A watering wand is the perfect tool for watering containers or bedding plants. Most models have a shut-off valve and a head that provides a gentle stream of water (figure A). Soaker hoses make it easy to deliver water to the soil surface, delivering water right to the root zone of garden plants (figure B). They're useful for watering trees, shrubs, perennial borders and rows of vegetables. Soakers are made from recycled tires and ooze water through pores along their entire surface. They should be buried under a layer of mulch to protect them from the sun. Watering cans are still a great tool for watering container plants or newly planted annuals and vegetables. Look for one that holds at least 2 1/2 gallons. The can should have a long spigot and a removable sprinkler head. To give a dry container plant a good soaking, fill a large bucket with water, and immerse the container until it stops bubbling (figure C). You can leave the plant in the bucket for several hours or even overnight. The soil will become thoroughly saturated, and if the plant is allowed to soak for several hours, the roots will absorb as much moisture as possible. It's preferable to water early in the morning. This gives plants all day to dry off so fungus diseases won't have a chance to develop overnight on moist foliage.
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