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Watering your garden —?whether it’s a vegetable garden, vertical garden or potted herb garden —?is one of the key components to successful and thriving plants. That’s why a watering can is an important accessory to ensure your plants are well hydrated.

With so many options available, you want to pick the right watering can for the job, depending on whether you’re watering delicate seedlings or hardy succulents. To help you find the best watering cans, we spoke with four expert gardeners about their favorite watering cans and why they love them.

What to look for when shopping for watering cans

Watering your plants is a frequent task when you’re tending a garden or an expanding houseplant collection. Watering cans come in different shapes, capacities and materials, along with removable or changeable nozzles so you have the proper accessory for the watering job. “Choosing the right watering can significantly impact[s] your plant’s health and your gardening experience,” says Shawna Coronado, author of “No-Waste Organic Gardening.”

A comfortable handle

Similar to choosing the appropriate gardening tools for the job or wearing comfortable gardening shoes to protect your feet, you want to pick a watering can that feels good to use. Some watering cans are better for indoor plants while others are designed for watering seeds, small plants or reaching hanging baskets.

“Before you commit to a watering can, pick it up and see how it feels to lift, carry and pour,” says Pam Farley, author of “The First-Time Gardener: Container Food Gardening.” “If you’re able, fill it up with water and lift it from the ground and a table.” Although testing a watering can with water at the garden center may not be feasible, you want to ensure it’s comfortable to hold. “The ideal watering can will be easy for you to lift and pour —?whether with one hand or two —?and has a handle that’s comfortable to hold,” Farley says.

Leslie F. Halleck, a certified professional horticulturist and the author of “Tiny Plants,” seeks out watering cans that have an ergonomic design. “I like a large continuous handle that rounds from the front of the watering can to almost the bottom,” she says. “That way you can get a good two-handed grip on it and the weight of water is well balanced.”

A removable nozzle

The nozzle or rosette is a key feature of a watering can, as it influences how the water reaches the soil and the roots. “All good watering cans have a nozzle that breaks up the water from a stream to a sprinkle,” Farley says. “A steady stream of water, like you get with a garden hose, disrupts the soil and the plant’s roots.” A removable nozzle is easier to clean and allows you to choose the water flow. “The best watering cans have a removable rosette for cleaning or to change the flow of water,” Farley adds.

Durable materials

Choose a watering can made of durable materials that can handle all types of use. “I’m tough on my outdoor watering tools, so I usually go for plastic,” Halleck says. Some watering cans are designed to be used indoors, while others are sturdy and multipurpose. “For outdoor use, I am looking for a watering can that is durable and can handle both hot and cold temperatures,” says Noelle Johnson, known as AZ Plant Lady and author of “Dry Climate Gardening.” “I recommend one that is made of UV-resistant and BPA-free plastic since it won’t crack in freezing weather, the color will be resistant to fading and [it is] safe for use on edible plants such as herbs and vegetables.”

Capacity

A watering can’s capacity is a factor too, because if it holds too much water it can be too heavy to carry and if it’s too small, you may take too many trips to refill it. “A larger watering can that holds 2 to 3 gallons is quite versatile, as it can hold a lot,” Johnson says. “Select one that will hold enough water so frequent trips to refill it aren’t necessary.”

A smaller-sized watering can is recommended for houseplants. “For watering indoor plants, I like a double-handle configuration, with an opening to the back of the can and a removable rose,” Halleck says.

Small watering cans, ideally 1 gallon or less, can also reduce the likelihood of overwatering. “Select one that has a long, narrow spout, which reduces the chance of spilling water and allows you to apply water precisely where you want,” Johnson says.

Best watering cans

Ergonomic watering can

Three of the experts we spoke with recommend the Bloem Easy-Pour Watering Can. They like its versatility and ability to offer a gentle shower or stream of water. "The shower setting is ideal for delicate seedlings or leafy greens, ensuring even distribution of water without damaging them," Coronado says. "The stream option provides more control for directly watering the base of plants or reaching hanging baskets."?


Johnson likes the durability of this one and appreciates that it holds 2.6 gallons of water. Another plus is the two-handle design so you can use both hands while watering. “The ergonomic design reduces wrist strain," Johnson says. (If you're watering a lot of plants, it can really take a toll on your wrists.)


"The front-to-back handle is stationary, and the left-to-right handle is hinged, [making] it easy to pick up, carry and pour — and the fill hole is offset so you don’t have to figure out how to get the water between the handles," Farley adds.

Watering can for seedlings

"The Haws Bosmere Heritage is the best choice for starting seeds or watering seedlings," Farley says. "It’s smaller in size than most watering cans, holding 1 quart of water, and has a fine rosette nozzle for gentle watering."?This is important because watering seedlings requires extra care as the plant and root system are delicate. "The smaller size is an advantage because it helps you water your seedlings carefully from the side, thus preserving their root system and preventing leaf fungus," Farley adds.

Watering can with a long spout

Farley is a fan of the Dramm Long-Spout Watering Can, which holds around 1.8 gallons or 7 liters and has a sprinkler nozzle. "Its long spout makes it easy to pour without spilling, and it has a rosette [or] sprinkler-style nozzle," Farley says. She also loves that these watering cans are made in the USA of durable plastic, so you never have to be concerned that your watering can will rust or leak.

Lightweight watering can

Coronado and Johnson are fans of this watering can for its ergonomic design and capacity that holds 3 gallons of water. "This watering can prioritize[s] comfort, especially for those who tend to larger gardens or have physical limitations," Coronado says. Plus, it's easier to hold when filled with a lot of water. "The lightweight plastic makes carrying even a full can easier, while the handle and balanced design distribute the weight evenly, reducing strain on your arms and wrists," she adds.?


This durable watering can is versatile too, as you can easily water established plants and more delicate seedlings. "The sprinkler-type spout applies water gently to seedlings so the soil isn't washed away, uprooting plants," Johnson says. But if you want to water plants faster, the spout comes off.

Watering can for indoor potted plants

Watering indoor plants requires a compact-sized vessel to carefully reach the soil line of all your potted plants. "This watering can is ideal for navigating tight spaces between houseplants and maneuvering around delicate foliage," Coronado says. "The smaller size makes it easier to handle and avoids overwatering, a common concern with indoor plants."?


This watering can serves as a beautiful piece of home decor too. "The stylish design resembles more expensive metal watering cans but is easier to care for, as it's made from recycled plastic, and comes in multiple colors," Johnson says. "The nozzle is made of brass, and water flows at a consistent sprinkle, or it can be removed to water larger plants more quickly.”


Coronado recommends only filling the watering can three-quarters of the way so you have more control. "Water slowly and directly so it targets the base of the plant, avoiding the leaves and crown," she says.?

Stylish watering can

Johnson is a fan of the Garrett Wade Copper and Brass Indoor Watering Can for its utility and style — not to mention the fact that it can water all types of houseplants. "The long, narrow spout and 1.5-quart capacity allow you to apply water directly where it's needed without bending over too much," Johnson says. If you have a lot of hanging potted plants, the long spout also makes it easy to reach them.?


Plus, its elegant copper design makes this watering can one of the most decorative options on our list. "When not in use, you can proudly display it alongside your favorite houseplants," Johnson suggests.

Multipurpose watering can

"If you’re looking for a multipurpose watering can set that will last a lifetime, look no further," Farley says.?"The Full-Monty Kit includes eight different nozzles with every possible type of flow — from extra fine to fine high-flow to extra coarse and everything in between," she says.?


Whether you're watering seeds or seedlings, orchids or succulents, this kit comes with a nozzle that's right for the job. "This is a watering can that looks and performs like a sports car," Farley says.