Irrigation garden hoses are very much of need when you are thinking of home gardening. Many of us think that one hose is much like the next; you might be surprised at the wide selection of irrigation garden hoses available for a variety of purposes. Irrigation garden hoses are generally distinguished by their diameter, length and the material used for their construction. Typical garden irrigation and utility hose diameters range from 1/2 to 3/4 in and more. While the larger-diameter hoses move more water, a 1/2-in.-dia. model will do fine for watering the garden or spraying the kids on a hot afternoon.

Length is very much of consideration while buying the irrigation hoses for your garden; you can buy a hose as short as 25 ft. or as long as 100 ft. Like the hose's diameter, its length affects the pressure at the end. There's no point in keeping 100 ft. of hose coiled on the side of your house when your irrigation need is only of 50 ft. Where irrigation hoses really start to differ, though, is in their construction. For ease of handling, light weight and economy, most manufacturers offer a basic vinyl hose, usually reinforced with a radial cord. Serious gardeners, though, look for the addition of rubber in their irrigation hose. Although rubber is heavier than vinyl and somewhat harder to handle, it contributes to increased burst strength, durability and longevity.