A Guide to Garden Hose Nozzles

A good set of hose nozzles is probably the most underrated tool in the gardener’s box. A variety of nozzles to perform different functions are available although most home users have one or two favorites besides a good sprinkler. The purpose of a hose nozzle is simple. It gives the user greater control over the way that water is delivered to the desired destination.

No one wants to blast young tender plants with a high powered trigger nozzle. On the other hand, if you want to spray off a large area, a watering wand or fan nozzle just will not do the job. Like many things in life, it is best to know what you plan to do with the nozzle so you can purchase the right type.

Buying a Nozzle to spray long distances or with force.

Two types of nozzles will fill this need. The old style straight nozzle is still available, but it has taken a back seat to the more versatile trigger nozzle. The straight nozzle is designed to allow you to spray water with force. The barrel of the nozzle spins to allow you to adjust the flow and size of the stream.

These nozzles are great if you plan to set the nozzle on a single setting and spray for an extended period of time. Straight nozzles make your hose like a miniature fire hose. You can hold the nozzle and spray without the hand fatigue that can happen if you use a trigger nozzle for too long.

A trigger nozzle will do about the same job as the straight nozzle, but it is much easier to start and stop. All you have to do is let go of the trigger to stop the water flow. You can also adjust the force of the spray by how far that you depress the trigger. Most trigger nozzles have a narrow barrel with a plunger that the trigger controls.

You can buy a trigger nozzle with multiple ports to be used more like a fan nozzle if you choose. Depending on which port that you have turned to let the water out, you can spray with force or with a large shower. This type of nozzle is not usually as reliable for some reason as a regular metal trigger nozzle. It probably has too many parts that can fail sooner.

Buy a wand nozzle for watering plants that require a little bit of reach.

Most wand nozzles come with a cutoff valve at their base. This lets you start and stop the water without turning off the faucet. It also means less wasted water. The head of the wand is either fan shaped or round with many ports. This nozzle is designed to act like a rain shower. Most of these nozzles will deliver a huge amount of water very quickly. You must take care not to over water.

Use a standard fan nozzle for watering small gardens or outdoor plants.

The problem with these nozzles is that unless you step up a grade or two in quality, there will be no water control other than pinching the hose or turning off the faucet. The nozzles tend to either be on or off. They are very handy for the gardener that like to be up close and personal with plants. These nozzles require you to be within a foot or so of the plants to deliver the water properly. Like the wand nozzle, fan nozzles will pour out a lot of water quickly.