Gardening tools

A few things are worth knowing about tools like an expandable hose before buying one.

Expansion LengthExpandable hoses generally start at a shorter coiled length and stretch out several times that under water pressure, commonly growing from around 5 metres to 15 metres or more. Match the expanded length to the distance from your tap to the furthest point you'll need to water.

Storage and HandlingThese hoses are designed to be lightweight and self-draining, contracting back down and emptying themselves once the water is turned off, which helps prevent kinking and makes them easier to coil away than a standard rubber hose.

Fittings and AccessoriesCheck what's included before buying, a spray head, tap connectors, and couplers are common inclusions that determine whether it works straight out of the box or needs extra fittings bought separately.

DurabilityExpandable hoses trade some durability for convenience compared to a standard rubber hose, the inner bladder can be prone to punctures over time with rough handling. Reasonable for light, regular garden use rather than heavy-duty or commercial jobs.