For over a century, dedicated gardeners have sought tools that blend timeless design with unwavering functionality. The Haws 2-gallon watering can, particularly the renowned Warley Fall, stands as a testament to this philosophy, a dependable partner in nurturing lush landscapes. If you’ve spent years tending to your garden, navigating various watering solutions, you understand the difference a truly exceptional can makes. This comprehensive guide will delve into what makes the Haws 2-gallon watering can a superior choice, offering practical insights to help you cultivate your green space with precision and ease.

Watering Cans: A Detailed Buying Guide
Choosing the right watering can is more than just picking a vessel for water; it’s about selecting a tool that enhances your gardening experience. The material, capacity, and design all play crucial roles in its effectiveness and longevity.
Types of Watering Cans
The market offers a variety of watering can types, each with distinct advantages and drawbacks. Understanding these differences is key to making an informed decision for your specific needs.
- Plastic Watering Cans
- Pros: High-quality plastic cans are remarkably lightweight, making them easy to carry even when full. They are generally more affordable and naturally resistant to rust.
- Cons: While durable, some plastics can become brittle or fade over extended periods, especially if left in constant direct sunlight. Their lifespan, though often good, typically doesn’t match that of metal alternatives.
- Metal Watering Cans (Galvanized Steel, Powder-Coated Steel, Copper)
- Pros: Metal watering cans are renowned for their exceptional durability and robust construction. Crafted from materials like galvanized or powder-coated steel, they resist rust and can endure decades of use. Their classic, often elegant aesthetic makes them a beautiful addition to any garden, frequently becoming cherished heirloom pieces. They are also often repairable, extending their life even further.
- Cons: Metal cans are inherently heavier, particularly when filled with two gallons of water, which can be a consideration for some gardeners. They typically come with a higher price tag due to their superior materials and craftsmanship. While designed to resist rust, proper care is still essential to maintain their pristine condition over time.
Comparing Watering Can Materials
When deciding between plastic and metal, consider what matters most for your gardening style and environment.
| Feature | Plastic | Metal |
|---|---|---|
| Durability | Good (for high-quality models) | Excellent (built to last decades) |
| Price | Generally more affordable | Premium investment |
| Weight (empty) | Light | Heavier |
| Aesthetics | Functional, practical | Timeless, classic, often decorative |
| Rust Resistance | Excellent (inherently) | Excellent (with galvanization/powder-coating) |
| Longevity | Years (can be susceptible to UV damage) | Decades, often passed down through generations |
Watering Can Capacity: Choosing the Right Size
Selecting the correct capacity for your watering can is crucial for efficient and comfortable watering. The Haws 2-gallon capacity is specifically designed for larger tasks.
- Small (Under 1 Liter/Quart): Ideal for delicate indoor plants, seedlings, and small potted herbs. These are easy to handle and offer precise control for minimal watering needs.
- Medium (1-3 Liters/Quarts): Perfect for small balconies, patio containers, or modest garden beds. They strike a balance between capacity and manageable weight for regular use.
- Large (Over 3 Liters/1 Gallon): This category includes the Haws 2-gallon can, which is best suited for extensive gardens, thirsty shrubs, small trees, and vegetable rows. A 2-gallon can significantly reduces the number of trips to refill, saving you time and effort on bigger watering jobs.
Tips for Choosing a Quality Watering Can
Beyond material and size, several other factors contribute to a high-quality watering can that will serve you well for years.
- Material: Prioritize durable, non-toxic, and rust-resistant materials. For metal, ensure it’s properly galvanized or powder-coated to prevent corrosion. For plastic, look for thick, UV-stabilized options.
- Spout & Rose: A good spout should offer a consistent, gentle flow. For outdoor use, an extra-long spout is invaluable for reaching deep into flowerbeds, under dense foliage, or into hanging baskets without straining your back. A removable brass rose, which delivers a fine, rain-like spray, is ideal for delicate plants and seedlings, preventing soil erosion.
- Handles: Ergonomics are paramount. Look for handles that are comfortable to grip and provide excellent balance, especially when the can is full. Haws’ signature two-handle design (a main carry handle and a rear pouring handle or a cross stay) is patented for this very reason, ensuring balanced carrying and effortless pouring from any angle.
- Design: While aesthetics are a personal preference, a thoughtfully designed can also translates to better functionality. A well-designed can prevents spills, allows for easy filling, and performs consistently.
- Brand Reputation: Investing in a brand with a long history of quality and craftsmanship, like Haws, often guarantees a superior product. Their legacy in gardening tools speaks volumes about their commitment to excellence.
Using and Maintaining Your Haws Watering Can
A Haws watering can is built for longevity, but proper use and care will ensure it remains a faithful garden companion for decades.
- Use Correctly: The long spout and included rose are designed for specific tasks. Use the brass rose for a gentle, even shower on seedlings, delicate flowers, or newly planted areas. Remove the rose for a direct, targeted flow to the base of established plants or containers requiring more water. The extended reach helps you avoid disturbing foliage.
- Regular Cleaning & Care: Always empty your watering can after use. Leaving water stagnant inside, especially with metal cans, can lead to mineral buildup or, in rare cases, compromise the finish over time, even with galvanized steel. A quick rinse and allowing it to air dry will keep it pristine.
- Storage: Store your can in a dry, shaded area. While Haws metal cans are built to withstand outdoor conditions, protecting them from prolonged exposure to harsh elements can extend the life of the paint finish and overall integrity.
Top Haws 2-Gallon Watering Cans: The Warley Fall Deep Dive
When considering a 2-gallon Haws watering can, the “Warley Fall” is the flagship model that consistently garners praise from experienced gardeners worldwide.
Haws “Warley Fall” (2 Gallon)
The Haws “Warley Fall” is a classic British gardening icon, meticulously handmade since 1886 in Haws’ Birmingham workshop. It embodies the blend of traditional craftsmanship and practical design.
- Details: This model is typically crafted from robust galvanized steel, which is then often powder-coated for an extra layer of protection and an attractive finish. It boasts Haws’ distinctive extra-long spout, designed to reach deep into garden beds without requiring you to bend excessively. It comes equipped with a non-drip brass rose, known for delivering a soft, even rainfall spray. The ergonomic two-handle design ensures perfect balance and comfortable handling, even when the 2 gallons (approximately 9 liters or 22 lbs when full) make it quite heavy.
- Pros: The Warley Fall offers unmatched durability, often lasting for generations. Its precision spout and gentle brass rose provide exceptional control, making it suitable for a wide range of watering tasks, from delicate seedlings to established shrubs. The perfectly balanced design minimizes strain, and its classic aesthetic is a joy to behold in any garden. It truly represents an heirloom quality garden tool.
- Cons: The primary consideration is its weight when full, which can be substantial (around 10 kg / 22 lbs). Additionally, the Warley Fall commands a premium price point, reflecting its superior materials, craftsmanship, and longevity.
Comparison Table: Haws 2-Gallon Options
While the Warley Fall is the prominent 2-gallon metal option, Haws also offers high-quality plastic alternatives in similar sizes. For instance, the “Cradley Cascader” is a popular plastic choice that comes close to the 2-gallon mark.
| Product | Capacity | Material | Price Range | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Haws Warley Fall | 2 Gallons (9 Liters) | Galvanized, Powder-Coated Steel | Premium | Unmatched durability, perfect balance, precise watering, heirloom quality, classic aesthetic | Heavy when full, expensive |
| Haws Cradley Cascader (Plastic) | ~1.8 Gallons (6.8 Liters) | High-Quality Plastic | Mid-range | Lighter, naturally rust-proof, more affordable, durable for plastic | Less durable than metal, can fade with prolonged sun exposure, slightly smaller capacity |
Where to Buy Your Haws Watering Can
To ensure you receive an authentic Haws product and benefit from their quality guarantee, it’s essential to purchase from reputable sources.
- Authorized Retailers: Look for specialized garden centers, high-end home and garden stores, or online retailers that explicitly state they are authorized Haws dealers.
- Haws Official Websites: The Haws USA (or UK/EU depending on your location) websites are reliable sources, offering direct purchase and comprehensive product information.
- Verify Authenticity: Given their premium nature, be cautious of unusually low prices from unknown sellers. Always check product descriptions and seller reviews to confirm you are buying a genuine Haws watering can.
A well-chosen watering can truly transforms the daily ritual of plant care. The Haws 2-gallon watering can, particularly the Warley Fall model, stands out as a top-tier choice for gardeners who value quality, durability, and a comfortable watering experience. Its robust construction, precise spout, and thoughtful balance make it not just a tool, but a trusted companion in cultivating a thriving garden.
“A quality watering can makes all the difference, transforming routine tasks into moments of pure gardening joy.” – Maria Gonzales, Master Gardener
In conclusion, investing in a Haws 2-gallon watering can means embracing a piece of gardening heritage built to perform and last. The choice between a metal Warley Fall and a high-quality plastic alternative largely depends on your specific preferences for weight, material longevity, and budget, but both embody Haws’ commitment to excellence. By considering the material, capacity, and design features, you can confidently select the perfect watering can to become an indispensable part of your gardening journey.
What are your biggest watering challenges in the garden, and how do you think a well-designed 2-gallon watering can could help?
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I choose a plastic or metal Haws watering can?
The best choice depends on your priorities. Metal Haws cans, like the Warley Fall, offer unmatched durability, timeless aesthetics, and often become cherished heirlooms. They are heavier and more expensive but built to last decades. High-quality plastic Haws cans are lighter, more affordable, and inherently rust-proof, making them excellent for everyday, easy handling. However, they may not offer the same longevity or classic appeal as their metal counterparts. If weight is a significant concern or you’re on a tighter budget, plastic is a great option; otherwise, the metal can is a long-term investment.