How do you keep the watering can rose unblocked?

[Capsid]

My watering can rose tends to block up and then the water flow is very uneven and slow and then drips from the lower edge. Whenever, I watch Monty Don water his seedlings his flow is perfect (). It's not a particularly fine rose, just the bog standard one. I use water from the butt so it may have algae in it which could contribute to blocking the holes, although the water looks nice and clear and I use it regularly. Perhaps I should leave the can empty to prevent algal build up, but then I like to leave a full can in the greenhouse to acclimatise the water to the ambient temperature. Any one got any tips how to keep the rose clean?

[lottie dolly]

My watering can rose tends to block up and then the water flow is very uneven and slow and then drips from the lower edge. Whenever, I watch Monty Don water his seedlings his flow is perfect (). It's not a particularly fine rose, just the bog standard one. I use water from the butt so it may have algae in it which could contribute to blocking the holes, although the water looks nice and clear and I use it regularly. Perhaps I should leave the can empty to prevent algal build up, but then I like to leave a full can in the greenhouse to acclimatise the water to the ambient temperature. Any one got any tips how to keep the rose clean?

As long as you got bits in the water the rose will clog up,the only way we found is by using a water pump vi a battery,we got a bilge pump from a chandlers,it has a filter on the end and stops bits entering the pipework,I even had it pumping all the smelly water from the brew barrell{as in leaves to feed}it worked great,the only down side is not enough presure to use a rose,but that does not bother us,OR take your end of and shake or wash the bits out,

[Dynamo]

You could run the water you put into your watering can through a sieve first, or even put a sieve/filter on the pipe that fills the butt. That should cut down on the debris in the rose.

[Capsid]

Ok sieving is the only way it seems, if I'm filling from the butt. I could use a tap, but that defeats the object of collecting rainwater.

I need a new rose, and I'd like an oval one with a 3/4" screw thread. Can I find one? No.

[Sanjo]

On my little butt outside my greenhouse, the hose goes onto several layers of folded over ground cover (the cheap stuff from £1 shop). In the past I have used a piece of net curtain tied round the butt.
If you put a funnel into the top of the watering can, lined with a bit of net curtain (or something similar) it will catch any bits before it goes into the watering can.
When you've finished just removed the bit of curtain, and leave it somewhere to dry and shake of the bits before you use it again.

[roitelet]

Have just bought a HUGELY expensive Haws watering can and it came with a plastic fliter that fits into the can end of the spout. It can be taken out for cleaning. The rose is fine and hasn't blocked yet. May be some sort of DIY filter would work.

[Jeanied]

I have an old dishwashing brush on the lottie - I keep it near the water trough which regularly has bits from grass strimming in it. So the rose gets scrubbed from time to time to release the little bits in the holes.

[GardenFaery]

Never seem to have problem with this and wondering why and I think because I also hang it up on tap, tree branch, spade etc? drains/dries better at angle.
How about large darning needle? Give it a poke!

[Glutton4...]

I think the secret is to leave it off the can, to air-dry, in between waterings. That way you can just blow and/or tap out the debris each time, before use. I had this with water from outside Butts, but keeping a lid on them has made a big difference to the amount of 'gunk' in there in the first place.

[alex-adam]

What type of can do you have? - I think the traditional type tend to flow unevenly as there is less pressure than the long spouted Haws type which is the one I have seen Monty using most often.
Certainly the suggestions above about using some sort of filter would be worth a try.

[singleseeder]

So - does cheap tackle = dribbles ?

I dribble all the time

Have resorted to spraying.........

[Capsid]

What type of can do you have? - I think the traditional type tend to flow unevenly as there is less pressure than the long spouted Haws type which is the one I have seen Monty using most often.
Certainly the suggestions above about using some sort of filter would be worth a try.


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Yes I have the traditional Haws with screw thread rose. This is better than the push on roses which I find leak around the seal. I thought the long spouts cans are designed to reach the back of the greenhouse shelving to save having to lift and over reach.

[alex-adam]

Yes I have the traditional Haws with screw thread rose. This is better than the push on roses which I find leak around the seal. I thought the long spouts cans are designed to reach the back of the greenhouse shelving to save having to lift and over reach.

Just found this link (Haws website) which you might like: How to get a good spray from your watering can – Haws Watering Cans, the finest watering cans used throughout the world since 1886

[VirginVegGrower]

Have just bought a HUGELY expensive Haws watering can and it came with a plastic fliter that fits into the can end of the spout. It can be taken out for cleaning. The rose is fine and hasn't blocked yet. May be some sort of DIY filter would work.

I have the same. You can buy Haws roses as a standalone item - no can required.

[Capsid]

I have the same. You can buy Haws roses as a standalone item - no can required.

I couldn't find an fine oval brass one with a screw thread though.