Soaker hoses seep water slowly along their length, delivering it to the soil with little waste. They are cheap and easy to use, but buying the right length is guesswork. This soaker hose length calculator works out how much hose a bed needs from the bed size and how far apart you want the runs, and how many separate sections to use so you stay within the maker’s limit.
How to use the soaker hose length calculator
- Enter the bed length and width in feet.
- Choose the distance between hose runs. Eighteen inches is a good start. Use closer runs in sandy soil, which lets water drain straight down, and wider runs in clay, which spreads water sideways.
- Add the plain hose you need from the tap to the bed. This is ordinary hose that carries water without leaking.
- Enter the longest soaker run allowed. Many makers advise about 100 feet; check your product label.
- Set the number of beds if you have several the same size.
How the length is worked out
The number of runs is the bed width divided by the distance between runs, rounded up, with at least one. The soaker hose for each bed is that number multiplied by the bed length. Multiply by the number of beds for the total, and divide by the longest run to see how many separate sections you need. Soaker hoses lose pressure along their length, so very long runs water the far end poorly.
Soaker hoses and other options
| Method | Strength | Weakness |
|---|---|---|
| Soaker hose | Cheap, simple, no emitters to clog | Uneven on slopes and long runs |
| Drip line with emitters | Even and adjustable | More parts and filters to maintain |
| Overhead sprinkler | Covers large areas | Loses water to wind and evaporation, wets leaves |
For a comparison of the two low-water options, see the guide on drip irrigation versus soaker hoses, and the drip irrigation calculator if you prefer emitters.
Using soaker hoses well
- Lay them in an S pattern along the rows so every plant has water near its roots.
- Cover with mulch. It keeps the hose out of the sun and slows evaporation.
- Add a pressure reducer. Most soaker hoses need low pressure, so check your product label.
- Use a timer so you do not forget and overwater.
- Check how deep the water goes with a trowel. You want it to reach 6 inches or so for vegetables.
- Work out how long to run it with the garden water budget planner and check flow with the irrigation zone flow calculator.
Limits of this tool
The result is a length estimate. It does not include connectors, end caps or the flow rate of your hose, which varies by brand and pressure. Always follow the maker’s directions for pressure and maximum run.
Frequently asked questions
How much soaker hose do I need for a 4 by 20 foot bed?
With runs 18 inches apart, about 60 feet, which is three runs along the 20-foot length.
How far apart should soaker hose runs be?
About 12 to 24 inches. Closer in sandy soil and wider in clay.
How long should I run a soaker hose?
Long enough for the water to soak down several inches. Test with a trowel, and adjust for your soil and weather.
Can soaker hoses go under mulch?
Yes. Mulch protects the hose and reduces evaporation.
Why is the end of my soaker hose dry?
Pressure drops along the hose. Use shorter sections or a pressure reducer and feed longer beds from the middle.