Giving the plants in your garden the right amount of water can be tricky. Overwatering might drown them while underwatering will cause them to dry and wilt.
A soaker hose is an easy and inexpensive way to ensure your plants are getting enough water at all times. They’re also much cheaper than a drip irrigation system and more efficient than a regular garden hose. A soaker hose features many tiny holes that drip water slowly at low pressure.
If you’re new to using soaker hoses, you might be overwhelmed by all the available options. We’ve thus compiled a list of the best soaker hoses and highlighted their best features to help you make an informed decision.
Our Top Picks
Best Overall:
Rocky Mountain Goods Soaker Hose
Premium Option:
Water Right SKR-050-MU Soaker Garden Hose
Budget Option:
Gilmour Flat Weeper Soaker Hose
Best Kit for a Custom Setup:
Miracle-Gro Soaker System with Customizable Push-on Fittings
Nine of the Best Soaker Hoses
Looking for the perfect soaker hose for you? You can’t go wrong with these options.
Best Overall
Rocky Mountain Goods Soaker Hose
Of all the best soaker hoses available, the Rocky Mountain Radar Goods Soaker Hose takes the cake. The hose isn’t just effective at watering but also decreases water usage. The brand promises up to 70% more water conservation than traditional sprinkler systems.
The hose offers consistent seeping without missing a spot so you don’t have to worry about partially watering your garden beds. This 100% environmentally friendly soaker hose is made from heavy-duty recycled rubber that will last a long time and is backed by a seven-year warranty.
Pros:
- Helps save water while providing efficient water seeping
- Durable build with a 7-year warranty
- Comes with quick-attach reinforced fittings so you can add extra soaker hoses
Cons:
- May develop kinks over time
Premium Soaker Hose
Water Right SKR-050-MU Soaker Garden Hose
Although a higher price doesn’t always mean higher quality, the Water Right Skr-050-Mu Soaker Garden Hose is one of the best soaker hoses that money can buy.
The soaker hose from Water Right is made from FDA-grade UV-stabilized polyurethane and chrome-plated brass fittings that are also lead-free. The hose has been proven to be flexible in a variety of temperatures whether hot or cold. The soaker hose features engineered strain reliefs on both ends that help prevent hose kink.
Pros:
- Made with best-in-class materials
- Flexible and doesn’t kink
- Can be used even in freezing temperatures
- Provides uniform distribution of water
Cons:
- Expensive
Best Budget Soaker Hose
Gilmour Flat Weeper Soaker Hose
Feel uncertain about spending a lot on a soaker hose? If you’re new to the world of soaker hoses, the Gilmour Flat Weeper Soaker Hose is one of the best soaker hoses that can be had for a reasonable price, letting you give one a try without splurging.
The soaker hose comes in lengths of 25, 50, as well as 75 feet. The weeper hose makes it easy to create a DIY watering system by burying it under the mulch of your vegetable gardens and flower beds. It helps you efficiently distribute water to the roots by letting water seep out all sides of the fabric and works best with a water timer.
Pros:
- Clog-resistant fabric gives consistent soaking
- Lightweight and compact design is easily stored
- Comes with a lifetime warranty
Cons:
- Works well only when laid out straight
Best for Custom Watering
Miracle-Gro Soaker System with Customizable Push-on Fittings
If you’re looking for the best soaker hoses for the different needs of your plants, consider Swan’s Miracle-GRO Soaker.
The 100-foot hose comes with numerous feeders and connectors, allowing gardeners to tailor their own custom watering systems. It’s capable of delivering water directly to the roots, releasing a range of 0.5 to 1 gallon of water per foot. The soaker hose comes with 4 male connectors with caps, 4 female connectors, 4 feeders, 4 plugs, and 2 tee connectors.
Pros:
- Made of lead-free, 65% recycled material
- Even distribution of water directly to the roots
- Has a bunch of connectors for customization
Cons:
- May leak with increased water pressure
Dramm Soaker Garden Hose
A lifetime warranty gives you the assurance of a quality soaker hose, but it’s hard to come by especially in budget soaker hoses. The Dramm Soaker Garden Hose stands out in this regard as it provides a lifetime warranty at a pocket-friendly price.
The soaker hose is built with high-grade recycled rubber with 50% thicker walls. This removes what’s commonly called the “geyser effect” and helps save more water while also being extra durable. The couplings are nickel-plated so your connection is always leak-proof.
Pros:
- Constructed from durable rubber that is abrasion and kink-resistant
- Unique design with thick walls prevents water waste
- Lifetime warranty
Cons:
- Brass fittings may loosen after prolonged use (but are replaceable with the lifetime warranty!)
BUYOOKAY Soaker Hose 50ft With 1/2″ Diameter
If you need a soaker hose that can withstand different levels of pressure, this product from BUYOOKAY is for you. The soaker hose is made from heavy-duty recycled rubber with a non-clogging design that’s porous enough to evenly distribute water.
This hose can be used for drip irrigation systems with the help of its half-inch hose adapters and clamps (bought separately). The soaker hose has a small diameter and high tensile strength, making it durable for any gardening project in your backyard.
Pros:
- Flexible, lightweight, and durable
- Maximum pressure rating of 800 Kilopascal (116 psi)
- Can be used for drip irrigation systems
Cons:
- Doesn’t always provide even water distribution
Linex Heavy-duty Garden Soaker Hose
When you buy the best soaker hose, you want to use it problem-free for a long time. Here’s where Linex’s heavy-duty hose shines.
This soaker hose is made of heavy-duty PVC material rather than rubber, which aids the even distribution of water on every side. The hose is sufficiently long at 50 feet with a half-inch diameter. It comes with high tensile strength and can leak water at the rate of two gallons per 2 minutes at a pressure of 40 PSI.
Pros:
- Flexible hose made from durable material
- Suitable for use even in the hottest summers
- Has a maximum pressure rating of 60 PSI
Cons:
- Water flow may be too fast for some people
H2O Works Heavy Duty Garden Flat Soaker Hose
Durability is important when purchasing the best soaker hose, and the H2O Works Heavy Duty Garden Flat Soaker Hose delivers in that aspect. Made from a thick PVC material, it’s one of the best soaker hoses with a compact and flat design that takes up just 0.15 cubic feet when rolled up.
The soaker hose features high tensile strength and can be used in varying temperatures. The ends of the hose are made from durable brass material and can sustain a maximum pressure of 60 psi while leaking two gallons every two minutes.
Pros:
- Evenly distributes water throughout the pipe
- Made from highly durable material
- Both ends of the hose feature universal connectors
Cons:
- Lacks flexibility
Melnor Flat Soaker Garden Hose – UA
One of the best soaker hoses, the Melnor Soaker Hose makes watering a breeze. It’s flexible and can easily be placed around your garden bed or under a thin layer of soil or mulch. The hose is available in three lengths: 25, 50, and 75 feet.
This soaker hose is durable and features rust-resistant end caps. You can connect it to other hoses in case you need a longer one. The hose is porous, which helps deliver water slowly but thoroughly to your plants. It’s also easy to store and folds up nicely, taking only about 0.05 cubic feet of space when packed.
Pros:
- Flexible design makes it easy to set up
- Convenient storage
- Includes two extra washers for a leak-free seal
Cons:
- Not the most durable hose on this list (but comes with a 2-year warranty)
Choosing the Best Soaker Hose
1. Material of the Hose
The best soaker hoses are generally made of polyurethane, recycled rubber, and flexible PVC. High-end hoses feature more reinforcements to make them last longer while efficiently delivering water.
2. Length, Weight, Convenience
The length of your hose should depend on your garden size. A lightweight hose that doesn’t take too much space when rolled up is ideal as it is convenient to store when you don’t need it.
3. Hose Diameter
Hose diameters usually range from ⅜ inches to an inch. Hoses with larger diameters are more porous so they can distribute a greater amount of water but they also require greater water pressure compared to hoses with smaller diameters.
4. Soaker Hose Design: Flat or Round
There are two types of soaker hoses:
Flat soaker hoses are best suited for plants growing in straight rows. This type of hose is cheaper than its round counterparts. If the hose has kinks, it can hinder water flow.
Round hoses are generally more expensive but are also more flexible and versatile. This type of hose can go around your garden beds without kinking. A round hose is also more durable than a flat hose.
5. Water Pressure
Only some of the best soaker hoses come with a pressure rating. Hoses constructed from rubber, polyurethane, and PVC generally have a higher pressure tolerance than vinyl. The pressure also highly depends on the diameter of the hose – the broader it is, the more pressure it will require.
6. Perforation Size of Soaker Hose
The rate at which water seeps from the soaker hose depends on the size of its perforations. The right hose should keep your soil moist enough for plant roots. A hose with holes that are too big will use up too much water and oversoak the soil. One with holes that are too small will dehydrate your plants. A good soaker hose should produce beads of water that don’t cause the water to squirt outward.
7. Flow Rate and Backflow
The flow rate refers to the amount of water flowing out of the hose in a minute. You need a certain flow rate to adequately hydrate your garden bed, depending on its size. Longer hoses will generally have a slower flow rate.
Backflow happens when a faucet and hose are turned and pressurized. This causes the water to flow back from the hose and into the water source. In such cases, installing a backflow preventer is recommended.
8. Flexibility and Kink Resistance
Flexible soaker hoses are easier to stretch out on your garden and store when no longer needed. You should also look for a kink-resistant hose so the flow of water isn’t obstructed at any point.
9. Warranty and Price
The best soaker hoses come with a long warranty, sometimes even a lifetime warranty. This helps reassure buyers that a hose is manufactured with high-quality and durable materials.
How much you spend on soaker hoses depends on your experience as a gardener and your requirements. You don’t need a premium hose if you’re just starting out but if you have a complex garden bed, you’ll have to invest in a high-end hose that can take care of your plants’ varied and specific needs.
FAQs About Soaker Hoses
How can I install and use a soaker hose?
Installing a soaker hose is easy. All you need to do is rest it on your garden bed, placing it near your plants. You can also choose to bury it below a layer of mulch. After installing, you don’t have to move the hose unless you have to water different areas. Once you have the hose where you need it, simply turn on your faucet and let the hose water your plants.
How long must I leave the soaker hose on?
In general, running a soaker hose twice each week for 30 minutes is enough. However, you may need to adjust this based on the season. It’s a good idea to monitor soil moisture the first few times you use the soaker hose until you get a better idea of how long you should turn it on.
Do soaker hoses get clogged?
Yes, even the best soaker hoses can get clogged after prolonged use, particularly if the water comes from wells, ponds, and lakes. If you notice an uneven drip from some pores or less water dripping than usual, it’s likely because your hose is clogged. Here’s an article with tips for unclogging a soaker hose.
Soaker Hoses Make Garden Watering Easy
Soaker hoses are an extremely convenient and useful gardening tool for efficiently watering your plants. They distribute water directly where it’s needed (the roots), helping you conserve water in the long run. With so many features and models out there, we hope our article on the best soaker hoses has helped you find the ideal soaker hose for your plants.
Soaker hoses are incredibly useful tools, but you may be overlooking other hydration concerns for your specific garden setup. Visit our Garden Watering page to learn more about the best methods and products to meet all your garden’s various watering needs.
Shopping for your garden can get overwhelming, fast. So if you’re looking for advice on garden tools and garden supplies, then you’re in the right place!