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Create a unique and handy outdoor basket for your gardening tools or other small outdoor equipment using a regular garden hose.
Steps
Identifying a Purpose for the Basket
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1Identify where this outdoor “basket” will be helpful. Is there an area in the backyard where the gardening tools get thrown in the corner or do you need a handy holder for swim items like goggles, flippers, and/or pool toys? Figure out how you will integrate the basket into your outdoor décor, as this will likely effect the color and style of the basket you create.
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2Choose a color according to your reason and use of your basket. While you could just create the basket from an old garden hose you have laying around, it's probably best to spring for a new hose in a color that matches your outdoor décor. If you hit the lawn and garden store, you will most likely have several colors to accommodate your needs––they may even have some fancy patterns!
- Consider matching the zip tie color to the hose color or purchase zip ties in a complementary, contrasting color.
Creating the Hose Basket
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1Bend the blunt hose nozzle in half. Then bend it underneath itself. This will be the basis for winding the basket, so secure the nozzle snugly.
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2Wind the hose around the initial circle twice. Then add zip ties around the perimeter of the initial base to hold everything in place; wind tightly.
- Don’t let go of the hose as you secure the wound-up hose reel in place; keep the rest of the hose in the other hand.
- Use approximately four zip ties per circular round. Space the ties evenly around the perimeter for the firmest hold.
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3Continue to wind the hose around itself to create the basket base. Add zip ties around the perimeter of each circle and tie on tightly.
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4Wind the hose until you are satisfied with the size of the basket's flat base. The base size will depend on personal preference and need; obviously larger baskets require more hose but can also hold a lot more.
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5Wind the hose around the top of the outer base circle. This will begin to build the side of the basket.
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6Add zip ties in fours for every loop you create. Ensure that the zip ties are aligned and staggered. Continue up the sides of the basket until you consider it to be high enough for your needs.
Making the Handle
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1Secure the last loop when you are ready to create the basket handle. Depending on how large or high you made the basket, allow for approximately one foot (30.5cm) of hose to remain to create the handle with.
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2Wind the last zip tie around the base of the hose. Start where you want the handle to begin and twist the hose around so it is facing the exact other side of the basket.
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3Make a large loop with the hose. The loop should resemble a basket handle. Secure the bottom portion of the hose along the other side of the basket top.
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4Secure the remaining portion of the hose with zip ties. Consider placing a zip tie toward the end of the hose to avoid having the hose's mouth snag on items.
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5Finished. Carry it out to its new spot in the garden and place items, plants or whatever else inside it.
Community Q&A
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QuestionWhat length of garden hose should be used for a medium sized basket?Community AnswerWe used 100' and it was too much. I would suggest 50' or less. We had 8 rings on the bottom and 20 rings around, had to hide some hose inside the basket and used over 150 zip ties.
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QuestionCan the zip ties be cut and the hose used?VerinTop AnswererYes, as long as you didn’t actually cut the hose itself, you can still use it.
Things You'll Need
- Garden hose in color of choice
- Heavy duty zip ties – these can be found either at the lawn and garden or hardware store (do not use the ones that hold a standard garbage bag together––use something considerably stronger)
About This Article
To make a basket from a garden hose, start by bending the hose nozzle backwards over itself so it lies snugly against the hose, flattening it. Then, continue winding the hose around the nozzle in a circle to form the base of the basket. To secure the hose in place, use 4 zip ties to hold together each layer of hose wrap, and do your best to space the ties evenly around each wrap. Once you’ve created the flat base, wind the hose upward to make the sides of the basket. For instructions on making the basket handle, read on!