15 Best DIYs To Reuse Your Old Water Hose Around The Garden

Garden hoses are one of those common items we always seem to have lying around in the garage or back of the shed, with strong material that can hold up to many seasons of use. But what do you do when you pull out an old hose for the season, only to find it's damaged and in need of replacement? You could throw it out to the trash, as hoses are usually not accepted for recycling, but there's a way to keep these synthetic materials from sitting in our landfills. There are countless ways to repurpose an old hose into something practical to use in the garden. These functions range from creating additional storage solutions that will help you make the most of your shed to simplifying routine garden maintenance in order to make it easier to keep your space looking lush and healthy.

Most standard garden hoses are made from rubber, vinyl, or polyurethane, and sometimes a combination of these. These materials are sturdy, which means you'll need a strong blade like the WORKPRO Premium Utility Knife to break down the hose for most of these DIY projects. In addition, you'll need to have some embellishments on hand, such as seasonal decorations, if you want to customize the final product. Be sure to wear gloves and protective eyewear when cutting any type of hose to prevent accidental injuries.

A sturdy doormat is one of those key household items that can help keep your space clean by catching outside elements on your way indoors after gardening. Dirt and slush during the winter are no match for entryway mats, which your hardwood floors (or even carpeting) will thank you for. However, having to purchase a brand-new doormat can be pricey. One method is to make a doormat out of an old garden hose by coiling it up and securing it with zip ties or adding it to an existing base.

Love seasonal decor but hate having to pay for new pieces each year? One way to upcycle an old hose into something useful is to use it as the base for an outdoor seasonal wreath that you can hang from the front of a shed or as a fun touch for a fence. Coil the hose around itself to create a circle, then embellish it with elements of your choice. From small shovels and faux flowers in the spring to garden gloves and burlap in the summer, you can style your outdoor space with a DIY wreath.

Gardening enthusiasts can put their DIY skills to use and create a basket for storing all of their tools or just to make yardwork easier. Another perk of this project is that you can customize the basket's final appearance by using your favorite materials. Twine and rope are options that can create a coastal garden look, and can even have water-resistant properties, meaning you won't have to worry about the basket becoming damaged if you accidentally leave it outside of your storage shed. However, it's best to keep out of direct sun and rain for longevity.

Do you have an outdoor chair lying around your shed or garage that has good bones, but the upholstery section needs some work? You could toss it out in favor of something new, or get creative and weave a DIY seat you won't have to worry about getting damaged by the elements. There are several ways to approach this; some methods use a lattice weave design, while others use a more straightforward approach that mimics a sling-style chair. This project will require some planning and patience, but can help give an outdated piece a new life.

If you're looking for tips to make watering the vegetable garden easier, you might find advice centered around factors like timing. That said, one other practical way to simplify the process is to DIY a watering can extender to make the stream gentler and more precise. Just take a small section of hose and add it to the spout for an instant extender. Extending the reach of your can this way is also ideal for watering hanging plants overhead. 

Another method to simplify garden maintenance is to DIY a soaker hose. These hoses are used throughout gardens as a way to slowly water plants without having to tend to each one individually. They lay on the ground where needed, and small holes allow water to reach roots more efficiently than with a can. With this, if you have a damaged hose with puncture marks that no longer provides a direct stream, you have the perfect base for a soaker hose. Add a few more openings and set out in your garden.

An old garden hose might not be the first item you reach for when it comes to organizing your garden tools. However, a majority of garden hoses are made from strong materials like vinyl and rubber, making them perfect to use as the base for small storage containers. Another way to amp up these small cubbies is to customize the outside by covering in your choice of fabric (as long as it will be out of the elements). These embellishments can take it from a regular old hose to a polished piece of garden decor.

Maintaining a pool can be time-consuming and expensive when you consider all that goes into keeping it in good condition. Chemicals to maintain a good pH and running the pump are just part of the process, but having to purchase another piece of equipment is just out of the cards for some owners. Instead of a vacuum, try using an old hose as a DIY siphon to clear up dirty water or help get up debris from the bottom.

Finding a way to DIY upcycle an old hose doesn't mean it has to stray far from its original purpose. Hoses with holes or damage to the material can be used as a homemade sprinkler for hot days without having to run out and purchase one when you're desperate to cool off. You can approach this in many ways, but one simple method is to attach one end of the hose to an empty bottle with pre-drilled holes. Any additional holes in the hose are just an added bonus!

Finding a way to keep your sharp tool blades covered can be challenging, especially when they don't come with their own protective sheath. You won't have to spend extra money on buying a standard product from the store if you have a garden hose and a utility blade lying around. Start by cutting the hose lengthwise and trimming each section to the size of each blade. Place the rubber section around the sharp portion of the blade, and now you can store it safely.

Garden cages are a necessity when it comes to growing tomatoes and other heavy types of plants. These sturdy structures help keep the plants from falling over and give them the necessary stability to continue growing. To use a hose in your DIY garden cage, it will come down to how you position each row as you wrap the material up the main structure and secure to each dowel. This project does require additional zip ties to keep everything in place, but it creates a strong base for your plants to thrive.

Garbage cans, whether inside our garages or dedicated to outdoor space, are one of those necessities we hope to set and forget. Yet, there are those instances where you toss a particularly large or heavy item in, only for it to pull down the entire bag with it. Instead of having to reach down and grab it every time, create a DIY grip out of an old hose. Just cut to the section and size needed before placing it on the side of the can.

If you've ever planted small trees, you know how important it is to use stakes for additional support. This is especially important in areas that are prone to heavy winds and severe weather. However, when you're using an old hose to create a DIY tree stake, you should take note that it isn't holding the tree too tightly. The trees should still be able to move slightly to help gain overall strength.

Using old household items to DIY Christmas decorations can be a fun and memorable way for the whole family to get ready for the festive season. If you love a holiday light arch, you can recreate this look with an old hose and some lights for a fraction of the cost of the options available at the store. Cut sections of hose to matching lengths and then use stakes to place the arches into the ground before wrapping with lights.

Some gardening tools and standard buckets come with bare handles that offer no protection for your hands. This doesn't mean you should avoid them in favor of others with better grips when you can DIY your own from an old hose. All you need to do is cut a section of the rubber to the length needed and slide it over the bucket handle to make it much more comfortable to use. Now, you can transport garden items around your property with a comfortable handle.