Recently someone asked me to recommend a watering can. We have been using this Rubbermaid watering can for over a decade. What I like about it:
- Holds 2 gallons (7.5 liters). Less trips to the rain barrel but not so heavy when full as to be unmanageable
- It’s easy to fill, not just from a hose, but from another bucket if necessary.
- Clearly marked, so when you mix fertilizer in it, you know how much water you’re adding
- The rose (sprinkler end) is removable, so you can clean it. It screws on, so doesn’t pop off unexpectedly
- It’s designed well, so that when you tip it, a nice shower comes out–and it’s easy to tip. (It’s too strong for seedlings, but great for established plants)
- It’s durable. The Purdyville gardeners are accustomed to tossing the empty watering can in the general vicinity of the hose when they are done with it. It takes such abuse without complaint.
- It’s inexpensive. You don’t have to worry about losing it or abusing it.
That last item was true until I discovered they don’t make them anymore. This last fact was uncovered several years ago, when the rose went missing. “I’ll just buy another,” I said to myself. I went back to the hardware store where I first bought it, and they didn’t have it. I tried every hardware store in town: no luck. I finally emailed the Rubbermaid company, and was told they don’t make it anymore.
Suddenly my humble watering can had become very precious. And pretty useless, seeing as it didn’t have the rose. We eventually found the rose at the bottom of the rain barrel, and all was well. And I gained a new appreciation for the Rubbermaid watering can.
Why did they stop making it? It was perfect for what it was designed for. Now all that’s available in the inexpensive but durable segment of this market are cans similar to this
Well, if any Rubbermaid executives google their brand name and find themselves here, I humbly request that you reinstate this in your product line. And if any of you readers come across this at a garage sale, buy it for yourself. And if you don’t want it, buy it for me. I will reimburse you for the cost of the watering can and shipping.
{ 16 comments… read them below or add one }
I thought I was the only one going crazy trying to find more of my favorite watering cans. I have two and I will cherish them. Has anyone found something close to it with that similar wide opening on top?
I was rather amused by this watering can problem. I’m an American, gardening in France the past 18 years. They have a very common big plastic watering can that I just take for granted. I just came across an ad for a French watering can and just had to see what it was. Turns out to be something for $25 that looks like what I can get here for about $5 (haven’t priced them in years, they last forever). LOL
I’m so sorry you have such a hard time finding something decent. I keep getting amused at all the “French” or “European” tags on a lot of American decorations. I didn’t realize how much of my everyday items are considered exotic back home. It works both ways, tho. Their open kitchens and side by side refrigerators are called “American.”
Thanks for your article. I enjoyed it.
Kathy,
You’ve solved my Rubbermaid watering can question. Anyone wanting to sell theirs let me know. Thanks.
Hear hear! Mine is over ten years old. I wish I could get another one
Twitter: @commonweeder
Kathy,
It is impossible to understand why companies stop making good functional items – and keep making things (SUVs?) that are not functional, or even in great demand. At least a lot of people are now looking for this wonderful watering can for you and for themselves.
I also have this exact same watering can, and have been searching for a few years to find another one as well made and useful as this one. So far, no luck. Hopefully mine will last for a long time yet.
I hate when companies stop manufacturing my favorite products. It seems to happen more & more. I’d love a watering can like that, but until someone starts making it again, I’m stuck with my metal one w/ the rose that won’t come off.
Cynical Jenn says that they no longer make it exactly for all the reasons you state, esp. the longetivity.
They want a product that people will be compelled to replace each year. Isn’t that how our economy works?
If I still have mine when yours bellies up, drop me a line. I rarely use mine.
I have this same Rubbermaid watering can and it is my favorite. I’ll certainly continue to take good care of it now. It’s in great condition because I usually keep it inside or in the garage.
Twitter: @reddirtramblin
Kathy, I have that same watering can. I’ll take better care of it. My mom bought it for me some years ago. At the time, I snobbishly thought I wanted a fancy Haws metal one. Later, I saw the great design features of the can, along with the fact that it is plastic. Not so heavy, and you can leave it outside, and it won’t rust.~~Dee
You’ve reminded me that I do need some reliable watering cans…the present ones are terribly awkward and hard to fill…and your readers have given me some directions to head!
gail
Twitter: @mycornerofkaty
Kathy, I hope this watering can will be with you for many years to come! I’ll be on the watch for any like it, though.
I went on a watering can shopping trip for a friend this spring and ended up disappointed. I have a nice sturdy galvanized metal can that is built on the same desisn as yours, but without measuring lines. I love being able to dunk it to fill quickly and how easy the curved handle is to use. My rose is knocking around in the barn but I never use it.
Twitter: @ZanthanGardens
Sounds like it has many advantages over mine. (The rose always popping off and it is hard to fill from another bucket .)
Maybe the internet can spark a revolution in customer relations. Even if Rubbermaid is basically kaput, other companies can find out what gardeners are looking for in a watering can and respond with the perfect solution.
The quest for the perfect watering can! Does it ever end?
You should read the story of Rubbermaid and how they tangled with Walmart, and lost. I think only the brand still exist, not the company that made this good watering can. I’ll have to look it up myself to make sure my facts are straight…
If I see one someplace, I sure will buy it for you!
Hello Kathy,
I’ve enjoyed your blog and your comments today about a good watering can. A couple years ago I found a big blue one which works wonderfully well for me. It’s from Gardener’s Supply Company (http://www.gardeners.com) and it’s called a French Watering Can. It holds 3 gallons, is comfortable to carry, and the rose slips off and on easily. It’s become a reliable friend. It costs $25.00. However, it does not have markings such as those on your Rubbermaid watering can.
Lois, Columbus, Zone 5
P.S. My favorite tool is a family heirloom spade. Someday it will go to the nursing home with me. But I’ve yet to find a good grass shear. Someday. Someday.