Whether you’re an avid horticulturist or you’ve killed every plant you’ve owned (including, somehow, the fake ones), there’s a great value in taking up home gardening. It’s soothing and can be a relatively low-risk, low-maintenance way to enjoy the responsibilities of caring for a living thing. And for the aforementioned non-green thumbs who may be apprehensive of plant ownership, having healthy plants can come down to having the right knowledge and equipment. Starting off with hardy, low-maintenance plants like pothos and snake plants can be a great way to liven up your living space without worrying about constant watering. Another great step is getting a good watering can.
The main reason to invest in a watering can is that they allow you to carefully and evenly water your plants without drowning them. Watering cans also help prevent spillage, reducing waste if you’re watering outside and preventing water from getting all over your carpet or hardwood for indoor plants. For indoor plants, the narrow spouts make it easier to get water directly to the soil without the leaves getting in the way, unlike many makeshift solutions like measuring cups. Another benefit of owning a watering can is that if you leave it sitting out, it’ll serve as a handy visual reminder to regularly water your plants if you’re prone to forgetting.
When browsing for watering cans, you’ll notice that they’re often divided by indoor and outdoor options. The main difference is capacity. Outdoor cans often hold between one and two and a half gallons, and often have perforated nozzles that create a gentle shower stream. They allow you to water your outdoor plants and flowers without running back and forth from the tap. Indoor cans are smaller and typically have pointed gooseneck snouts for gentle, controlled pouring. They’re easier to use when watering small plants, and they don’t take up too much space. Plus, they’re often stylishly designed, so they can add to your decor.
We’ve picked out some of the best watering cans for indoor and outdoor plants.
1. Union Watering Can, 2 Gallon
The two-gallon size of this watering can makes it a great option for larger gardens, but its plastic build makes it lightweight enough to comfortably carry around the yard. It’s available in a few pleasant colors, and you can get it in one or two-gallon varieties. The price shown is for the two-gallon watering can. It has two handles, one on top and one on the back, making for easier pouring.
Pros: Made in the US. Generous capacity but lightweight. Two handles for easier pouring.
Cons: Some may find that it pours too slowly.
2. WhaleLife Indoor Watering Can
This watering can from WhaleLife is made from colored plastic, and it comes in either green or red. It has a sleek look, and it’s easy to see how much water is in the can thanks to the semi-transparent color. It’s a good option for indoor plants. It holds up to 1.4 liters, and the long, narrow spout is easy to pour from without spilling or over-watering. The top hole is also wide enough to easily fill.
Pros: Stylish design. Good small size for indoor plants. Transparent plastic makes it easy to see the water level.
Cons: Could be more durable.
3. Behrens 2-1/2-Gallon Steel Watering Can
If durability is your number one consideration, then a steel watering can is still one of the best options. This can is made by Behrens, a US-based company that was founded in 1911. The can is designed to be rust-proof, and it has a showerhead-style spout for even, gentle pouring. It has one handle on the back of the can and another handle on top, making it easy to carry and maneuver.
Pros: Durable steel build. Generous 2.5-gallon size for watering larger yards.
Cons: Sprinkle head is not removable.
4. Smouldr Mini Plant Watering Can
This watering can from Smouldr has a stylish rose gold look, making it great for bohemian-style interiors. It has a small capacity — at only 15 ounces, it’s best suited for people who have a handful of small plants and succulents, rather than large plant collections. The watering can has a small, gooseneck spout, making it easy to control the flow of water and reach under the leaves to the soil.
Pros: Stylish design. Good option for those who have a few indoor plants.
Cons: Somewhat expensive considering its small size.