Reddit mentions: The best lawn & garden sprinklers

In ground sprinklers would be most but if you need or want to stick with a hose have you tried an adjustable oscillating sprinkler like a Melnor XT Turbo or Gilmour Rectangular?

I have a Melnor that I use for my smaller lawns, each has different dimensions and it adjusts easily to cover them all without a lot of overspray.

I just came across another one Melnor released recently that would probably fit the lawn perfectly. It's an oscillating sprinkler with 2 parallel rows of adjustable nozzles. It rotates on the stand so you could even daisy chain a pair of them if you've got enough water pressure and cover the whole lawn at once.

https://gardeningproductsreview.com/melnor-xt-minimax-turbo-oscillating-sprinkler-review/

I'm considering one now myself, I think it'd fit my lawn better too.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07PBKVNWQ/ref=psdc_553974_t2_B000NJPUHG

It works great so far. I bought the most expensive tractor from these guys, who seem to be the original.

http://www.nationalwalkingsprinkler.com/

Their stuff is all VERY heavy duty and I like that I can buy any replacement parts from their site. I went with the biggest one even though I have a small yard, because I wanted to be 100% sure it would work and go all the way around the house without me having to switch to a different spigot.

The $50 versions are good too, my in laws have one and I use it often at their house. But they've only had it for a couple months (same for mine, though) and Amazon reviews seem to think they'll crap out after a couple years. I can tell you for sure there are a lot more plastic parts on the $50 one.

This is the one my in laws have:
https://www.amazon.com/Orbit-58322-Traveling-Sprinkler/dp/B000NJPUHG/

sure - most are basically re-purposed lawn sprinkler technology designed to attach to your gutter and provide a protective mist over your roof and surrounding area in the event that a near by fire threatens. this prevents sparks and embers landing on your roof and starting your home on fire, or at least makes it a hell of a lot harder.

Here's one - it's actually one of the more expensive ones i've seen:

https://www.amazon.ca/WASP-Gutter-Sprinkler-Wildfire-Protection/dp/B00VVN3QHY/ref=asc_df_B00VVN3QHY/?tag=googleshopc0c-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=293020020863&hvpos=1o3&hvnetw=g&hvrand=8634138146401493291&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=1001879&hvtargid=pla-349028022620&psc=1

Here's a bit from the manufacturer, who's in the lower mainland

https://www.tricitynews.com/news/tri-city-biz-s-sprinklers-to-fight-wildfires-1.21631423

Now - this system is very handy but obviously you can rig up a number of similar options using reuglar lawn sprinklers. I've seen other variations of this too, such as the 'ember defender' from austraila or others. I saw one last year, can't remember if it was canadian tire or lowes, it was seasonal but it was a gutter attach system and it was pretty cheap.

It would be very easy to make one as well. You get the idea - a sprinkler that shoots water onto the roof and gutters to make sure embers go out, kind of like 'sheilds' for your home.

now - depending on your risk level you can make this very simple or more complicated, you can by water pumps and the like to improve the number of sprinklers and such or add ones to spray in front of the home on the grass and such to keep that wet too.

But for a small amount of money you should be able to rig a pretty good system pretty cheap. It might be as simple as cutting some thicker pvc pipe in half - installing the sprinkler in the middle and putting those on the top of your roof in the summer. It's not like they have to be up all year and it's not like they have to have water hooked up all the time, if a fire breaks out in the area plug the hose in and turn the system on before it gets anywhere near you. You can get stupid-fancy - there are even controllers for irrigation systems which work remotely over wi-fi in case you want to activate it when you're not there if you want to get THAT crazy. And be sure to pick a system that uses enough water but not more than it needs to help if water pressure is down in the area. Or install a booster pump.

My threat risk is RELATIVELY low, so i use a very simple set up that i'll deploy if there's a risk. but- a decent system can really help protect your home from fire damage.

Sorry for the late reply, I'm probably the only one who checks this sub. I have a double IBC tote setup, with this pump: https://www.amazon.com/Shurflo-2088-594-154-2088-Diaphragm-Industrial/dp/B0001FAA5Y/ref=sr_1_fkmr2_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1499722510&sr=8-1-fkmr2&keywords=in-line+water+pump+shurflo

With a couple of in-line filters: this on on the pump inlet: https://www.amazon.com/SHURFLO-255-315-Swivel-Water-Strainer/dp/B002XM3IP2/ref=pd_sim_60_8?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B002XM3IP2&pd_rd_r=YQ8Y2Y060CD2PTJX5HB0&pd_rd_w=RXwRJ&pd_rd_wg=dIo1a&psc=1&refRID=YQ8Y2Y060CD2PTJX5HB0

And this one (I think) on the IBC outlet: https://www.amazon.com/Female-Strainer-mounting-stainless-screen/dp/B00CH18YFS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1499722741&sr=8-1&keywords=inline+strainer


I think my long hose is 100ft. Is there a lot of head? What kind of sprinkler is it? How large of an area do you want to cover?

I have a sprinkler similar to this one that works pretty well, probably covers around 12x12ft? https://www.amazon.com/Sprinkler-medium-watering-troubleshooting-Needed/dp/B01HB1NVH4/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1499722821&sr=8-6&keywords=sprinkler

I've used it with another sprinkler like this, but there are too many holes, so not enough pressure https://www.amazon.com/Gilmour-Light-Circle-Pattern-Sprinkler/dp/B000KL17BU/ref=sr_1_47?ie=UTF8&qid=1499722890&sr=8-47&keywords=sprinkler

I've used them in two areas in my yard with about an 8ft difference in head. Neither were effected much by the head difference.

At work we have 3 ~800gal cisterns for our plant nursery. We have a pump similar if not the same model as this one which we use for the normal back-and-forth style lawn sprinklers. It works great, but again very little head. I think we might be able to run two sprinklers at a time with this one. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002YVPSK?ref=emc_b_5_i

Put up a sign, “keep off grass”

When they do it anyway get this:

Orbit Enforcer Motion Activated Pest Deterrent Sprinkler https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01D4GCGJY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_YyXPDbDTNEV27

Works great for dogs, kids, their owners. Keep a security camera aimed at it for when they vandalize it.

Edit: let’s be clear about something; if you let your pets use someone else’s lawn as a toilet, you are an asshole. Bagging has nothing to do with it.

Does it have to be 2' up?


https://www.amazon.com/Quick-Snap-Adjustable-Sprinkler-Connector-QSK-741/dp/B0018SDVRW

That sounds similar to what you're asking for, quick connect with hose, no moving the sprinkler after it's in place. Otherwise, pvc should be ok, or galvanized steel if you're really worried about sun damage and flexibility.


You could also consider installing a drip irrigation system in the bed, they sell starter kits at a lot of big box stores. I believe most of those kits are designed to run off of a hose, they're pretty simple to setup, and fairly cheap. That will allow you to adjust water to each plant individually as well (if you choose) or you could use spray fan micro emitters that work like tiny pop spray fan sprinklers.

Sun Joe SJI-OMS16 Indestructible Metal Base Oscillating Sprinkler with Adjustable Spray https://www.amazon.com/dp/B079C7QBVK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_k6ZRCbEGN7SV3




We had this style, though the 3 prong spinning metal ones could work though I have a feeling a dog would be more prone to trying to bite that part as well as interfering with it spraying. This type I shared still would get carried around or little teeth Dents but never was too damaged to work. Kiss your shepherd for me

Don't worry about your neighbors for now, they will come around when your lawn looks better than theirs. Look at using the big tripod impact sprinklers like this https://smile.amazon.com/Orbit-58308-Tripod-Brass-Impact/dp/B0002IQ96Y/ref=sr_1_2?s=lawn-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1504097831&sr=1-2&refinements=p_89%3AOrbit

I found the best avenue for me (.7 acres), was the following:

1. Orbit sprinker spikes
   
2. Hunter PGP Sprinkers
   
3. Orbit Adapters
   
4. 4 Zone Timer
   
5. Cheapest decent hose can find.
   
   For about $20 per sprinkler, I got a full rotary sprinkler with more control (nozzles/pattern/etc) than impact sprinklers. Because I can choose nozzles, I can even daisy chain these if needed (for low pressure or flow, for example). I run everything above ground as needed, and has worked great.
   
   I went the impact sprinkler route first, and it just didn't work as well.
   

I used a tractor sprinkler for years and loved it. Lay the hose out making the path you want it to take and turn it on. You can set the gear speed for a quick or slow watering

https://www.amazon.com/Nelson-1865-Raintrain-Traveling-Sprinkler/dp/B00002N6AN

Get motion activated sprinklers. These will be a treat to watch with hour new security cameras.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07VDBZWVH/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_v5bKDb38H41BY

If you use soaker hose, which would be fine, you will have to bring it into the garage each winter.

Spray emitters will spray more area, and increase weeds, and may increase problems with fungus and mold. That's more of a consideration for cucurbits.

These adjustable drip emitters are the best. The flat "pancake" or "button" emitters are terrible and tend to plug up in less than one season.

Nah I could see you just needing to set up like five to ten of those bear spray ones, then have those tiny little black hose ones that spray a super fine mist about to water your garden. You could then have it set to go off by a trigger, motion censor (I think this one could prove problematic for local wildlife), or maybe even have an app for it.

When I read the bit about the pepper spray rigged to the sprinklers, it really got me thinking on how you would do it effectively. Where you would position them and if you could set them off in relay.

That's why I think the multiple big can of bear spray like this or this but they only seem to have a 5 second blast. So having a bank of about 20 or 30, with 3 on each sprinkler system, meaning you can send more 5 second bursts through it.

As I'm in Australia and pepper spray and most definitely bear spray is illegal (without a licence I think) I'd have to find some of that fart spray instead. I could get some Raspeberry Pi's, servo motors and with my 3D printer could cobble something together.

Realistically if he had access to a 3D printer (even without you could managed with duct-tape), and could learn how to do some basic programming, you could knock something up in a month or two of weekends and some after work time.

EDIT: Just found this awesomely perfect for the purpose sprinkler.

And this one for those neighborhood kids who you don't like. Or this, or maybe if you have some Bronies this.

Yeah, you can control if you want more to the left or the right as well as the usual front and back. You can also control the water flow on the sprinkler itself.

I bought this one. You can even see my review there. Let me know if you have more questions.

https://www.amazon.ca/Melnor-Mini-Turbo-Oscillating-Sprinkler-Rotation/dp/B079CZS9ZM

One of these if you want large areas including grass. Something more like this if you only want to water smaller flower beds.

You could also look at this
I use both. My backyard is pretty big so I use 2 of these there, and 2 of the others in my front yard.

I got a DIG brand kit last year, the ML50, and then bought some extra parts, including some adjustable emitters from Amazon. Then I have an auto faucet timer this one that I've been using for years. I don't think you need a whole kit yet, but you might get it so you have the whole faucet assembly. It comes with a filter, pressure reducer, and backflow preventer. I would Go from the faucet to the timer to that assembly, then just run 1/2" tubing from there. Line up all your plants in a row so you can just run the tubing along the tops. Find a way to anchor them down. The just put an emitter or two over each pot.

These things look neat, never tried one though

https://www.amazon.com/Nelson-1865-Raintrain-Traveling-Sprinkler/dp/B00002N6AN

But couldn't you do the same thing with any sprinkler that isn't on a ground stake? I could grab this package from Amazon, for example, and just pull on the hose to slide it to a different spot when I need to move it. Is there some additional value I'm just not seeing with the DIY?

Just as a followup in case anyone comes across this post. I ended up getting this sprinkler from Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Dramm-15072-ColorStorm-Spinning-Sprinkler/dp/B007CW1QHU/

It works flawlessly. It throws the water plenty far enough for my low pressure faucets coming off the house. It's also well built and feels like it will last at least a couple seasons.

Or ya know... use a $12 garden sprinkler lol.

my oscillating sprinkler broke, it was what i used in a similar strip in my lawn.

I got this thing and I absolutely love it. Saving water by using it more effeciently, less on the sidewalk and more in my turf.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07NW6W5D8/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

You could get a walking sprinkler. Those melnor/nelson ones like I linked might not last more than a few seasons but you can find 70 year old solid cast iron ones on craigslist that still work and national walking sprinkler still sells parts for.

Might try a traveling tractor sprinkler something like this https://www.amazon.com/Nelson-1865-Raintrain-Traveling-Sprinkler/dp/B00002N6AN

A friend purchased this one to water a narrow strip. You can adjust the width.

The Q&A says:

>Question: How narrow can the stream be when running full blast?
>
>Answer: I would say 2 1/2 to 3 feet. Full blast makes it go farther, not wider. Great for a narrow strip.

https://www.amazon.com/Nelson-1865-Raintrain-Traveling-Sprinkler/dp/B00002N6AN

Traveling Sprinkler . I don’t think there’s any technical name to them.

I came across these recently - Melnor 65031-AMZ MiniMax Turbo Oscillating Sprinkler on Step Spike with QuickConnect Product Adapter Set, Black, Yellow https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07NW6W5D8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_U6CwDb96ZH0MJ

I bought these, 2 for the back and 1 up front. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07HKTDV5K/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Have water running to them and plan on using the B hvye to control the watering. Planning on having 3 B hyve's to control "3 zones".

2k is overkill for 400 sq foot.

1. sprinkler with timer,
   
   
2. https://www.amazon.com/Rain-Bird-32ETI-Automatic-Sprinkler/dp/B00K72WU3Q ,
   
   
3. Railbird/Hunter rotors attached to hose spikes above ground. https://www.amazon.com/Rain-Bird-32SASP-Hose-End-Drive/dp/B005MICUTO/ref=sr_1_4?s=lawn-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1549565650&sr=1-4&keywords=sprinkler+spike
   
   
4. https://www.amazon.com/Melnor-Mini-Turbo-Oscillating-Sprinkler-Rotation/dp/B079CZS9ZM/ref=sr_1_1?s=lawn-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1549565650&sr=1-1&keywords=sprinkler+spike

I put these together a couple years ago:

Orbit 58197N 1/2" Step Spike Base for Garden Hose & Sprinkler https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00004S1VI

+

Rain Bird 32SA/4PKS Simple Adjust 32SA Gear Drive Rotor, Adjustable 40° - 360° Pattern, 19' - 32' Spray Distance, 4-Pack. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004673564

+

An appropriately sized nipple (I think they're 1/2")

It's a melnor oscillating lawn sprinkler http://www.amazon.com/Metal-Oscillating-Sprinkler-3600-Square/dp/B00A25E194. This isn't the one but the adjustment knobs look the same

I'm partial to my Ring doorbells. I also have motion sensor lights outside.

I have something similar to this in my bath to keep the cats out of my tub. https://smile.amazon.com/Wikomo-Ultrasonic-Repeller-Waterproof-Squirrels/dp/B079M2B2BQ/ref=sr_1_18?ie=UTF8&qid=1539624628&sr=8-18&keywords=motion+sensor+pest+control You can find one that will flash and make a lot of noise.

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There is also this: https://smile.amazon.com/Orbit-62000-Activated-Deterrent-Sprinkler/dp/B01D4GCGJY/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1539624628&sr=8-8&keywords=motion+sensor+pest+control

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01D4GCGJY/

This is the one that I have. I found someone selling it for $25 on craigslist. Made out of cast iron and heavy as fuck but so worth it!

I like the idea, sounds pretty cool but what would keep someone from stealing it? I'd rather drop ~$60 on this sprinkler that follows a hose (http://www.amazon.com/Nelson-1865-Raintrain-Traveling-Sprinkler/dp/B00002N6AN) than ~$400 someone could come and take from my yard.