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Did you know that your local garden supply store is filled with products containing added lead?
Why we like these items: We chose items likely to be low in lead or lead free. We avoid galvanized steel garden products which can be contaminated with lead, in favor of stainless steel options, although it may not be feasible for small farms to fully avoid galvanized products.
We do not recommend vinyl (PVC) hoses unless advertised as lead and phthalate free, and safe for drinking water. Although we prefer polyurethane hoses from a non-toxic point of view, we posted PVC options due to the affordability of these products.
For hoses, spigots, and similar gardening or plumbing products, we chose lead-free brass options when stainless steel was not available. Lead-free brass used for potable water is limited to 0.25% average lead on wetted components. Although we do not typically recommend products containing lead, new lead-free brass is the best option available for the garden in most cases. Older brass products made prior to 2014 may contain much higher amounts of lead, even if they were once marketed as lead free.
Uncoated clay pots may contain very trace lead and this is not a concern given how they are used. We skipped glazed pots unless a reputable manufacturer states they are made with no added lead and cadmium.
We also provided a selection of natural untreated wood and children’s garden products made by reputable manufacturers.
Better Choices for Gardening
Not many of these options are perfect but they are the safest low lead and lead-free products on the market compared to their competitors.
Better Hoses
All hoses below are advertised as lead free, phthalate free, and safe for drinking water. As noted above, new lead-free brass can contain low lead but this is not a leaching concern given how hoses are used. For PVC hoses, it is important to avoid products made from recycled vinyl e-waste, or products containing lead or phthalates.
The Ecology Center tested garden hoses for toxic chemicals using XRF in 2016 and you may find their data helpful. Premium hoses are made from polyurethane and less likely to contain chemicals of concern. We recommend several options for people at all budgets even though PVC is not an ideal plastic.
Camco 35ft Premium Drinking Water Hose – Lead and BPA Free, Anti-Kink Design
Why we like it: Camco’s hose is made from PVC and does not contain phthalates or BPA. It has nickel plated, lead-free brass fittings. This is a great option if you need something affordable.
Aqua Joe AJPGH50-DWS 5/8 in 50 Ft. Hybrid Polymer Flex Kink Free Hose
Why we like it: Aqua Joe offers an economical garden hose advertised free of lead, BPA, and phthalates. The end fittings are made of aluminum and the hose material is made of an undisclosed hybrid polymer.
Water Right PSH3-100-MG 600 Series (5/8″) Hose, 100-Foot, Olive Green
Why we like it: Water Right is a company that makes hoses in the USA. These hoses are polyurethane with lead-free brass fittings. The brass is chrome plated. We own and love these. We consider the hoses to be the best in their product class.
ELEY Garden Hose – 150 ft. Drinking Water Safe, Heavy Duty Polyurethane Hose, Lightweight, 5/8 in
Why we like it: Eley makes their hoses in the USA. These are made from polyurethane with uncoated, lead-free brass fittings. This option is also very good.
Better Watering Nozzles
Swan CMGSF10206 Miracle GRO Fan Soaker Nozzle
Why we like it: This nozzle is from a series of watering products by Swan. They are hard to find but advertised as lead free. I have them and have visually inspected them and find they are primarily plastic with no visible brass parts or threads. I have zero concerns with my family using these.
We are still on the hunt for a lead free water nozzle. If you want to mail us one for testing, let us know and we’ll screen it with XRF at no cost and share the info with our readers! Thank you.
Better Hose Bibs
Our home hose bib was over 15% lead so we recommend upgrading your exterior plumbing fixtures to lead-free brass if they are not rated for potable water and made in 2014 or newer. Turn handles frequently contain trace lead or leaded vinyl coatings even when new. Bummer!
This is the nickel plated, lead-free brass sillcock made by Webstone that we use. The vinyl tested at several thousand parts per million lead using XRF but we were able to remove it with scissors. The handle is stainless steel, which is better than options using leaded paint or contaminated aluminum. This item is not yet available on Amazon.
Here are some other lead-free hose bib options:
CFI 1/2″ FIP Arrow Brass Style Lead Free Brass Heavy Duty No-Kink Multi-turn Hose Bibb (1/2″ Female)
Why we like it: This is a lead-free brass hose bib rated as safe for drinking water. We’ve tested it and the handles are brass contain some lead, but we think this product is a better option than older leaded spigots.
Whitecap P-2456, 3/4″ GHT x 1/2″ IPT Raw Water Washdown Sillcock, Stainless Steel
Why we like it: Sometimes we find plumbing components made of 316 marine grade stainless steel designed to work for marine and saltwater environments. We yet to find any in the right size for our gardening needs but perhaps this option will help someone.
Better Watering Cans
We avoid galvanized steel and painted metal due to the possibility that lead is present at levels considered unsafe for children’s products.
Why we like it: This resin can is made in the USA by Bloem.
Why we like it: This comically large watering can is made of polyethylene plastic and stainless steel.
Gardening with Kids
HearthSong Grow with Me Watering Can and Gardening Tools, with Trowel, Fork, and Hand Rake
Better Plant and Farm Stuff
30 Inch Plant Stakes – 5 Pack (DIY), Stainless Steel
SS304 Stainless Steel Welded Wire Mesh 36 inch x 10 feet 1/2 inch Square Hardware Cloth 18 Gauge
304 Stainless Steel 22 Ga. Chicken Wire Fence, 24″ x 150′ x 1″ Hex Mesh
Bond Manufacturing Co 93506 3ft x 1/2in Packaged Hardwood Stakes (6-Pack)
Horizon Group USA Classic Pine Wood Sticks for Craft, 4.5 inch (Pack of 1200), Assorted
Why we like it: These are biodegradable wood plant tags that last a season – also known as popsicle sticks! Fun with the kids.
Why we like it: We prefer stainless steel staples rather than galvanized steel for holding down weed block and other garden applications.
Better Pots
Bloem 100533219 Colonnade Resin Planter, 8″
Why we like it: This wood resin planter is advertised as BPA free.
Large Terra Cotta Pots with Saucer- 4 Pack of 6”
Why we like it: Plain terracotta pots are an option from any seller and may naturally contain trace lead which is not a concern given how they are used.
IKEA is a great place to buy glazed and plastic pots. The several glazed examples I have tested from them are lead free or very trace lead.
Disclaimer: These items have not always been personally tested by us but unless noted they are likely to be lead free or low lead and/or cadmium based on our research into the materials, discussions with manufacturers, and/or testing on similar products. Note the exceptions for “lead-free brass.” We only recommend items we would use ourselves.