Uses of Garden Sprinklers

Garden sprinklers provide a way to water your lawn and garden with very little effort. Most sprinklers are easy to operate. You just hook them up to a hose and turn on the faucet. Sprinklers are sold in a large selection of styles and prices. Some are designed to shoot water higher into the air, and over a longer distance than others. Whatever your landscape’s particular needs, however, you should be able to find a sprinkler to match.

Features

Garden sprinklers attach to garden hoses. Most standard sprinklers are designed so that water sprays out from several small holes or from tubes. The amount of water that is delivered by the sprinkler is determined by water pressure from the garden hose.

Sprinklers are normally designed to fan back and forth over an area, or to move water over a circle or half-circle area. Some are low to the ground, and some are mounted on stands. Most sprinklers must be moved manually when you want to water another area of the yard. Some, however, are self-propelling.

Lawn

Garden sprinklers are a convenient way to water your lawn--much more convenient than watering with a hose. You can place them in one section, turn them on and go back inside to the comfort of your home.

Garden

You can also water your flower or vegetable gardens with a sprinkler. While the sprinkler is watering your plants, you have time to perform other tasks, or simply relax.

Recreation

Running a sprinkler is a great way to give kids a fun hour or so and cool off in the summertime.

Disadvantages

Sprinklers are not the most efficient, water-conserving method for watering. Because they shower water down from above, water may not get to the areas it is needed (the roots) before it evaporates. Oscillating or rotary sprinklers that are built low to the ground might be better--especially if you are growing plants, such as tomatoes, that are prone to leaf fungus--than sprinklers that shoot water high into the air.

Considerations

To keep water from evaporating in the heat, and to prevent scorching your lawn or plants, water in the early morning hours. You can also use the sprinkler at night; however, if water is left on plant leaves too long before evaporating, they might develop fungal diseases.