There’s something truly serene about tending to the garden by hand—it’s my daily dose of relaxation and connection with nature. I enjoy strolling through the garden ensuring each plant gets the care it deserves. My daily stroll helps keep pests at bay, and witness the growth each day firsthand. But let’s be real—dealing with a tangled or kinked garden hose can quickly put a damper on the tranquility! No matter how gently you tug, it seems to worsen the situation, right? Well, that’s until my hubby surprised me with a garden hose reel, making life in the garden so much easier!
He surprised me with a wall-mounted retractable hose reel in our shade house! And let me tell you, it’s been a game-changer. With its sleek design and easy installation, all I had to do was add my own hose, and voila!
However, I quickly realized that the hose I initially used wasn’t up to par—it had a few stubborn kinks that hindered its performance. But once I swapped it out for a new, high-quality hose, it was smooth sailing from there. Now, I can effortlessly pull out just the right amount of hose I need and lock it in place. And when I’m done watering, a simple tug is all it takes to watch it gracefully retract back into its casing.
To be honest I’m absolutely smitten with this setup and eager to incorporate more hose reels throughout the garden. That said, I’m facing a bit of a dilemma—I don’t have suitable mounting spots throughout the rest of the garden. So, I’m considering investing in a cart-style hose reel that offers the flexibility to move it around as needed.
So here is what I have found out about garden hose reels and the different types of set ups you can get.
Types of Garden Hose Reels
Wall-mounted hose reels: These are really convenient as you mount them on the wall, post or structure for easy access and space-saving. They feel compact and like the hose is hidden. I really like these in my shade houses as they store the hose away rather than it being under foot. There’s both retractable and manual versions available. I like the retractable garden hose reel as its so easy to use. And its fun!
Cart-style hose reels: The versatility of cart-style hose reels allow for mobility and storage of longer hoses. I like these as you can move them around easily and they allow you to reach further into your garden. But don’t just get a cheap one, look into the heavy duty garden hose reels that have big wheels and a solid frame. They will last longer and be more robust. Also think about the wheels, for me I want flat free tyres and larger tyres that will easier move over uneven surfaces.
Hose reel boxes: These are discreet and compact designs which blend seamlessly into garden landscapes. You can set them up to protect your hoses and access different areas of your garden. Look for a hose reel box made from durable materials as the cheaper ones won’t make it through tougher temperatures.
You can also get free standing reels that you can move about. Though I think I like the idea of having wheels so I can easily shift the hose reel to where I need it.
Features to Look for in a Garden Hose Reel
Durability: It’s so important to choose a hose reel made from sturdy materials to withstand outdoor conditions. Especially if you live in areas with extreme highs or lows in temperature.
Hose capacity: Select a hose reel that can accommodate the length and diameter of your hose. I am looking at getting the longest hose I can on it so I can get to the corners of my garden beds.
Ease of use: You want to find a reel that has smooth retraction mechanisms and ergonomic handles for effortless operation. It needs to be easy and fuss free! I don’t want to wrangle hoses any longer, I want smooth and easy breezy!
Creative Ways to Incorporate Hose Reels into Your Garden
Hidden storage: There are some creative ways to conceal hose reels, such as incorporating them into garden beds or behind trellises. I like the idea of having hidden reels for my gardens that are more on show.
Decorative elements: Hose reels can serve as decorative accents in the garden, adding both function and beauty to outdoor spaces. I love some of the designs you can find. And I know it’s not technically a hose reel but I do like the variety of hose pots you can find now. They look so lovely and the hose just curls up inside.
Which Garden Hose Reel Will I Choose?
I am leaning towards the 4-wheel garden hose cart for my garden as we have rough ground to cover to get around and into the vegetable garden. I like this model as it offers convenience and versatility. One of the standout features is its mobility, which will allow me to effortlessly move the hose reel from one location to another. Whether I need to maneuver it between multiple faucets or wheel it indoors for storage, the cart-style design really appeals to me. Plus, it’s perfect for homeowners like me who prefer to keep the exterior of their house free from clutter.
With the ability to wheel it out only when needed, I can maintain a tidy outdoor space without sacrificing functionality. And let’s not forget about storage—the option to store the reel indoors is great for protection from weather especially during winter months. With its flat-free, 10-inch turf tires and no-tip stability, this 2-wheel cart reel will make the perfect companion for all my watering needs. Now all I have to do is convince hubby that this is the one! I think he will love it too!
Anyway it’s back to the garden for me. I’ll let you know how we go with adding new garden hose reels to our garden.
