The Number One Rule For Watering Cans, No Matter What Kind You Have

A watering can is an integral tool for any gardener. It's very convenient, as it removes the need for a heavy garden hose when you need to water only a small plant, and it comes in handy when watering your houseplants or refilling a birdbath. There is, however, one important and incredibly simple watering can rule that you should remember to follow, and you may have never heard of it before.

Underwhelming though it may be, this imperative tip for owning a watering can is to store it upside down. The number one situation that calls for storing a watering can in this way is when yours is made from metal. Obviously, water and metal are not friends, so any remaining liquid in the can may result in rust and will eventually weaken the structural integrity of the garden tool. Even if your watering can is plastic, it's still recommended to store it upside down to minimize the growth of mold.

Beyond the damage that residual water may cause for your watering can, it can also be problematic for plants that you plan to hydrate using the container. Rusty water, while not necessarily a lethal blow to plants, is not the best way to nourish them. If your plants require a high pH or if they are more fragile in their composition, it is best to water them with fresh, clean water rather than water from a rusty can. To play it extra safe with metal cans, it can also be helpful to wipe down the inside with an old rag, as even a little water can begin the rusting cycle.

Similarly, if your plastic watering can has gotten grubby with mold, hydrating plants with the can's dirty water can contaminate them. By watering your plants with a dirty can, you risk damaging their health with pathogens in the water that can then spread throughout plants. Fortunately, it's beyond easy to avoid this fate from befalling your plants. Simply remember to store your watering cans upside down when not in use, and you'll have nothing to worry about. If your current watering can isn't getting the job done, keep these things in mind while shopping for a new one.