Alright, let’s talk about them waterin’ cans, ya know, the ones you lug around to give your plants a drink. I ain’t no fancy gardener, but I know a thing or two about keepin’ things alive. We’re gonna focus on them 3-gallon ones, ’cause that’s a good size for most folks, not too big, not too small.
Now, why 3 gallons? Well, it’s like this, them little ones, you’re always runnin’ back and forth to fill ’em up. And them big ones, they get too heavy, you can barely lift ’em when they’re full, especially if you got a bad back like me. Three gallons, that’s just right. You can carry it around the yard without breakin’ a sweat, and it holds enough water to get a good few plants watered.
You got all sorts of waterin’ cans out there, believe you me. Some are plastic, some are metal. The plastic ones, well, they’re lighter, that’s for sure. But sometimes they ain’t so strong. You gotta look for one that’s made good, won’t crack on ya after a few uses. And make sure the color don’t fade too much, ’cause them faded ones look real ratty after a while.
Then you got the metal ones. They’re usually made of steel, and them galvanized steel ones, them’s the tough ones. They last longer, don’t rust so easy. But they can be heavier, so you gotta keep that in mind. Them fancy TV folks, they talk about Haws waterin’ cans. Said some Monty Don and Alan Titchmarsh fellas like ’em. But I say, a can’s a can, long as it holds water and pours it out, it’s good enough for me.
- Plastic Cans: Lighter, but gotta be strong.
- Metal Cans: Tougher, but heavier. Galvanized steel is best.
Now, about them features. Some cans got a long spout, some got a short one. The long spout, that’s good for reachin’ them plants in the back, or for pourin’ water right at the roots without gettin’ the leaves all wet. The short spout, well, it’s good for pourin’ water fast, like if you got a bunch of pots all together. Then you got them handles. Some got one handle, some got two. Two handles is better, I reckon, ’cause you can hold it steady with both hands when it’s full. And some even got them fancy spouts that can pour two different ways, like a shower or a stream. That’s nice, but not necessary, if you ask me.
They say the term “waterin’ can” first showed up way back when, in some lord’s diary. Lord Timothy George, they called him. Back then, they called it a “waterin’ pot.” Well, pot or can, it’s all the same to me. It’s about gettin’ water to them plants, that’s what matters.
When you’re pickin’ out a can, think about your garden. If you just got a few little pots inside, a small can is fine. But if you got a whole yard full of plants, you need somethin’ bigger. And think about what kinda plants you got. Some plants like a gentle shower, some like a good drenchin’. So you gotta pick a can that can do both.
I seen some folks usin’ all sorts of things to water their plants. Old milk jugs, coffee cans, even just a cup. But a good waterin’ can, that makes things easier. It’s designed for the job, you know? It pours the water where you want it, and it don’t spill all over the place. And that’s important, ’cause waterin’ ain’t supposed to be a messy job.
So, if you’re lookin’ for a good waterin’ can, a 3-gallon one is a good place to start. Look for one that’s sturdy, easy to carry, and has the right kinda spout for your plants. And don’t go spendin’ a fortune on it. A good can don’t have to cost a lot of money. Just needs to do the job.
To sum it up, a good 3-gallon waterin’ can should be:
- Sturdy: Made of good quality plastic or galvanized steel.
- Easy to carry: Not too heavy, with comfortable handles (two is better).
- Right spout: Long or short, depending on your needs. Maybe even a fancy two-in-one spout if you’re feelin’ fancy.
And that’s about all there is to it. Get yourself a good can and keep them plants happy.
Tags: [watering can, 3 gallon, garden, plants, plastic, metal, steel, galvanized, spout, handle, gardening tools]
