Every gardener, including those without a green thumb, knows that plants need water to survive. The best sprinklers are just one of the best gardening tools for ensuring that enviable green lawn stays lush with a steady watering schedule. It's also important to understand the watering requirements of different plants, your local climate and soil, and how to properly add supplemental water.
If you don't have an automatic irrigation system installed or don't have time to water every area of your garden with a garden hose or watering can, you'll need a sprinkler to help distribute water to keep your lawn in top shape. Seedlings, hanging plants, and your yard each require a different delivery system and pressure, so we've provided various sprinkler options depending on what type of plants you're caring for.
We tested the sprinklers for durability, water distribution, ease of use, and price. Our top choice for large lawns is the Nelson RainTrain Traveling Sprinkler which can cover up to 13,500 square feet by traveling along your hose, without having to reposition the sprinkler. For those with less ground to cover, Melnor XT Metal Turbo Oscillating Sprinkler with Flow Control has a durable metal body, easy install, and adjustable width and range settings for up to 4,500 square feet of water coverage.
Our picks of the best sprinklers
Best for large lawns: Nelson RainTrain Traveling Sprinkler - See at Walmart
Best for small lawns: Melnor XT Metal Turbo Oscillating Sprinkler with Flow Control - See at Amazon
Best budget: Melnor 65056-AMZ XT Turbo Oscillator - See at Amazon
Best for flowers and vegetables: Gardena Spray Spike Sprinkler - See at Amazon
Best soaker hose: Gilmour Flat Soaker Hose - See at Amazon
Best for large lawns
The Nelson RainTrain Traveling Sprinkler moves along a garden hose up to 200 feet so you don’t have to shift the sprinkler when watering large areas.
What we like
What we don't like
When watering a large, open expanse, the Nelson RainTrain Traveling Sprinkler is your best bet, as it can cover up to 13,500 square feet quickly and efficiently.
Nelson's sprinkler comes with three speeds to adjust saturation levels: high for faster traveling with less spray, neutral for targeting a specific area with the sprinkler set to one place, and low for slower traveling with more spray.
After selecting your preferred speed, you can adjust the spray arms to cover between 15 to 55 feet in diameter. It works for large and small yards alike since moving the arms downward will focus on a narrow area while turning them upward at a 30-degree angle will maximize coverage.
The Nelson moves along a garden hose path up to 200 feet, so you don't have to move the full-circle sprinkler on your wide plot, and it will automatically shut off after its cycle to prevent water waste. Lawn maintenance will be even more hassle-free if you use a ⅝-inch hose because a smaller one can cause the sprinkler to go off its track.
After several seasons of use, I am still impressed with the high-grade materials and durability. However, there's a bit of a learning curve to ensure the sprinkler runs at the speed you desire and to set up the hose path properly.
Best for small lawns
The Melnor XT Metal Turbo Oscillating Sprinkler with Flow Control is precise and perfect for watering small areas.
What we like
What we don't like
The Melnor XT Metal Turbo Oscillating Sprinkler with Flow Control is durable, customizable, and precisely designed for small and medium-sized yards. It features controls to adjust the watering pattern's width, range, and flow, which came in handy when I wanted to pinpoint specific areas — like a newly planted bed — that required watering.
You can choose from 20 different nozzles that cover up to 4,500 square feet. You can also remove the metal filter to be cleaned for efficient maintenance. The end plug even doubles as a cleaning tool for the nozzles.
I'm impressed with Melnor's smooth movements and adaptability — particularly how it doesn't shoot water too high into the air, which tends to evaporate the water before it hits the ground. Though you have to move the sprinkler from area to area, its precise power makes it one of our top picks.
Best budget
If you're working with a tight budget to complete other outdoor projects, the If you're working with a tight budget to complete other outdoor projects, the Melnor 65056-AMZ XT Turbo Oscillator with Range Adjustment will affordably water your lawn in the warmer months.
What we like
What we don't like
Melnor is a leading name in garden sprinklers, and the Melnor 65056-AMZ XT Turbo Oscillator lives up to its name with a budget-friendly price tag. Covering 4,000 square feet, the oscillating sprinkler has 18 nozzles — six of which have a positive shutoff — and adjustable settings for width and range. There's also a built-in cleaning tool to prevent debris buildup and help the water flow.
Though the plastic components can break more easily than all-metal sprinklers, the turbo-drive motor is durable enough to last you from season to season. It also comes with a Quick Connect Product Adapter to easily connect to your hose. Just be sure to move it out of direct sunlight when not in use to help prolong its life.
Best for flowers and vegetables
For newly seeded areas or tender young plants, the Gardena Spray Spike Sprinkler delivers the water they need without harming their growth.
What we like
What we don't like
Whether I direct-sow into the soil or start seeds indoors, the water freshly planted seeds need must be delivered gently or they will wash away or drown. That's why I love the Gardena Spray Spike Sprinkler, which provides moisture in a fine-mist spray that slowly soaks into the soil to protect your hard work outside.
The mist is delivered in a circular pattern that can reach a diameter of up to 36 feet and cover up to 1,000 square feet. However, the diameter can be adjusted by reducing the water pressure to cover much smaller areas.
Though the plastic hose connector may break if not carefully handled, its set-in-place installation makes it perfect for novice gardeners who want full blooms and ripe harvests.
Best soaker hose
Gilmour’s Flat Soaker Hose will effectively transport much-needed water to the root systems of mature trees, shrubs, and plants.
What we like
What we don't like
If you're tired of dragging a hose and sprinkler around the yard but don't want a built-in sprinkler system, you need the Gilmour Flat Soaker Hose. It winds underneath the mulch to gently provide the moisture plants need without losing water to evaporation, which also conserves water.
Since the water is going directly to the root balls, there is less danger of mildew and other foliage diseases caused by excessive moisture. Weed control is also easier because there's less surface water to sprout unwanted seeds. And it saves time because I don't have to reposition sprinklers.
The hose — which is lightweight and also comes in a 25-foot option — has a clog-resistant fabric cover that promotes easy water flow. The hose is easy to place and mold around the base of plants to deliver water right where you want it, and you can join additional hoses, if needed, to cover the entire area.
Though you may need landscaping staples to hold the hose in place, its fabric cover makes it more durable than other brands. Each late autumn, I flush it out and bring it inside for storage, and it's lasted me more than five years.
What to look for in choosing a sprinkler
Taylor Olberding, co-owner of Heroes Lawn Care, shares some insight on what to look for when shopping for a sprinkler for your yard:
- Coverage area: Your choice of sprinkler should ideally match the size of your outdoor space.
- Water efficiency: Watering even a small lawn requires a lot of water. Handy features like auto shut-offs and adjustable spray patterns can help conserve water and prevent waste. "[An adjustable spray pattern] helps avoid overspray and ensures water goes where you want it to go," says Olberding.
- Durability: "The most durable sprinklers are made from materials like stainless steel or brass that can stand up well against rust, corrosion, and sun damage," he says.
- Price: Buying a higher-quality sprinkler with a higher price tag might save you money in the long run, helping reduce water waste and avoiding the need for replacement sprinklers.
Additional considerations for first-time gardeners
If you're looking to learn more about landscaping and the needs of your local flora, one of the best places to start is your local county extension office — and it's free. As a farmer's daughter, I worked with horticulture specialists and county agents at Clemson University Extension who advised me to spend some time observing these four things before sprinkling water everywhere:
- Plant variety in the garden: Trees, shrubs, lawn grasses, annuals, and perennials have different water needs. If you are just starting, try to group plants with similar water needs together.
- Climate and annual rainfall: Windy, dry climates are very different from cloudy, humid areas and require different water levels and methods of delivery to get the most moisture to the plant's root system.
- Soil type: Get to know your dirt. Clay soil is heavy and water is absorbed slowly so you need to water at a slow rate. Water passes through sandy soil quickly and plants need to be watered more often. Loam soil, a combination of sand, clay, and organic matter, distributes water evenly and is the easiest to manage.
- Size and slope of the garden: Sprinkler choices will depend upon the terrain and the size of the area that needs watering.
How we tested sprinklers
After an intensive research process, we spent dozens of hours testing different brands and models of sprinklers against factors like water distribution, durability, and ease of use. We also considered the value of each sprinkler when making our final decisions.
Sprinkler FAQs
What's the most effective sprinkler type?
Rotating or oscillating sprinklers are the best option for watering a large area quickly and evenly.
What's the benefit of an in-ground pop-up sprinkler system?
Pop-up systems are out of sight when not in use and provide great area coverage. That said, their built-in design means they typically require professional installation.
When is the best time to turn on my sprinkler?
Early morning is an ideal time to water and prevent wasteful evaporation due to heat. However, it's a good idea to check municipal regulations about watering. Some cities strictly regulate when and how much you can water your lawn.
