Best Watering Cans for Indoor and Outdoor Gardening

When selecting a watering can, start with the kind of gardening you'll be using it for. Will this be an indoor watering can or an outdoor watering can? Outdoor watering cans are often larger, usually 2 gallons and up to 5 gallons. Indoor watering cans for houseplants tend to be smaller, holding less than a half gallon of water, and come in bright colors and interesting shapes.

Watering cans are usually either metal or plastic. Each has its own benefits.

Factors to consider when purchasing a watering can:

• Durability. You want a watering can that will last several seasons. Plastic is often the most durable material, but colors can fade in sunlight. Metal watering cans need to be emptied and stored out of the weather so they don't rust.
• Size. You want a watering can that will deliver sufficient hydration to your plants without a lot of trips to the spigot.
• Handle. Look for watering cans with a handle or handles that accommodate holding the can upright and also for pouring. You want a comfortable handle with a good grip.
• Nozzles. Indoor plant watering cans tend to have a single long spout that lets you direct water under the leaves and toward the soil. Outdoor watering cans have "sprinkler" type nozzles that distribute the water across a wider surface. Make sure the nozzle attaches well to the pouring spout and can be removed, if needed. Debris sometimes clogs watering cans and you may need to take the nozzle off for cleaning.

Watering cans tend to be plastic or metal. For plastic watering cans, look for fade resistance and solid construction that will prevent leaks.

Metal watering cans are often steel. In the Garden Center and online, look for solid, galvanized steel for durability. Metal watering cans be heavy when filled to the top with water. If you're gardening outdoors and need to move a lot of water, you may want to select a smaller size that's easier to carry.

Watering cans can be decorative as well as functional. A galvanized watering can next to a summery cut flower garden makes for a lovely Instagrammable moment. Try using a stylish watering can as a vase for newly cut flowers.

The best size for a watering can is typically what works best for your type of gardening.

If you're watering plants indoors, you will probably want a small watering can for each room that has plants. Fill the watering cans with room temperature water and give your plants the water they need when they dry out.

When shopping for an indoor plant watering can, look for a comfortable grip, easy-fill top and drip prevention design.

With both indoor and outdoor watering cans be sure the can will fit easily under the spigot where you'll be filling it.

You may need larger watering cans for outside. Two gallons is a good size for watering gardens. There are larger sizes available, just be sure that they are easy to carry when full.

Keep your watering can for many seasons by taking care to keep them clean.

Avoid leaving water in the watering can after you've watered your plants. You'll want to empty it when it's not being used. This will prevent rust in metal cans and can keep down mosquito populations in cans left outside in summer.

If you use the watering cans to mix up water-soluble plant fertilizers, rinse and dry after using.

At the end of the season, store clean outdoor watering cans in a cool dry place like a tool shed or garage.