• Skip to main content
  • Skip to secondary navigation
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Carol J. Michel

Award winner author of gardening humor books

  • About
    • Contact
  • Blog
  • Books
    • Shop
    • Gardening Humor
    • Children’s Books
    • New – The Halloween Hare
  • Speaking
    • Upcoming Speaking Engagements
  • Social
    • YouTube
    • Instagram
  • Gardening Humor
  • Children’s
  • All Books

May Dreams Gardens

“The Society” Considers Watering Cans

November 16, 2008 By Carol Michel 42 Comments

Dear Esteemed and Potential Members of the Society for the Preservation and Propagation of Old-Time Gardening Wisdom, Lore, and Superstition (SPPOTGWLS or “the Society”),

It has occurred to me, your President, that it is high time a census of the gardening world was conducted to find out just how many watering cans some gardeners have.

I recently took a tour around my garden, sunroom, garage, great room, kitchen, etc. and determined that I have approximately four watering cans that I actually use for watering, and approximately… well I’m not sure how many others there are, that sit around, perhaps hoping to be used one day. That’s why a census is needed.

Which reminds me that I need to fill those watering cans I do use and water the plants that are now indoors and those that are still on the porch. There is always something to do in the garden, isn’t there?

Anyway…

As I reflected on the watering can, one of the greatest gardening inventions of all time (the hoe being the greatest), and all the various forms and sizes there are, I also began to see that there are images of watering cans all around me, on pictures, pillows, and even a pair of socks.

Therefore I, as President, decree that this special census be undertaken so as to ascertain how many watering cans other members of the Society have, if for no other reason than to confirm that I am not alone in having more than one watering can around the garden and house and desiring to have a few more, ‘just in case’.

Unfortunately, the Society has no funds to appropriate to hire actual watering can census takers, so each member is asked to honestly and without delay complete their own census and report in on their numbers to me, your self-proclaimed President. This reporting can be by whatever means is most convenient for the members, including email, comment, or your own blog post.

I shall complete my own census in the next day or so, wanting to take a little extra time to ensure as accurate a count as possible.

Yours truly,
Carol
President of the Society for the Preservation and Propagation of Old-Time Gardening Wisdom, Lore, and Superstition (SPPOTGWLS or “the Society”)
Head Gardener at May Dreams Gardens

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: society, tools

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. EAL says

    November 16, 2008 at 10:14 pm

    Ok. I have 4 actual watering cans actually used for watering and also 4 empty windshield wiper bottles used to water street containers.

    Reply
  2. Mr. McGregor's Daughter says

    November 16, 2008 at 10:15 pm

    I, lame gardener that I am, have only 2 watering cans; one for outside and a little one for indoor plants. I also have been known to dump water out of waterbottles and pour water directly from the bucket into which I dumped the dehumidifier water. (I know, I’m a bad gardener, but my superwell-drained soil can take it.) My kids, by contrast, have about 3 or 4 little watering cans each. I’m sure why…

    Reply
  3. Anonymous says

    November 16, 2008 at 10:28 pm

    Hi Madame Pres., I can do this one easily. I have one real watering can that gets used for watering plants with real water. I have several if not tens of several of decorative type watering devices that merely collect dust and spiderwebs, inside, in the shed or outside. I may have watering can earrings, no wait, those are pruners. I know I have watering can ornaments that hang. And I used to kind of collect them, but they are not useful for various reasons, like holes in the bottom. In the greenhouse I have a coiled hose attached to the sink water faucet, so no can needed in there, just spraying, and a drain in the floor, a good thing.
    Frances

    Reply
  4. booksandgardens says

    November 16, 2008 at 10:45 pm

    Well I seem to have more watering cans than most gardeners. I have three for outside(but really only use two of them). One is a huge red 3 gallon can that I use a lot in the back gardens. I also have two that I use inside – I have a potted rosemary that needs a drink and when I start seeds I use one can downstairs. I also have several hoses but hate trying to coil them so maybe that is why I have the cans.

    Reply
  5. Anonymous says

    November 16, 2008 at 10:46 pm

    Madame President, I have only one, and I’m ashamed to write, it is plastic. I think I need to go to Ebay, don’t you? LOL.~~Dee

    Reply
  6. RURAL says

    November 16, 2008 at 10:59 pm

    I have 1 outdoor, 1 indoor, and one beautiful old antique Haws. Red and battered, I cherish it. Although I think that it is on permament loan from my Mom.

    Truly reported on this day.

    Jen

    Reply
  7. The Yankee Gardener says

    November 16, 2008 at 11:22 pm

    Well I only have one watering can but my wife (the real garden boss) has four that I know of but she doesn’t always tell me about all the tools or knickknacks she brings home!

    Reply
  8. Shibaguyz says

    November 16, 2008 at 11:26 pm

    Madame President:

    The Shibaguyz submit our survey as having one watering can. It is metal and we mainly use it in the summer to water our tomatoes and herbs growing in the planter mounted on our second floor balcony. However, it is currently being used to water the winter garden that is under cloche. It acts as both rain catcher as well as a vessel for the rain water collected in other containers.

    While we only possess the one, it is a hard worker and a great helper in our gardening.

    Please let the record show that the Shibaguyz have responded thusly (did we just make that word up??) in all honesty and with solemn truthfulness.

    Reply
  9. Anonymous says

    November 16, 2008 at 11:45 pm

    I have three – one large outside one, and two smaller inside ones (though I no longer have any inside plants). I go for plastic because of the weight, and I am a small person, but I would love to have the old-fashioned metal ones.

    Jan
    Always Growing

    Reply
  10. Kat Wolfdancer says

    November 17, 2008 at 12:14 am

    Madame Prez!

    Piping in here, I have 2 watering cans, one in front, and one in back. The one in back is for the porch boxes which contain my kitchen herbs, allysum, and calendula. And anything else that wants to wander through and grow. (Just don't squeeze the Golden Crinkle Leafed Oregano, thank-you-very-much!) I ALSO have watering BUCKETS, for deep dunking those pesky plants which I have overlooked and left un-planted, or ignored, or un-watered. Bad Gardener. No biscuits for ME! I have a watering bucket here, a bucket there, here a bucket, there a bucket, everywhere a dunkin' bucket. Then INSIDE, I have a carafe for the living plants' watering needs, an old blender for just-in-case, a new tupperware pitcher which has been abscounded with to the West Window Arboreum, and several coffee cups for emergencies.

    Knowing that there can never be too many watering cans, I remain, your happy gardener

    >^,,^<

    Reply
  11. Daphne Gould says

    November 17, 2008 at 12:19 am

    This is an easy count for me. I have two. One indoor watering can and one outdoor watering can for the veggie garden (the ornamentals must fend for themselves). I couldn’t imagine needing more, but I confess I do occasionally water my indoor plant (yes only one) with a cup of water or tea that I didn’t finish.

    Reply
  12. Anne At Large says

    November 17, 2008 at 12:28 am

    It took me a minute, but I have four – one for the backyard that lives out there, one for indoor plants that lives in the kitchen, one tiny metal one from Ikea that used to be for houseplants until I got too many of them and is now a toy for my niece and nephew when they come over (it makes a great drum!) and one that I just found cleaning out the garage that must have belonged to a prior owner of this abode.

    I will also admit to using a blender full of water to water houseplants and the occasional outdoor planter with when I was desperate.

    Reply
  13. Anonymous says

    November 17, 2008 at 12:30 am

    I have four, three large ones & a small one that would be great for houseplants or small container plantings. One won't fit in the top of my water barrels because of the spout hence the other two.

    Reply
  14. Terry says

    November 17, 2008 at 1:05 am

    I have 3. Two ugly plastic ones live in the garage/garden and are used there. One pretty ceramic one is decorative and used in my kitchen to hold wooden spoons and what-not. But it actually could function, so it counts.

    Reply
  15. Randy says

    November 17, 2008 at 1:08 am

    Most of our water cans are 5 gal. buckets with drane hole in the bottom with a small value to turn on at the trees or plants. We have about five.
    Randy

    Reply
  16. Mary says

    November 17, 2008 at 2:15 am

    Watering cans on SOCKS, Carol? Come on! They’re a great gift idea and I’d buy them for you :o)

    I have two watering cans – one metal with a nice spout and the other plastic one is a piece of junk. I only use the nice one. I rely on my handy garden hose for most everything.

    Reply
  17. Meems says

    November 17, 2008 at 2:26 am

    Florida reporting Madame President… I have one official watering can and it is exactly like the one you have featured in this post but a little more dinged up.

    Although, I have to admit I bought it because it was adorable and I also confess that I hardly ever use it.

    Oh, and there are two kid-sized cans my grandkids LOVE to fill up and help with watering my veggie garden.

    BUCKETS are much more useful around here if there is going to be an implement used for watering.

    HOSES dragged to the back 40 and everywhere in between is the tool of choice around here. It’s just faster and more efficient in my garden.

    Reply
  18. beckie says

    November 17, 2008 at 2:49 am

    For actual use-2. For decoration, well let’s just say several. My kitchen is decorated in tulips and watering cans. So I have several small metal, small ceramic and some larger metal ones. I even have a couple candles in the shape of watering cans. My choise of waterers is 5 gallon buckets. It takes fewer trips to water the big planters. I am curious to see how the cencus turns out Madame President.

    Reply
  19. Corner Gardener Sue says

    November 17, 2008 at 2:56 am

    I was going to wait until tomorrow to post a reply after I’ve counted my watering can “collection” but my 26 year old daughter is here, and laughed at the title of your hoe blog. I showed her your hoes, and told her I forgot to tell the person who showed her hoes I was glad she did, because I plan to copy the two of you soon, and show mine. I think I’ll take some pics of my watering cans, too, and post them on my blog, and I’ll come back here and see if I can remember how to post a link in my comments!

    I love your wit, Madame President!

    Reply
  20. Lisa at Greenbow says

    November 17, 2008 at 3:18 am

    Madam President, I want to report to the Society that I have One big blue plastic watering can, one small white watering can that are used regularly. I have a watering can necklace,and a couple of watering can ornaments. So that makes two actual watering cans and three ornamental watering cans.

    For the most part I am a hose girl. Hosing things down in the summer. Showering plants in the bathtub during winter. Watering can only used on the plants too large to lug into the the bathroom or kitchen sink.

    Reply
  21. Anonymous says

    November 17, 2008 at 5:01 am

    Three. But one is still at the old house right now.

    Reply
  22. emirgarden says

    November 17, 2008 at 5:53 am

    He Carol, Nice Blogg and Information.

    Reply
  23. Anonymous says

    November 17, 2008 at 8:43 am

    Hi Carol, this is the first time ever I came by on this blog, via Bliss…
    Great! I counted the containers that really are in use, in fact it’s only two (one for inside, one for outside use). Funny and extraordinary thing to read how other people use to work!!
    Those socks are great!

    Reply
  24. Anonymous says

    November 17, 2008 at 9:43 am

    Madam President;
    As a SPPOTGWLS supporter from Wales – I am pleased to report that I have 4 Watering cans.
    A lovely red Haws, which I use for watering.
    The plastic varieties are:-
    A small one – for seedlings
    A green one for feeding plants
    and a red one for nematodes.
    Well that’s the theory – but the fact is I grab whichever is closest, usually the Haws because it is the nicest in an Old Fashioned kind of way.
    K

    Reply
  25. Sweet Home and Garden Carolina says

    November 17, 2008 at 11:57 am

    Watering can, what watering can, Madame President? I must admit I don’t have one as I’m in the habit of using a wand to water plants. I do have a lot of colorful pitchers that I use in my indoor garden.

    Reply
  26. Marie says

    November 17, 2008 at 1:15 pm

    I have 3 plastic watering cans outside – more utilitarian than beautiful.

    There are 2 small watering cans in the garage for the kids – mostly they water their shoes.

    I have 2 watering cans in the house – one upstairs and one downstairs.

    That reminds me – I have to water the house plants now. Thanks.

    Reply
  27. Anonymous says

    November 17, 2008 at 2:40 pm

    I have to admit to zero watering cans. The garden either gets rain or the hose, and the plants in the porch gets the recycled kitchen water. The indoor plants gets ice from drinks. LOL

    Reply
  28. growingagardenindavis says

    November 17, 2008 at 3:01 pm

    I have to admit I almost always use the hose…it’s so much easier! But i do have a fairly new beautiful metal watering can my dad got my for my birthday…because i always wanted a real watering can. And I have two mostly decorative ones and an old spatterware pitcher that used to be the thing I used. Inside I carry plants to the sink and use a big measuring cup.

    Reply
  29. Anonymous says

    November 17, 2008 at 3:07 pm

    I have three watering cans. One has a little tiny hole in it and I use it only for transporting water about 5 feet from my waterbarrel to the little rose bush beside one of the outbuildings. The other two are used, respectivally, for the front and back porches of the house. Everything else is watered by the hose.

    Reply
  30. Sylvia (England) says

    November 17, 2008 at 3:54 pm

    Madam President, I have 3, 2 large and 1 small for inside. I usually use a hose for watering but I prefer to use a watering can. More personnel attention for the plants (I only water plants in post and when planting).

    Hoping to get a new water butt – which will mean a new watering can – a water butt deserves its own can!

    Best wishes Sylvia (England)

    Reply
  31. KayGee says

    November 17, 2008 at 7:14 pm

    I have 3 — one large, plastic green one that I like to use to water everything in the front of the house;
    one smaller blue metal one (it’s teal, really), and a shiny silver one with a long spout (best for the african violets)….

    Other items used for watering:
    buckets, old OJ/Milk jugs, a Nalgene bottle, large glasses, etc.

    I try to find a watering can, but sometimes that’s not so easy.

    Reply
  32. ConsciousGardener says

    November 17, 2008 at 7:28 pm

    It’s time someone undertook this important issue. I have 2 plastic outdoor ones by the water collection barrels, one blue elephant shaped one that I let visiting children use, and 2 metal old fashioned looking ones…one is broken and I’ve put a plant in it, couldn’t bring myself to throw it out!

    Reply
  33. Nancy says

    November 17, 2008 at 9:49 pm

    Alas, I have only 2, sadly plastic and ugly, watering cans. I tend to use hoses and I’ve a home made irrigation system for some of the beds. The other garden beds get soaker hoses, and the lawn (the few times it’s watered) gets a sprinkler.

    Fortunately, it often rains enough and often enough for watering all my plants to be an occasional chore.

    Although, I do use a bucket to dip water out of the pond when the nitrates and nitrites build up (it’s only 50 gallons and the fish are messy eaters) and I use that to water select garden plants that need a shot of nitrogen.

    Reply
  34. Anonymous says

    November 17, 2008 at 9:54 pm

    Oh, I have many watering cans. Probably six or seven. I will go count them. I finally have a bloom week post. Better late than never!

    Reply
  35. Corner Gardener Sue says

    November 17, 2008 at 10:18 pm

    I see I may be the only one to do my answer on my blog, but didn’t get all the comments read yet, as I am supposed to be helping my daughter move. Here is the link to my blog:

    Sue’s Watering Cans

    If this works, I am thanking Kim, Blackswamp Girl

    Reply
  36. Aunt Debbi/kurts mom says

    November 18, 2008 at 1:17 am

    Madame President, Here in north Texas, I must have at least six watering cans. These are used to haul rain water from the barrel to the plants. BTW, are you aware of the recent sock situations? You watering can socks might be inflammatory.

    Reply
  37. Robin Ripley says

    November 18, 2008 at 1:32 am

    Hey Carol-

    Like you, I have four watering cans–two indoors and two outdoors. One of the indoor cans gets most of the work. The second also waters the piano humidifier when not in use as a watering can.

    Outdoors I have a nice metal one that stayed outside too long one winter and warped at the bottom. It is a bit leaky as a result, but is still nominally functional.

    My favorite outdoor can is a big plastic red Haws watering can with a rose. It is perfectly balanced and I love it. I must remember to bring it in before winter sets in for earnest.

    Robin
    National Gardening Examiner
    Blogging at Bumblebeeblog.com

    Reply
  38. Anonymous says

    November 18, 2008 at 2:02 am

    Well, there’s one real watering can, made of gavinized metal and used all the time, one that spills water when your pour it so it’s now a flowerpot, and a handy little gadget that fits on milk cartons that I use indoors, with multiple milk cartons (so does that count as more than one).
    No socks, earrings or Christmas decorations that I can think of.

    Reply
  39. Jan says

    November 18, 2008 at 3:08 am

    I have only 1 large, plastic watering can that I use outdoors (on my deck)–but it’s really just used occasionally. The HOSE is my main watering source in the summer, mainly because it’s the easiest for me to use. I can minimize it to a tiny dribble if need be (for a small container) or maximize it and shoot it out into the garden from my deck. It’s just an all-around-watering-device!

    However, in the interest of counting cans, I have 2 copper can that I keep around the house. These were used a LOT last year, when I was keeping African Violets on my window-sill. The violets took a beating though, by my mischief-making kitty, so they are long gone. I got tired of nursing them and of cleaning up kitty throw-up (because eating them inevitably caused that and it’s not nice to deal with!).

    Those 2 cans are kind of decorative so they are sitting on the bottom shelf of my bakers rack right now. Sometime’s I’ve put dried or silk flowers in them.

    Well, I wrote all of this earlier today and had planned to take a few photos of my (3) watering cans and make a blog post out of it…but after looking at Sue’s huge assortment (!) I think I’ll just blow off that idea!!

    Jan

    Reply
  40. MA says

    November 18, 2008 at 4:34 am

    zip. nada. zero. that’s what hoses and buckets are for. Damn Skippy.

    Reply
  41. Annie in Austin says

    November 18, 2008 at 5:37 am

    Madame President, the hoses are needed for most watering, but there are a lot of small plants that need gentle or more frequent watering.
    I keep two Rubbermaid-type watering cans filled and ready, one on the front porch and one near the patio.

    I don’t have fancy watering cans for the houseplants. Philo made rain-bottles out of empty mouthwash containers by drilling small holes in the caps.

    Annie at the Transplantable Rose

    Reply
  42. Kathy says

    November 19, 2008 at 3:18 am

    I have 3: an outdoor one, an indoor one, and a decorative one.

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Primary Sidebar

Updates from Carol Michel

* indicates required
Email Preferences

Categories

  • Blog (3,047)
  • Internal (2)

Blog Tags

annuals Blogging books bulbs dr. hortfreud embrace fairies fall family flowers fruits garden bloggers bloom day garden bloggers book club garden design gardeners gardening gardening geek gardens hoes holidays hortense hoelove houseplants humor indoor gardening insects lawn letters to gardening friends perennials rabbits reviews Secrets seeds shrubs spring tools trees vegetable garden vegetable gardening vegetables weather weeding weeds when a gardener wildflower wednesday winter

The Gardenangelists Podcast with Dee Nash

Gardenangelists Podcast

Footer

Gardenangelists Podcast with Dee Nash

Gardenangelists Podcast

Connect

  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • YouTube
  • maydreams icon

Quick Links

  • Home
  • Contact
  • Books
  • May Dreams Gardens
  • Podcast

Updates from Carol Michel

* indicates required
Email Preferences

Newsletter Archive

Copyright © 2023 · CarolJMichel.com · Sitemap · Privacy Policy

Book purchase links are affiliate links and Carol earns a small commission if you make a purchase.

We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies.
Do not sell my personal information.
Cookie SettingsAccept
Manage consent

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.
CookieDurationDescription
cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional11 monthsThe cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-others11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
viewed_cookie_policy11 monthsThe cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
Functional
Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
Performance
Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
Analytics
Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
Advertisement
Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.
Others
Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet.
SAVE & ACCEPT