Watering and hoses
How to water a garden without a hose
Renting, gardening on a balcony, or just far from the tap? You can keep a garden well watered without a hose. The trick is to deliver water slowly to the roots and to lose less of it.
Updated 26 Oct 2026 · Facts checked against the sources at the end.
Ways to get water to plants
- Watering can: a 2-gallon can with a long spout lets you water the soil at the base of each plant. Two trips cover a small bed.
- Buckets with holes: drill a few small holes in the bottom of a bucket and set it next to a thirsty plant such as a tomato. It drains slowly into the root zone.
- Rain barrel: collect roof water from a downspout. Check local rules first, and use a screened lid to keep out mosquitoes and debris.
- Clay pots (ollas): an unglazed clay pot buried up to its neck and filled with water seeps moisture into the soil around it.
- Self-watering containers: a water reservoir in the base wicks water up to the roots.
- Indoor tap and a faucet adapter: a short hose or can-filling adapter on a kitchen or laundry tap helps fill cans faster.
Need less water
- Mulch beds 2 to 3 inches deep to slow evaporation.
- Group pots together so they shade each other.
- Water in the morning when less is lost to evaporation.
- Add compost; organic matter helps soil hold water.
- Choose drought-tolerant plants for dry spots, such as lavender, rosemary and thyme.
How much to give
Most vegetables need about 1 inch of water a week, which is about 0.62 gallons for every square foot of bed. A 4 x 8 foot bed needs about 20 gallons a week, or ten trips with a 2-gallon can, split into two or three waterings. See how long to water a garden.
Frequently asked questions
How can I water my garden without a hose?
Use watering cans, buckets with small holes, a rain barrel, buried clay pots (ollas) or self-watering containers, and mulch to cut water loss.
How much water does a small garden bed need?
About 1 inch a week, or roughly 0.62 gallons per square foot. A 4 x 8 foot bed needs about 20 gallons a week.
Are rain barrels legal?
In most places, yes, but rules vary by state and city. Check with your local water authority before installing one.
Related
Sources
- EPA WaterSense: Outdoor water use
- University of Illinois Extension: Watering all season long
- University of Wisconsin Extension: Dealing with dry soils and drought
Written in our own words from the sources above. See our editorial policy. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.