I try to be gentle with my watering wand, but during the summer it gets used almost daily. Any watering wand I purchase must be able to withstand frequent use without wearing out quickly. After performing extensive searches online, here are the watering wands that received praise for being sturdy, rugged, and heavy-duty. To find results, I had to use search terms like hose sprayer wand heavy-duty and heavy-duty watering wand, just in case you try to replicate my results.
| Name of watering wand | Total length |
Trigger handle |
Price | Other vendor |
| Lisa’s watering wand | 33 inches | Yes | $ | Melnor |
| Floriax Thumb Control Heavy Duty | 18 inches | No (thumb switch) | $ | |
| H20 Works Heavy Duty Watering Wand | 21 inches | Yes | $ | |
| Green Mount Watering Wand | 16 inches | Yes | $ | Walmart |
| Gilmour 820522-1001 | 34 inches | No | $ | Ace |
| Orbit 56044 Front Trigger | 30 inches | Yes | $ | L&M Fleet Supply |
| Yestar 19-Inch | 19 inches | No (thumb switch) | $ | |
| Yestar 24-33 Inch | 33 inches | Yes | $ | |
| Yestar 3-Piece Garden Hose Nozzle Set | 17 inches | Yes | $ |
Best Watering Wand That Doesn’t Leak
One feeling I’m really not fond of is the sensation of water running down my arm when I am trying to water hanging plant baskets. That is what happens when I am working with a leaky watering wand. I’ve also worked with watering wands that were so leaky I had to wear my rain jacket every time I watered the garden. In an effort to avoid the unpleasant results of leaky watering experiences, finding a watering wand that doesn’t leak is high on my list of water wand priorities.
Why is my water wand leaking?
A water wand can leak for several reasons, including:
Worn or damaged nozzle: Over time, the nozzle on a watering wand can become worn or damaged, causing it to leak.
Loose connections: If the connections between the wand, hose, and faucet are loose, water can leak out.
Worn or damaged washer or O-ring: A worn or damaged washer or O-ring can cause water to leak from the connections.
Crack or break in the wand: If the wand itself is cracked or broken, water can leak out.
If you’re experiencing a leak with your water wand, it’s important to identify the source of the leak and take steps to repair it. This can help prevent further damage to the wand or other components, and ensure that your watering wand continues to work effectively. If you’re not confident in your ability to fix the wand yourself, it may be best to seek the assistance of a professional.
For the record, mine only leaks a little bit at the extension joint when the trigger handle is compressed. When the trigger is not being compressed, there is no leakage. I’ll take it! If your watering wand does start to leak, it’s great to have a product with a lifetime warranty. What are the best watering wands that don’t leak? Often, you won’t know until after you purchase and try it out. So, let’s find out which garden watering wands have warranties in case of leakage.
| Name of watering wand | Length | Warranty | Trigger handle |
Price | Other vendor |
| Lisa’s watering wand | 33 inches | 7-Year Limited | Yes | $ | Melnor |
| Dramm 12805 Touch-N-Flow Rain Wand | 30 inches | Lifetime | Yes | $ | Walmart |
| H20 Works Heavy Duty Watering Wand | 21 inches | Refund without return | Yes | $ | |
| ikris One-Touch Garden Hose Wand | 15 inches | 100% Customer Satisfaction | No (thumb switch) | $ | |
| Eden 94608 | 18 inches | 2-Year Limited | No (thumb switch) | $ | |
| Melnor 65044-AMZ RelaxGrip | 48 inches | 7-Year Limited | No (thumb switch) | $ | Home Depot |
| Melnor WC93014-IN | 50 inches | 7-Year Limited | No | $ |
How do you fix a leaking water wand?
If, despite your best efforts, your water wand is leaking, and you don’t have a water wand with a lifetime warranty, here are some steps to try to fix it:
Important note: When fixing a leaking water wand, it’s important to turn off the water supply and relieve the pressure in the hose before disassembling any parts.
Check the nozzle: If the wand is leaking at the nozzle, try tightening the nozzle with pliers. If that doesn’t work, replace the nozzle.
Check the connections: If the wand is leaking at the connection between the wand and the hose, tighten the connection with pliers. If that doesn’t work, replace the washer or O-ring.
Check the hose: If the wand is leaking at the hose connection, tighten the connection with pliers. If that doesn’t work, replace the washer or O-ring.
If you have tried all of these things and the wand is still leaking, unfortunately, it might need to be replaced.
If you’re not confident in your ability to fix the wand yourself, it may be best to seek the assistance of a professional. This can ensure that the repair is done correctly and safely, and prevent further damage to the wand or other components.
Best Telescoping Watering Wand
A telescoping (extending handle) long watering wand might be important to you if you have to water some hard-to-reach places, like hanging baskets. In my case, I sometimes need to water hanging baskets, but I mainly like to make the watering wand stretch as far as it possibly can so I don’t have to fill up the watering can very often. Is a watering wand with a telescoping handle (sometimes called a telescoping watering arm) important to you? Let’s see how some other long garden watering wands compare to my watering wand. Note about measuring: In most descriptions, it is not specified if the measurement includes the handle and head, or just the metal extension rod. I included just the metal rod portion for my extended length measurement. Also, when wielding an extended watering wand, a trigger handle for water flow is much easier to manage than fiddling with a spigot switch, in my humble opinion. The trigger handle itself did not warrant its own section in this post. A watering wand either has one or not, so I included the trigger handle in this table.
| Name of watering wand | Extension rod length |
Trigger handle |
Price | Other vendor |
| Lisa’s watering wand | 33 inches | Yes | $ | Melnor |
| Rittenhouse Overhead Wand | 96 inches | Yes | $$$$ | |
| Orbit X-Stream Telescoping Watering Tool | 72 inches | No | $ | Tractor Supply |
| Melnor WC93014-IN | 50 inches | No | $ | |
| Mondi MONDIG450 Telescopic Watering Wand | 52 inches | Yes | $$ | Walmart |
| M2 Outlet | 39 inches | Yes | $ | |
| Sheboren Garden Hose Watering Wand | 38 inches | Yes | $ |
Best Turret Watering Wand
What is a turret wand? If you think of a turret on a tank or the ball turret on a classic B-17 bomber airplane, you can see why the rotating part of a watering wand is called a turret. Sometimes the rotating head is referred to as a pattern turret because of the different spray patterns it emits. Spray patterns that are commonly used are the shower, mist, soaker settings. Personally, I usually just leave mine on the shower setting and rarely switch it to something else. It’s nice to know that I could switch the setting if I wanted to. Another important turret feature is whether or not the angle of the head can be adjusted. If you are watering hanging baskets, you might want to adjust the nozzle head of the wand to point down into the basket. When I am watering my vegetable garden, I don’t want to walk in the rows if I can help it. I set the turret head to point more in an outward direction to increase the reach of the garden wand. In the descriptions of watering wands, this feature is described as a ratcheting head. Let’s compare the different settings on the turret watering wands.
| Name of watering wand | Number of turret patterns |
Ratcheting head |
Price | Other vendor |
| Lisa’s watering wand | 7 | Yes | $ | Melnor |
| Orbit 56044 Front Trigger | 10 | Yes | $ | L&M Fleet Supply |
| Melnor 65044-AMZ RelaxGrip | 8 | Yes | $ | Home Depot |
| Melnor WC93014-IN | 10 | Yes | $ | |
| Eden 94608 | 7 | Yes | $ | |
| The Relaxed Gardener Watering Wand | 8 | No | $ | Relaxed Gardener |
Best All-Around Watering Wand
After taking all of the qualities and specifications into consideration individually, let’s compare all of the above-listed garden watering wands together to find the best garden wand for a variety of garden needs. It might be easier to see which might be the best overall fit for your needs. Your top priorities might not be mine. Everyone’s garden is unique. Here are all of the features for you to peruse. *If you are on a mobile device, swipe left to see all of the categories.
| Brand | Extended length | Turret patterns | Ratcheting head | Trigger handle | Warranty | Price | Other vendor |
| Dramm 12805 Touch-N-Flow Rain Wand | 30 inches | No | No | Yes | Lifetime | $ | Walmart |
| Eden 94608 | 16 inches | 7 | Yes | No (thumb switch) | 2-year | $ | |
| Floriax Thumb Control Heavy Duty | 18 inches | 6 | Yes | No (thumb switch) | Unknown | $ | |
| Gilmour 820522-1001 | 34 inches | 5 | Yes | No | Lifetime | $ | Ace |
| Green Mount Watering Wand | 16 inches | 8 | No | Yes | 1-year | $ | Walmart |
| H20 Works Heavy Duty Watering Wand | 21 inches | 6 | Yes | Yes | Refund without return | $ | |
| ikris One-Touch Garden Hose Wand | 15 inches | 8 | No | No | 100% customer satisfaction | $ | |
| Melnor 65044-AMZ RelaxGrip | 48 inches | 8 | Yes | No (thumb switch) | 7-year | $ | Home Depot |
| Melnor WC93014-IN | 50 inches | 10 | Yes | No | 7-year | $ | |
| M2 Outlet | 39 inches | 9 | Yes | Yes | Unknown | $ | |
| Mondi MONDIG450 Telescopic Watering Wand | 52 inches | No | No | Yes | Lifetime | $$ | Walmart |
| Orbit 56044 Front Trigger | 30 inches | 10 | Yes | Yes | 1-year | $ | |
| Orbit X-Stream Telescoping Watering Tool | 72 inches | 4 | Yes | No | 1-year | $ | Tractor Supply |
| The Relaxed Gardener Watering Wand | 15 inches | 8 | No | No (thumb switch) | 90 day guarantee | $ | Relaxed Gardener |
| Rittenhouse Overhead Wand | 96 inches | No | No | Yes | Unknown | $$$$ | |
| Sheboren Garden Hose Watering Wand | 38 inches | 8 | Yes | Yes | 100% customer satisfaction | $ | |
| Yestar 19-Inch | 19 inches | 7 | Yes | No (thumb switch) | 100% customer satisfaction | $ | |
| Yestar 24-33 Inch | 33 inches | 8 | Yes | Yes | 100% customer satisfaction | $ | |
| Yestar 3-Piece Garden Hose Nozzle Set | 17 inches | 8 | Yes | Yes | 100% customer satisfaction | $ | |
| Lisa’s watering wand | 33 inches | 7 | Yes | Yes | 7-year | $ | Melnor |
The Watering Wand Verdict
After comparing the various features of these garden watering wands, I discovered that the one I have now has a lot of positive qualities, including a 7-year warranty. Although it’s a little shorter than some of the other extension watering wands, it’s the absence of leakage (other than a slight drip at the extension joint) that is a huge plus. I hope my current watering wand lasts for a few more seasons. If it breaks soon, I will revise my good opinion and contact the company for a replacement. If the product has been discontinued, I think I might go with the Melnor 65044-AMZ RelaxGrip and try to get used to a thumb switch.
How Do You Make a Watering Wand?
Interested in making your own customized DIY watering wand? You can make your own with a garden hose nozzle and a few other simple supplies. Here are the materials you will need, along with easy instructions: materials you
Materials:
PVC pipe (1/2 inch diameter, cut to desired length)
PVC end cap (1/2 inch diameter)
PVC T-joint (1/2 inch diameter)
PVC elbow joint (1/2 inch diameter)
Garden hose adapter (1/2 inch female thread to 3/4 inch male thread)
Sprayer nozzle with adjustable sprayer pattern (The best garden hose nozzle for this project varies, depending upon your needs.)
Steps to making your own DIY watering wand:
Cut the PVC pipe to the desired length.
Attach the T-joint to one end of the PVC pipe.
Attach the elbow joint to the side of the T-joint.
Attach the garden hose adapter to the other end of the PVC pipe.
Attach the end cap to the end of the elbow joint.Attach the sprayer nozzle to the end of the T-joint.
Connect the garden hose to the garden hose adapter.
Your watering wand is now ready to use. You can adjust the spray pattern on the nozzle to suit your watering needs. This is a basic design for a watering wand, and you can make modifications or add additional components based on your needs and preferences.
How Do You Store a Water Wand?
After finding the perfect watering wand to fit your needs, you will want to prolong its usefulness by storing it properly. Here are some tips for storing a watering wand:
Clean the wand: Before storing your watering wand, make sure to clean it thoroughly to remove any dirt, debris, or minerals that may have accumulated on the wand or nozzle. How do you clean a water wand? If necessary, you can use a mild soap and water to clean the wand. Scrub the wand thoroughly to remove any stubborn dirt or grime, then rinse it thoroughly with water. Make sure to dry it thoroughly. You can use a cloth or towel to wipe it down, or simply let it air dry.
Store it indoors: If possible, store your watering wand indoors in a dry, cool place. This will help protect it from the elements and extend its lifespan.
Hang it up: Consider hanging your watering wand on a hook or peg when not in use. This will keep it off the ground and prevent it from getting damaged or dirty.
Disconnect the hose: If you have a detachable hose, consider disconnecting it from the wand and storing the two components separately. This will make it easier to store and transport the wand, and reduce the risk of damage to the hose or connections.
Keep it dry: Make sure to store your watering wand in a dry place, away from any sources of moisture or humidity. This will prevent rust or corrosion from forming on the wand and help extend its lifespan.
By following these tips, you can help keep your watering wand in good condition and ensure that it’s ready to use whenever you need it. Mine is carefully stored in the garden shed.
Huge Lesson When Looking for Products Online
I discovered that it pays to read the reviews. Some of the watering wands that looked good at first were not even compatible with a standard garden hose! How disappointing that would be. Customer reviews are generally worth reading. I know it can be time-consuming, but try to choose at least three that have gotten different customer ratings and find out why.
How About You?
Has this been helpful? If you are in the market for a new garden watering wand, I hope this will smooth the way for a well-informed decision. Have you had a garden watering wand for years that you are extremely pleased with? If you have a watering wand with different pattern settings, which one is your favorite? It would be great to get some first-hand recommendations.
More Great Gardening Ideas and Tips
Looking for more than just a garden watering wand? I’ve got you covered. Check out this list of what to wear for gardening in all kinds of weather. Need some extra cushioning when kneeling to weed? Check out this list of best garden kneelers for comfort and support. Know a gardener who seems to have everything? A beginning gardener? Here’s a list of creative gardening gifts for all of the gardeners you know.
If you like what you’ve read today, you might enjoy reading about planting dahlias, old garden roses, or creating the perfect garden container. If you enjoy cooking with fresh-from-the-garden produce, you might enjoy making easy homemade salsa, applesauce, dill pickles, or rhubarb jam.
Need Some Planting Ideas?
Check out the tips for the best companion plants for eggplant to learn what to grow with those beauties. If you like the idea of companion planting, you might be interested in reading about the best companion plants for pumpkins, sunflowers, garlic, asparagus, rosemary, radishes, thyme, or the best companion plants for lavender. Get tips for growing stunning dahlias. Are you a beginning gardener? Try planting some foolproof, easy-care perennials, or learning about the best companion plants for columbine. There are so many exciting plants to grow!
Keep Track of Your Garden with a Journal Logbook
Now that you have learned about some compatible companion plants, keep track of your planting ideas, goals, and plans with a printable, editable free garden journal logbook. Choose the pages you want to use and customize them as you wish to record monthly, weekly, and daily garden tasks, lists, weather, and planting arrangements. There are also grid pages for easily designing the layout of your vegetable garden, flower garden, or landscape. Print it out and put it into a notebook you can take with you to the garden (that’s what I do). It’s nice to have all of your garden information in one place.
Get the garden journal logbook!
Free Online Garden Planner Layout Template
Now that you know which are the best companion plants for spinach, you might need a way to plan your garden layout. Whether you are planting vegetables, flowers, or herbs near your spinach plants, this online garden planner can help you visualize your design and bring it to life. Arrange and rearrange the plants over and over, then print the layout when you are satisfied. With garden tasks that need your attention, this is one way to save time.
It’s fully customizable when you make your own copy and includes two editable chart pages for noting planting specifications.
Get my free online garden layout planner template!
Wherever you are in your gardening journey, may you have success with all your gardening endeavors!
Lisa Mitchell is a wife, mom, and school librarian who likes to grow fruit, vegetables, and flowers on her family’s small Pacific Northwest farm. To learn more about what this website has to offer gardeners, click on over to the Garden page.
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My garden is too small and does not require anything fancy, but your research into what is available on the market is very interesting. I will pin this post; somebody will find all this information useful!
Thank you for passing it along!
This list of best watering wands is well timed. My old watering wand is on its last legs so I am in the market for another one.
Oh, I’m glad you found it timely! Sorry about your old watering wand. They do have a tendency to give out after a while. I hope this post helps you find the watering wand you need.
Great round up list of the best watering wands! It’s such a helpful way to water and stay on top of the garden at the same time. Also a super great way to get the kids involved in helping out.
Yes! Kids do have fun with these. I’m glad you noted yet another benefit of using a watering wand!
What a detailed informative post covering all of the best watering wands out there. I love how you tabulated everything for ease of comparison. Good point to look out for ones that might not even be compatible with the hose you have. Thank you!
You are most welcome! I’m glad you liked the watering wand comparison tables. Hooray for the WordPress Gutenberg editor!
These suggestions are great! I’m hoping to have a good garden (and nice lawn!) when we move back to the states in a couple months – saving this for reference as I’ll definitely want one of the best watering wands!
Great! I hope you find the information useful when it comes time for you to decide upon a watering wand.