Soaker hoses

[Anita Plot]

I have been looking at soaker hoses in our local garden centre. I think they are made from old tyres. Are these safe to use in the veg patch or will they fill my veggies with all kinds of nasty poisons which I will then eat?

[digthatchick]

I think they are a great idea, they tend to get the water exactly where it is needed and can be moved around. Some types are very expensive if you have a large plot or garden.

Around 80% of water is wasted using a conventional hosepipe with a spray as it misses the root structure and watering cans, although accurate, are very heavy after the tenth trip and take a long time to fill.

There should not be any nasties in them - and think of the recycling involved.

[TonyF]

I use a combination of both seeper hoses and sprays and much prefer the seeper hoses. Next year I'm putting more in place on the fruit beds so I can control the water that they get, so much easier, especially used with a timer, and much less water wasted..

[Paulottie]

watering cans... take a long time to fill.

The trick is to have a barrel/trough/old water tank that you can dunk the can in...warmer water than from the tap too.... a ballcock system is good to refill them.


I do use seep hoses under membrane and mulches....both of which help seal in the water as a lot is lost from bare earth.