What to look for
SPRAY PATTERN SELECTOR
Look for one that’s easy to rotate
SOFT RIDGED RUBBER SURROUND
Helps reduce damage when dropped
Makes spray gun more comfortable to use
FLOW ADJUSTER
Lets you alter water flow – gentle mist for seedlings to more vigorous for blasting bird poop off the fence!
SOFT HANDGRIPS
These improve comfort when watering over longer periods put your thumb over the end of your hose to adjust the flow rate and water pattern, but for greater control and to avoid getting soaked, a spray gun is a much neater option. It also helps reduce water use and wastage because you can water more accurately. Those with a range of spray patterns provide best flexibility, but you may find you don’t use some of the options.
It pays to spend a bit on your spray gun. Good quality spray guns stand rigours and some include soft rubber protection to help prevent damage when dropped. Metal spray guns are even more robust, but heavier, which may be an issue if you’re watering for long periods of time.
TRIGGER LOCK Reduces grip fatigue because you don’t have to squeeze the trigger manually
Hozelock Multi Spray Ultramax £31.29 Die-cast metal body; rubber-lined spray rose; seven spray patterns; adjustable flow control; spring-loaded trigger lock
Darlac Deluxe
Multi Pattern
Spray Gun £20.99
Solid brass/alloy metal body; rubber-lined spray rose; nine spray patterns; adjustable flow knob; trigger lock
Kärcher Multifunctional Spray Gun Premium
£24.49 Robust plastic and metal body; four spray patterns; adjustable flow control trigger
Hozelock Ultra Twist
is invaluable where you need to water accurately at the back of wide beds, pots at the back of displays or in high hanging baskets – all of which are often underwatered as a result. Lances also ensure you can water lower down nearer the soil, which is where the water is needed, without having to bend down.
As with spray guns, there’s a wide variation in build quality and materials used. Look out for useful features such as trigger lock, flow regulator, choice of spray patterns and a soft handgrip. Where you have a range of different locations to reach, a telescopic watering lance is a real boon. Those with an adjustable angled head provide even more versatility – especially for watering hanging baskets.
Claber Elegant Telescopic Multifunction Spray Lance
£26.65 Durable plastic and aluminium; extends to 105cm long; four spray patterns; rotating head
Flopro+ Activ Watering Lance
£29.99 Durable plastic and aluminium; four spray patterns; rotating head; one-handed flow adjustment
Flopro Telescopic Watering Lance
£24.99 Durable plastic and aluminium; extends to 105cm; six spray patterns; rotating head; one-handed flow adjustment
Gardena Comfort Hanging Basket Spray Lance
£28.99 Durable plastic and aluminium; two spray patterns; rotating head; spring-loaded trigger lock
Hozelock Lance Spray Plus 90
£22.99 Durable plastic and aluminium; five spray patterns; rotating head; spring-loaded trigger lock
Hozelock Telescopic Lance Spray Plus 140
£33.99 Durable plastic and aluminium; extends to 140cm; seven spray patterns; rotating head; spring-loaded trigger lock