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5 watering cans to buy to keep your garden alive during a hosepipe ban
Keep your garden thriving, even when the hose is off limits
Hosepipe bans are now in effect across much of England, including Thames Water's region, which supplies more than 10 million people. But losing access to your hose doesn't mean your plants have to suffer.
Eight regions are currently experiencing prolonged dry weather – the stage just before drought. These include East Anglia, the West Midlands, Devon and Cornwall, and more. Sustained heat and low rainfall continue to strain water supplies across these areas.
The good news? Watering cans and buckets are often still permitted during hosepipe bans, making them a handy tool for keeping gardens thriving through dry spells – just make sure you fill them up directly at a main's tap (either outdoor or indoor), not with a hose!
They won’t replace a hose for larger gardens, but they make it easier to direct water exactly where it’s needed.
Here are five best watering cans to keep your blooms and veggies hydrated and happy.
For bigger gardens and longer watering sessions, this 12L galvanised steel can helps cut down trips to the tap. Despite its generous capacity, the lightweight design makes it easier to carry around borders, beds and containers.
This heavy duty two-gallon can means you can water for longer, without the need to top up as much. The long-reaching spout is perfect for reaching into beds and borders (your back will thank you), plus it's easy to hold onto as you manoeuvre it around tricker garden corners.
Upper Street 9L Orangery Design Metal Watering Can Outdoor
Upper Street 9L Orangery Design Metal Watering Can Outdoor
Finished with a cheerful citrus print, this vibrant 9-litre metal watering can brings a little joy to everyday garden work. Its generous capacity suits borders, raised beds and larger plots, while the long spout and comfortable handle allow for controlled watering.
The Clarens Classic 4L Watering Can is a sturdy, good-looking option for everyday garden use. Ideal for watering beds, borders and larger planters, it has a balanced handle, long spout and durable galvanised finish that make it comfortable to use.
Selections 9L Duck Egg Blue & Copper Metal Watering Can
Selections 9L Duck Egg Blue & Copper Metal Watering Can
With its duck egg blue body and copper-toned detailing, this 9-litre watering can combines generous capacity with a polished finish. The long spout reaches easily into beds and borders, while the detachable rose provides a gentler flow for seedlings and young plants.
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