But did you know that using a hose reel will make this job so much simpler? Gone are the days of having the hose trailing behind, getting frustratingly tangled and kinked every five minutes! We tested 26 different hose reels in a range of styles and sizes, in the rooftop garden of our lab in Des, Moines, Iowa. We first set up each hose reel according to the manufacturer's instructions and recorded the time and assembly process. We then evaluated each reel’s design: For those that were simply reels, we connected a hose to the couplings and wound the hose around the reels, noting how much effort it took to do so. For the other styles, we simply coiled a hose into the pots or hangers, recording how easy this deceptively ornery process can be. Next, we tested the products' usability and practiced fully unwinding the hoses from the reel or taking the hoses out of the pots. We noted whether the hose unwound smoothly or was difficult to remove and whether the container tipped over during the process or needed a hand or two to steady it. We repeated this process with two different hoses of varying lengths and styles.

Installation can also be a bit of a challenge; at 16.4 kg it’s not the lightest of units and it needs to be fixed to a solid wall to make sure it stays in securely.Traditional garden hoses are round and easily susceptible to punctures and kinks. Think about how many times you twisted your round garden hose and had to spend several minutes straightening it out. Wouldn’t you like a better alternative? Seeing as these garden hoses should be stored away in winter to prevent damage from freezing, a lighter unit like this may appeal to some, making the notion of the bi-annual job a bit less daunting. Harry has real-world tested 46 products for DIY Garden, and is one of our more experienced testers.

If you’re thinking about buying an automatic hose reel, here are a few tips to help you find the right hose and reel. Whilst some people love the bright colours of gardening equipment, there are others who cry out for something a little more understated. If you find yourself in the latter category, you’ll be pleased to know the TRESKO Auto Garden Hose Reel has got you covered.DKN Leisure Supplies offers flat garden hoses as a suitable alternative. Flat garden hoses are designed to be lightweight and resistant to punctures and kinks. That means you don’t have to worry as much about getting holes in the hose or spending a lot of time untangling it. Instead, you can spend less than a minute straightening out the flat hose as you bring the head to the proper destination. Yes, you can continue to return items as normal as long as you follow the government guidelines about leaving your house. It comes with both a spray nozzle and spray gun, leaving you with plenty of options. Whether you’re washing the car, watering the plants, or even cleaning your dog, there’s a spray setting for the job. In fact, there are 9 to choose from, including flat, centre, cone, full, fog and jet. Our collections by our couriers are happening as usual. As it stands, delivery times are not being affected too much. Please be aware though that Royal Mail and other couriers are sometimes prioritising essential items so please bear with us if your delivery takes slightly longer than expected. If so, we’re happy you found us. Flat Out is an Aussie family business (est. 2001) dedicated to manufacturing 'tangle prevention products' of the highest quality, designed to make life easier.