Coiled Garden Hose

A coil garden hose is a very convenient hose that has a relatively short spiral spring as part of its design much like a childrens "slinky" toy. In its normal or resting position, it takes up very little room and is compact, but as you move with the hose and nose, it uncoils and follows you. When you're done it automatically retracts.

I have a coil garden hose I use on my front patio to water the shrubs, flowers, and my tomatoes. It's perfect for use in this fairly compact space and much more convenient than the regular round garden hoses I've used previous years. No dragging the hose over the ground and then winding it back up each time. Instead I just gently pull my coil hose to each plant as I water it and when I'm done it automatically retracts.

Coil garden hoses typically come in 1/2 inch and 3/8 inch (inside) diameter. Mine is 3/8 inch and does a great job, but you should know that a 1/2 inch hose carries a lot more water. A 3/8 inch hose carries about 4 to 5 gallons per minute, while a 1/2 inch hose carries about 8 to 9 gallons a minute – a big difference!

Coil garden hose advantages include:

Great for small restricted spaces
Very convenient
No need for a hose reel – they automatically rewind

Of course there are some disadvantages as well:

They can tangle, just like a long telephone cord
You cannot lay down the hose while you move around like a regular round garden hose. It follows you and can get in the way and possibly damage plants if you're not careful.

Also be aware that a coil garden hose will not be usable for its full length. For example with a 50 foot hose you'll only have about 30 to 40 feet of useable length.

I wouldn't trade my coil garden hose – it's perfect on my front patio. However it's not a replacement for my longer hoses I use in the back yard and to water the lawn.