Watering Can Obsession

We all may have that one special item that we are drawn to. It may be animals, plants, shoes, clothes, linen, yarn, or just plain “stuff.” You know who you are. For me, I have several obsessions, but the one I have been fighting these days are watering cans. They seem to be EVERYWHERE right now, and they call out to me. “Buy me and take me home with you.”

I have no clue why, but I am drawn to them like a moth to a flame. This time of year walking through Hobby Lobby or Home Goods, I just want to fill my cart with watering cans. Pink ones, happy yellow ones, tall ones, short ones, ones with shower heads (a.k.a. rose or rosette), narrow spouts, long necks, decorative, and I could go on and on and on.

Granted each watering can have a specific purpose depending on the need for a plant. For example, I would never use a watering can with a shower head to water my office plant. Unless I want water all over my desk, I do not think that would be a good idea. Some plants just need water directly to the base and not sprinkled all over them.

I have plenty of watering cans, but I see more in my future. As long as I go shopping friends that ask me, “Do you need another watering can?,” I am probably in good shape of keeping my obsession at bay. Alone, I think I will not be able to resist the temptation of adding more to the collection. I love the various colors, sizes, and shapes. Some of my cans have adjustable heads where you can switch from shower to pour. How great is that?!

My favorite watering can

Of all the watering cans that I have, my favorites are the ones made of galvanized metal. There is something old fashioned about them. It gives me that good ol’ country farm feel. My mother gave me a big old watering can, which I currently have on a shelf in my “She Shed” just ready to be used this Spring. I also have a newer galvanized watering can in the greenhouse that I use to catch rain water, and one at work for my office plants.

The best one yet is my mouse watering can. When I saw it in the Gardener’s Supply catalog, I knew it had to be mine! So cute, and a great conversation piece. This watering can is great to get water to the base of the plant bypassing all of the leaves. It makes the chore of watering plants around the house so much fun!

Lessons to be learned

Watering cans do require some maintenance. With metal cans, make sure you are not letting water stand in them for extended periods of time. Granted they are made to hold water, but metal will rust over time. Also, do not leave water in the can during the winter outside or in areas where it will freeze. I have seen frozen water bust out the bottom of the can.

For plastic watering cans, make sure to clean out debris and avoid standing water, especially in warmer temperatures (I guess this can apply to metal as well). It can develop mold and algae. As with metal cans, do not leave water in them when the temperatures freeze. It will split the seams of a plastic can. And for either one, watch when you leave standing water in the cans outside, because mosquitos will be drawn to it.

If a watering can does kick the can, you can always use it as a planter. Great way to repurpose the old can and water it with a new one.