7 Best Sprinklers for Small Lawns and Gardens

Buying a sprinkler can be a chore, especially if you don’t have a large yard or garden. However, watering even the smallest of backyard areas is crucial during the summer months, or your grass and plants will dry out. A small sprinkler can help without drenching the walls of your house or the neighbor’s fence. 

There are thousands of small sprinklers available at hardware stores and on the internet, but not all are created equal. After some testing and research, I’ve come up with a concise list of the best sprinklers for small lawns. If you don’t want to buy twelve and try them all, check out this list to help narrow your search.

2 Best Sprinklers for Small Areas 

Best Sprinkler For Lawns

1. Eden Lawn Oscillating Water Sprinkler

Easy setup and security with twist-and-lock connections and sliding tabs to adjust the range make this ideal for smaller spaces.

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Best Budget Sprinkler

2. Aqua Joe Indestructible Oscillating Sprinkler

Indestructible design with a weighted base and clog-resistant nozzles for excellent coverage.

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Choosing a Sprinkler for Small Gardens

When choosing a sprinkler for small gardens or lawns, there are multiple factors to consider. You want to know your own needs, the quality of the sprinkler, and the shape and size of your lawn. I can tell you which sprinklers are high quality and will last. But I can’t tell you whether they will work well for your yard or garden.

Choose a Sprinkler To Fit Your Needs

When you’re buying a sprinkler, it’s important to look at the size, specs, and quality of the equipment itself. However, a sprinkler can be the best in the world and too big (or too small) for your garden. The most important step in choosing the right sprinkler is picking one that will fit your needs and the watering needs of your lawn. 

If you have a small lawn, you’ll need a sprinkler that doesn’t have a large scope. If you have a garden with multiple kinds of plants, focus on sprinklers with adjustable sprays. Before you decide which sprinkler you want to buy, sit down and ask yourself what your gardening or lawn maintenance needs are – this will help tremendously. 

​Lawn Shape and Size

Of course, one of the most important things to consider is the shape and size of your lawn. If you’re looking for a small lawn and don’t want to spray your walls, fences, or a neighbor’s lawn, you’ll have to know your measurements and check the spray diameter of any sprinkler you’re considering. 

The ideal sprinkler diameter is larger than your yard, as most don’t reach their max diameter. Water pressure and hose length will play into this, so keep that in mind. If your lawn is long and thin or shaped differently, it might be easier to buy two smaller sprinklers and set them on separate sides of your yard. 

Adjustable Spray Patterns

Some sprinklers have adjustable spray patterns, which can be very handy for gardening or oddly shaped lawns. If you have a garden, you know that some plants require more water than others. Look for a sprinkler with adjustable spray patterns to prevent over or underwatering anything you’re trying to grow. 

Adjustable spray patterns are great because you can target specific parts of the lawn or garden. However, it will also come down to sprinkler placement and water pressure. Test out your spray patterns before leaving it running for a while – you don’t want to overwater the wrong part of the yard or garden accidentally. 

​Portability and Convenience

If you live in an apartment or small house and need to move your sprinkler, the ease of carrying is an important factor. It might seem like any small sprinkler will be easy to carry, but some sprinklers hold more water and take a while to empty fully. If you live a more portable lifestyle, check this out before you buy. 

However, most of the sprinklers on this list require very little setup and are pretty easy to take down. For portability, a small lawn sprinkler will be much easier than any in-ground system or large sprinkler setup. As a rule, the smaller the sprinkler, the easier it will be to set up and take down. 

Product Durability

Sprinklers are more complicated pieces of equipment than you might think. Because of their build and size, the lawn sprinklers with the most added features might not have the best product durability. Many of these sprinklers have warranties, but it’s better to have a long-lasting machine than get it replaced.

If you want a product to last, treat it well and use it according to the instructions. However, check reviews and product specs before you buy to ensure that the sprinkler you’re getting is durable. For the sprinklers on this list, you don’t have to worry – I’ve tested them out and done the work for you. 

Connector & Seal Quality

It doesn’t matter how well the sprinkler sprays or how long it reaches – if the connectors and seals don’t work well, it will leak and create a puddle somewhere in your yard. Not only is this a waste of water, but it is also a sign of a bad sprinkler and won’t be effective. It’s crucial to have a sprinkler that doesn’t leak water. 

When looking online or in-store for sprinklers, check reviews for the quality of the connector and seal. It’s not something most people notice, but if it doesn’t work, the quality of the seals will show up in negative reviews. Sometimes, checking reviews is more effective than buying a sprinkler and testing it out. 

Best Small Garden Sprinklers Reviews

Now that we’ve discussed what to look for in a solid lawn sprinkler, it’s time to get into specifics. Here are the seven best garden sprinklers for small lawns or yards. Once you’ve read my reviews and any other reviews, you can decide which is best for your small lawn or backyard garden. 

1. Eden Lawn Oscillating Water Sprinkler

Best Sprinkler Overall

• Sprinkler Type: Oscillating
• Area Covered: up to 3600 square feet
• Material: stainless steel
• Connectors: twist-and-lock, Quick Connect, leak-proof connectors

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Pros:

• This sprinkler covers up to 3,600 square feet 
• Comes with a filter attachment and several timing settings 
• It’s also inexpensive

Cons: 

• It doesn’t have the best durability 
• Doesn’t always reach the maximum coverage 

The Eden Lawn Oscillating Water Sprinkler is the best of its kind for small lawns. It has a classic fan shape and oscillates back and forth to reach the most area possible. If you have a lawn that’s slightly bigger than small but not large enough to consider in-ground sprinklers, this inexpensive sprinkler might be a perfect choice. 

The Eden sprinkler comes in several sizes, but the one I linked is the cheapest and has the smallest range. It’s ideal for a hot summer day on a small lawn because it’s easy to set up and will cover a lot of ground. The biggest downside to this sprinkler is that it’s made of plastic, so it won’t last as long as some sturdier sprinkler sets. 

Eden is a brand that knows its sprinklers. By using their patented motor design, the sprinklers can cover more ground and use less water. Each sprinkler has a connector set and hose filters for impure or dirty water. It also has filter water, and Eden sells a water timer separately. 

If you’re looking for a bigger range or more durability, Eden offers multiple other sizes with sprinklers made of metal. These are great for large lawns but would be too much for a small backyard or front yard. When I tested the Eden oscillating sprinkler, I was impressed by how such an inexpensive sprinkler covered the ground evenly and fully. 

2. Aqua Joe Indestructible Oscillating Sprinkler

Best Budget Sprinkler

• Sprinkler Type: Oscillating
• Area Covered: up to 3600 square feet
• Material: alloy steel and plastic
• Connectors: leak-resistant steel connectors

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Pros: 

• An oscillating sprinkler with precise range adjustment 
• Excellent price point

Cons: 

• Not as durable as some other options
• Mostly made of plastic

The Aqua joe Indestructible oscillating sprinkler might have an impressive name, but it’s mostly good for small lawns that need a little extra water. It’s my budget pick because it’s great to use in a pinch and lasts for a while, given the price point. However, to some degree, you get what you pay for with this sprinkler. 

Aqua Joe provides a two-year warranty, but it can be difficult to see the warranty number on the bottom after a few uses in the grass. So far, I haven’t had to use the warranty because the sprinkler works quite well, but that could be a concern for users with problematic units or defective sprinklers. 

Otherwise, the sprinkler works as advertised – it can reach small or large areas, and the range is customizable. You can tighten the oscillation to create a small rectangle and angle it in any direction (great if you want to set the sprinkler next to a fence or wall and water the entire yard). It’s easy to use and portable. 

One of the more unique selling points of the Aqua Joe is the anti-clogging nozzles. Not only are the nozzles themselves clog-resistant, but the sprinkler comes with a precise cleaning tool to remove grass, dirt, and other impurities and keep the sprinkler watering well. This sprinkler is well worth the price between the anti-clogging and the adjustability.

3. Melnor MiniMax Turbo Oscillating Sprinkler

Best Budget Sprinkler

• Sprinkler Type: Oscillating
• Area Covered: up to 4000 square feet
• Material: acrylonitrile butadiene styrene
• Connectors: plastic, QuickConnect connectors

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Pros: 

• Works on a small lawn
• Waters evenly so a good option for watering new grass seed
• Has a lifetime warranty

Cons: 

• Some models stop oscillating when the water pressure is low

The Melnor MiniMax Turbo Oscillating Sprinkler packs a lot of punch for such a small piece of equipment. Standing just 12X10 inches and only two inches high, this little sprinkler can evenly water up to 4,000 square feet (with the proper amount of water pressure). It is portable and extremely easy to use. 

Although it doesn’t come with a timer, the Melnor Minimax has multiple options for sprinkler adjustment. If you have a long and thin patch of grass or a small yard, you can adjust the settings to precisely where you’re watering. Say goodbye to watering your patio furniture or fence in a small backyard. 

The biggest downside of the Melnor MiniMax is that it doesn’t always work according to plan. I experienced this with low water pressure, but sometimes the sprinkler stops oscillating and shoots the water straight into the air. When this happens, the anti-pooling sprinkler ends up in a puddle of its own making. 

However, the MiniMax lives up to its name. This sprinkler offers a long and steady flow, can reach a small or large area, and is incredibly easy to use. For a reasonable price, you can’t ask for much more from a sprinkler. The adjustability is the star, but the water flow and consistency back it up incredibly well. 

4. Twinkle Metal Spot Sprinkler 360 Degree Pattern 2P

• Sprinkler Type: low-pressure spray
• Area Covered: up to 30 feet in diameter
• Material: alloy metal
• Connectors: metal connector

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Pros: 

• Excellent for shrubbery and thicker gardens without using a lot of water

Cons: 

• Low water pressure 
• Two separate hoses are necessary

If you’re looking for a sprinkler to focus on certain parts of your garden, the Twinkle Metal spot sprinkler is an excellent choice. Created for gardeners, these sprinklers came in sets of two and were designed to hide in shrubbery or bushes to water the harder-to-reach areas of your garden or lawn. 

You don’t need a lot of water pressure to make the spot sprinklers work. In fact, they’ll do better with lower water pressure, acting like a bubbler for a diameter of up to thirty feet. However, if you want them to reach the full length, you might want to use them one at a time, so you’re not splitting the water. 

That leads me to the biggest downside of these spot sprinklers – they require two hoses. If you have a small backyard, you might not have a second hose or outside spigot. Some reviews complain of leakage, but I didn’t have that experience. These sprinklers are heavy enough to sit on the ground and light enough to be propped up in gardens. 

If you want to use this on your lawn, use it in spots your regular sprinklers don’t reach. Otherwise, it will just water a circle around it and cut off some edges of your yard. For gardeners and those with thicker ivy or hedges, these sprinklers can evenly water a large diameter. I would recommend the spot sprinklers for gardens instead of lawns. 

5. Orbit Metal 3-Arm Sprinkler with Wheeled Base

• Sprinkler Type: Twirling
• Area Covered: up to 24-foot diameter
• Material: Metal
• Connectors: brass connector

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Pros: 

• Flow-through technology means you can hook up several and water a whole yard easily

Cons: 

• It doesn’t properly water the area right beneath the base
• Necessary to adjust the sprinkler

The Orbit metal 3-armed sprinkler is one of the most versatile pieces on this list. Its defining feature is flow-through tubing. With this sprinkler, you can take hose extensions and hook up multiple sprinklers from one spigot. It works remarkably well – of course, the farther from the spigot you get, the less water you receive. 

The flow-through tubing makes it easy to connect multiple sprinklers but doesn’t stop the Orbit from working well on its own. It has a sturdy metal base and a pair of tough plastic wheels. This combo makes it easy to move because you can grab the hose and drag the sprinkler to where you need it to be. 

The Orbit is also aptly named – it provides a gentle twirl of water and doesn’t need a ton of water pressure to work properly. The nozzles on the end of each of the arms ensure that both low and high sections of plants get watered. It is designed to reach about 450 square feet in a perfect 360-degree circle. 

The only issue I found with the Orbit armed sprinkler is that it doesn’t wet the 1-2 foot section directly beneath the arms. It’s an easy problem to fix – you have to move the sprinkler a few feet before the end of your watering session. Otherwise, this sprinkler is a great option for smaller lawns and gardens. 

6. Aqua Joe 9-Pattern Metal Turret Sprinkler

• Sprinkler Type: turret sprinkler
• Area Covered: up to 1022 square feet
• Material: metal, zinc
• Connectors: leak-proof zinc connector

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Pros: 

• Nine different patterns of water 
• Wide coverage

Cons: 

• Not all patterns work well

The Aqua Joe 9-Pattern turret sprinkler is fully customizable and works on small and medium lawns. It’s not too pricey, and it gets the job done well, with nine settings that range from full circle to smaller square. This is one of the best sprinklers you can buy for the money. 

When testing it out, I found that the only issue I had with the Aqua Joe was that the rectangular and square water patterns weren’t as consistent. Some were more heavily concentrated toward the center with lighter sprays on the edge. However, everything else worked well, and it was easy to figure out and use. 

This sprinkler will last a while – it’s mostly made of metal with a few plastic parts. For being as inexpensive as it is, this Aqua Joe is sturdy and easy to use. It would be ideal for small lawns, gardens, or long, thin patches of grass that don’t have any other watering system. If you’re looking for versatility, this is the one for you!

7. Eden Automatic Rotating Lawn and Garden Sprinkler

• Sprinkler Type: Rotating, twirling
• Area Covered: up to 1500 square feet
• Material: acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, metal
• Connectors: plastic, locking, Quick Connect connector

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Pros: 

• Lightweight, 
• Easy to use
• Waters with full coverage

Cons: 

• Only two speed and size settings

Of all the sprinklers on this list, the Eden automatic rotation sprinkler has the largest reach. If you want something a bit smaller, this might not be the lawn sprinkler for you. However, for those trying to reach both lawn and garden, it’s a great size and can reach up to 1500 square feet at average water psi. 

You can adjust both the rotation of the arms and the speed at which it rotates. The speed of water is what adjusts the range itself. While there are only two speeds (slow for long-range watering and fast for shorter-range), the sprinkler is easy to set up and use. It works well and waters the grass evenly. 

One of the highlights of this sprinkler is its weight. While it’s heavy enough so that it doesn’t flip over, the Eden rotating sprinkler is light enough to move easily and carry. Even if you have a larger yard, this sprinkler will work to water it thoroughly. 

Verdict: Best Sprinkler for Small Lawns

After buying and testing out all of these small sprinklers, the best sprinkler for small lawns is the Eden Lawn Oscillating Water Sprinkler. 

Best Sprinkler For Lawns

Eden Lawn Oscillating Water Sprinkler

Easy setup and security with twist-and-lock connections and sliding tabs to adjust the range make this ideal for smaller spaces.

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It’s easy to use and delivers excellent coverage thanks to the adjustable range. You don’t have to waste water on the side of your house or the sidewalk.

Best Budget Sprinkler

Aqua Joe Indestructible Oscillating Sprinkler

Indestructible design with a weighted base and clog-resistant nozzles for excellent coverage.

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​Benefits Of Using Sprinklers on Small Lawns

If you’ve read this far and aren’t sure whether you want to use an above-ground sprinkler on your smaller lawn, don’t worry. There are plenty of reasons why a sprinkler would do your lawn and your maintenance system good, but if it’s not for you, that’s alright. However, check out these benefits of using a sprinkler on a small lawn.

Easy To Use, no Installation

With an above-ground sprinkler, you can screw it into the hose and turn it on. There’s no need for sprinkler installation, maintenance crews, or excessive troubleshooting. Because it’s above ground and not installed in the earth itself, you won’t need to ask a professional for help if it stops working. 

In addition to being easy to use, an above-ground sprinkler is easy to hide. If you’re worried about neighbors or guests seeing a hose and sprinkler in the middle of your yard, don’t be. These sprinklers can be turned off and tucked under a bush or in the garage until everyone’s gone for the day. 

Time-Saving

If you’ve been watering your lawn by hand or hose, you probably will benefit from an easy installation, switching on and off the sprinkler system. Instead of spending thousands of dollars to install one in your yard, take advantage of the small size of your lawn and buy one sprinkler. 

With a simple sprinkler, you can save time and energy by not watering your lawn yourself. In addition, you can ensure that all parts of your lawn get equal care and attention by moving your sprinkler on a regular rotation. It works in big yards and is even easier if you have a small lawn or garden. 

Spray Pattern Control

One undeniable benefit of above-ground sprinklers is spray pattern control. With an inground sprinkler system, it’s impossible to decide where the sprinklers will spray and for how long once you’ve installed them. However, many above-ground sprinklers come with spray pattern control. 

A small lawn will do well with a specific spray pattern, but where this really comes into play in gardens. Gardens with a variety of different plants will need varying amounts of water. Spray patterns can hit thirstier plants before watering dry ones. With a spray pattern, you can also avoid watering the concrete, fences, or the house itself. 

Water Timer

Of course, most in-ground sprinklers come with a built-in timer setting. It’s easy to forget that above-ground sprinklers can do the same thing. Whether you set a timer and turn the hose off or the sprinkler itself has a timer, you’ll be able to let your grass and plants get watered without worrying about overwatering them. 

The precision of water timing is completely up to you – you can set a sprinkler for a specific spray pattern for fifteen minutes before changing it or leave it on the same setting all afternoon. Some above-ground sprinklers have multiple settings for spray timers and water pressure levels. 

FAQs Sprinklers for Small Lawns

Here are some of the most commonly asked questions regarding sprinklers for small lawns.