In my search for the perfect hose, I tried a lot of different materials. Here's what I discovered.

In my search for the perfect hose, I tried a lot of different materials. Here's what I discovered.

Vinyl hoses

Usually one of the most expensive hoses, vinyl is often reinforced with cable or nylon mesh in several layers to make it strong and durable, so it is good for attaching to sprinklers where you could leave the water on all day with a timer. They tend to be stiff and difficult to wind, and often bend and curl again in the same place. I've cursed this type of hose a lot more than any other, but it's a good hose to use in situations where I can leave it wrapped in one place - for example, to get to a distant bed.

Polyurethane hoses

The polyurethane hose is easy to use and does not overlap as much, but it is a bit stiff, so it can be disturbed in the winding and not so flexible when pulled through the garden. My polyurethane hose is smaller in diameter, so I get less water - it's not great on a sprayer, but it's so easy to pull that it's one of my favorites.

Rubber hoses

Although heavy, the construction rubber hose has a long service life and can withstand beatings while being flexible and easy to wind. They can bend easily and usually leave no creases that recur. My favorite black rubber hose will leave marks on concrete, hands and clothes if you rub too hard, but it washes off.

Polymer hoses

This material is usually safe to drink, light, soft and flexible, gently wraps around plants, pots and corners and is easily rolled up for storage. My polymer hose twists like crazy, but the folds don’t harden and will spin quickly like a rope. It is so easy to wind and so light that everything is forgiven if I unwrap it first before use.