Garden Sprinklers for Every Yard: Our 15 Favorites

We purchase garden sprinklers to give our lawns and plants the water they need. Why not spring for a sprinkler that is nice to look at, customizable, or does double duty too?

By Kat Hodgins and Cody Calamaio | Updated Jul 29, 2021 12:25 PM

Water the Lawn

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garden sprinklers

When it comes to buying lawn sprinklers, homeowners are spoiled for choice. But which lawn and garden sprinklers are worth your money and which should you skip? The answer depends on your needs, how often you’re willing to replace a sprinkler pump, and the type of lawn or garden you have. 

During periods of drought, your veggies, lawn, and garden beds rely on the water you provide more than ever. Scroll through to see some of the most innovative garden sprinklers designed to address any number of issues—not least of which is hydrating your yard.

istockphoto.com

Total Control

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With nine spray patterns from which to choose, this turret sprinkler gives gardeners the most control over the parts of the lawn or garden they want watered and what they don’t want watered—like the car in the driveway! With a stable metal base and a pop-up rotor for even watering, this sprinkler can lessen water waste and keep plants green. Available from Gardener's Supply Company .

Gardener's Supply Company

On the Move

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Ever wish you could have a robot do the watering? Look no further than this traveling sprinkler from Orbit. Once you snake a garden hose through the yard, this clever contraption travels along the path of the hose, spraying water from its whirling arms. Available from Lowe’s .

Lowe’s

Functional Garden Art

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garden sprinklers

Some sprinklers are an eyesore, but not this ornamental copper sprinkler. With beautiful handmade blown glass and a mesmerizing spray pattern, this garden sprinkler is as much yard decor as it is a functional watering helper. Simply attach it to a hose and become transfixed by the rotating spray. Available from Hoppy’s Garden Art .

Hoppy’s Garden Art

Subterranean No More

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Skip the costly underground sprinkler system—this portable, aboveground system can keep your lawn lush for a fraction of the cost. The staked sprinkler head attaches to a single spigot and can be joined to other stakes with the length of the hose. Available on Amazon .

Amazon

Collapsible Tripod

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The telescopic Orbit 58308 Tripod Base Sprinkler adjusts up and down, enabling gardeners to customize the spraying area. Meanwhile, the sprinkler's rotating head provides partial- or full-circle water distribution. The metal frame, sturdy when expanded, conveniently folds into a compact size that is easy to stow in a garage or tool shed. Available on Amazon .

Amazon

Options with Oscillation

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Lack of range has resulted in a bad rep for oscillating lawn sprinklers, classic though they may be. Compared to the standard design, the Hinastar Garden Sprinkler provides superior flexibility, with its 360-degree rotation body and three adjustable rotating spray arms. Available on Amazon .

Amazon

Secret Agent

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garden sprinklers

Rather than snake unsightly hoses around the yard, why not position a sprinkler so that it peeks over the tops of waist-level shrubs? The Hi-Rise Lifetime Sprinkler is about 5 feet tall and can water a 22-foot diameter area. The sturdy powder-coated steel and brass pole is built to last, and will look sleek out in the open or among your landscape plants. Available from Gardener's Supply Company .

Gardener's Supply Company

Funky Flowers

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garden sprinklers

A little whimsy in the garden is always welcome. These three brightly colored daisies offer a little happiness boost and they are fully adjustable so the water sprays exactly where you want it. Made for raised beds or garden beds, these spike sprinklers can remain in the garden for its daily watering and a daily dose of color. Available from Walmart .

Walmart

Low and Slow

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To water target areas like the veggie garden without creating overspray, consider an option like a flat soaker hose. When connected to a water source, the hose expands to allow water to seep slowly into the soil where it can best reach plant roots. When it's time to pack up the garden hose, fold it flat for easy storage. Available from Gardener's Supply Company .

gardeners.com

Pint-Size Soaker

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With the Melnor 65003-AMZ MiniMax Turbo Oscillating Sprinkler you get the spraying power of a large sprinkler in a small package. The small sprinkler can water up to 4,000 square feet, keeping your lawn green and outdoor plants quenched. The sprinkler’s 4-way adjustment gives you control for more precise watering. Available on Amazon .

Amazon

A Childhood Staple

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garden sprinklers

A list of garden sprinklers would not be complete without an homage to the classic style oscillating sprinkler. Many children have spent their youth running through these types of sprinklers, keeping the garden and grass hydrated and the kids occupied. Keep the tradition alive with the Aqua Joe oscillating sprinkler. It’s just like the one from your younger days, but with adjustable spray that can cover up to 3600 square feet. Available on Amazon .

Amazon

Motion Sensing to Deter Pests

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It can be heartbreaking to put so much labor into your garden only to find that critters are the ones reaping the benefits. Send a clear message to the deer, raccoons, and other pests that visit your yard using this garden sprinkler’s motion-sensing technology to scare them away humanely. When the motion sensor isn’t activated, use the sprinkler’s watering cycle to keep your veggies ripening. Available on Amazon .

Amazon

Keeping The Kids Busy

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Building blocks are yesterday’s entertainment. Tackle your backyard chores and give the kids an activity to keep them occupied with this backyard sprinkler. This large spray garden sprinkler combines building tasks, problem-solving, water play, and teamwork to construct unique structures that keep them cool in the heat and simultaneously hydrate the lawn. Getting kids involved with the sprinkler early also gives them the skills to help you with sprinkler repair (and other home repairs) down the road. Available from Lowe’s .

Lowe's

Five Patterns on One Head

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All areas of the lawn and garden are not created equal—they have different watering needs. This affordable sprinkler head gives gardeners options with five different sprinkler patterns. Together, they give your backyard and garden 360-degree coverage. Easily switch between the settings of this turret sled sprinkler with twist rotation and cover up to 900 square feet with water spray. Available from Lowe’s .

Lowe's

DIY Precision

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DIY Precision

When you can’t find the garden sprinkler that suits your exact needs, this all-in-one sprinkler system comes with the parts you need to get the sprinkler you want for your yard. All it takes is a little DIY and ingenuity to create a lawn and garden sprinkler that offers the convenience of an in-ground sprayer or drip irrigation system without the hassle of installation. Available from Lowe’s

Lowe's

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