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5 Best Watering Cans for Healthy Plants
Updated on Apr. 24, 2023
Whether you’re new to gardening or a green-thumbed master, acquiring the proper gardening tools is important to keep your plants thriving. Aside from a garden hose, having the best watering can is a must for hydrated flowers, succulents, plants and veggies.
Whether you’re seeking a budget-friendly watering can or an aesthetically pleasing option, Family Handyman has you covered. When choosing the watering cans on this list, we considered factors like price, size, construction and overall durability to bring you the best options.
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Best Overall Watering Can
Fiskars Plastic Watering Can
This watering can from Fiskars is our favorite overall, as it’s versatile and unique. Unlike many other watering cans, this one has a fill hole on its side instead of on top, ensuring the handles won’t interfere. And depending on your gardening needs, you can adjust the water spout by rotating it for a heavier or lighter flow. Additionally, we like the downward-facing nozzle, making it easier for water to pour out.
If you decide to leave this watering can outside, you don’t have to worry about color fading: The can is made of 100% ultraviolet (UV)- stabilized polypropylene plastic.
Pros
- Two-in-one adjustable rotating water spout
- Features two handles
- Has a side hole for filling
- Holds up to 2.6 gallons
Cons
- Only available in black
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Best Budget Watering Can
Room Essentials Plastic Watering Can
If you’re looking to purchase a quality watering can without breaking the bank, Target’s Room Essentials brand has an option worth checking out. This plastic watering can provides a precise watering experience with its thin spout. It can be used for indoor and outdoor watering, as it’s resistant to weather, rust, and corrosion. Control the flow with the adjustable nozzle, and your plants are sure to thrive.
Pros
- Wallet-friendly price
- Holds up to 2 gallons of water
- Weather-resistant
- Ergonomic handle design
Cons
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Only available in black
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Best Indoor Watering Can
Bosmere Plastic Watering Can
Whether you have pots of smaller plants or seedlings on your bedroom windowsill, this petite watering can does the job well. The plastic watering can hold up to one pint of water and is small (14 inches wide), so it won’t take up too much space when it’s not being used.
And since the can is smaller, it may be easier for children to handle, providing them with a sense of independence. Whether you desire a fast or slower flow, the can’s brass rose can be removed for the optimal indoor gardening and watering experience. Plus, it’s available in six colors, so you’ll likely find an option that speaks to you.
Pros
- Petite size
- Has a sleek design
- Flatter rose for gentle watering
- Easy for kids to handle
Cons
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On the expensive side for the size
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Best Outdoor Watering Can
Behrens Steel Watering Can
Say goodbye to constant refills and hello to getting your watering chores done quickly! This steel watering can from Behrens holds up to 2 gallons of water at a time, making it easy for you to water everything at once. It has a large pyramid-shaped rose that covers a lot of ground in a timely manner. Plus, you don’t have to worry about pests contaminating the water, because the can is rodent-proof.
This vintage-style watering can spruces up any outdoor garden area. Although the can is on the heavier side, weighing around three pounds, it’s equipped with a top handle and side handle to assist with pouring and carrying. Plus, you can feel good about this purchase because this can is recyclable.
Pros
- Holds up to 2 gallons
- Has a cool vintage look
- Recyclable
- Also available in 2.5- and 3-gallon options
Cons
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May be too heavy for some
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Best Watering Can for Small Plants
Fasmov Plastic Watering Can
Only taking care of small plants? Look no further than this plastic watering can from Fasmov. It is made out of high-quality plastic and is extremely durable, so it’ll stay with you for years to come.
According to Charla Anthony, a professional horticulturist, smaller spouts (like the one on this can) work especially well for watering potted plants in small containers, as the water goes directly to the soil instead of onto the plant.
Since the spout is narrow, you don’t have to worry about water funneling into undesired areas. This watering can is suitable for both indoor and outdoor use, and has two handles to improve your daily watering tasks.
Pros
- Has a narrow spout
- Features two handles
- Can be used indoors and outdoors
- Affordable
Cons
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Spout isn’t adjustable
What to Consider When Buying a Watering Can
First things first: Consider their size of the best watering can. If you have a lot of watering that needs to be done and don’t want to have to constantly refill the can, think about purchasing something larger.
“Consider a 3-gallon watering can, as you can get a lot of plants watered,” says Erin Schanen, master gardener and founder of The Impatient Gardener.
If you’re looking for something lighter, Schanen recommends a 1.5-gallon watering can.
Make sure to take a special look at a watering can’s design, including the spout, nozzle and rose before purchasing.
If you’re watering potted plants in small and medium containers, you’ll want to look for a can with a small spout, which allows the water to go directly into the soil.
“The desired design of the rose depends on what you’re going to use it for,” Schanen explains. “For general watering, you might want a rose that is almost pyramid-shaped. If you look for a rose that is flat, that can be good for watering seedlings or things that need more gentle watering, as you don’t want to flatten all of your plants.”
How We Found the Best Watering Cans
As shopping experts, our only job is to help you find a winning product. We start with the research and reporting basics—what products are made of, what they look like and how much they cost—to ensure that we’re only recommending the buys that are worth your time and money. Then, we research the features that speak to the product’s quality, taking advice from industry insiders and subject-matter experts on what makes a product a smart value (or worthy of a splurge). Finally, we do the work of combing through user reviews to see how real people interact with the product, and if it stands up to the test.
FAQ
What material is best for a watering can?
Watering cans are made out of a plethora of materials, but the most common are plastic and metal. It is worth noting that each type of material has pros and cons.
Even though metal watering cans may be aesthetically pleasing to the eye, The Impatient Gardener explains they may be heavy and rust or dent easily.
Additionally, plastic watering cans are easy to find and cheap to repurchase. However, they may not have the durability of a metal can.
What is the sturdiest watering can?
If you’re looking for a sturdy watering can, look for those made of high-quality plastics and metals. Additionally, look for sturdy and balanced handles, which prevent spillage and help conserve water.
