Spraying Made Easy by Dr. Garden from Monterey Lawn and Garden

Gardening Tips

Dr. Garden, from Monterey Lawn and Garden Products

Spraying Made Easy
by Dr. Garden

Applying pesticides and fertilizers can appear to be a very complicated process with all the sprayers, spreaders, and other equipment available. Actually, the process can be quite simple when you break it down to the type of materials and equipment that can be used. Let's look at the basics...

There are two types of materials to be applied; drys which are generally fertilizers, fertilizer pesticide combinations (weed and feed) or pesticide granules. They are applied in two types of applications, the spinner type spreader that throws the product or the drop type that meters the product from the bottom of the applicator. Most of these products have a setting dial and the material you buy will tell you how to dial for the particular material and rate. To be more accurate, some people will put on a half rate in one direction and cross it with another half rate in the other direction.

The other type of product to be applied are spray materials. These can be either pesticides or fertilizers formulated as a dry powder or as a liquid. They are then diluted with water and applied according to label rates.

Let's look at dilution first. Most herbicides require you to apply so many ounces per 1,000 sq. ft., while insecticides, fungicides and fertilizers say mix so many ounces per gallon of water. Whatever product you are using, you should fill the sprayer half full, add the pesticide or fertilizer and then continue to fill the sprayer. Once full, pick it up and shake it vigorously to further mix the material. If you set the sprayer down for awhile, shake it up again before spraying.

There are generally three types of sprayers: hand-held sprayers, tank compression sprayers and hose end sprayers. Let's look at how to use all three.

The hand-held sprayer is the easiest. Everyone is familiar with them since it is the same type that applies various types of cleaners, etc. This type of sprayer is ideal for spot treatments and for spraying small areas. Simply mix the desired rate, aim and spray. Some have an adjustment on the nozzle to make the spray a fine mist or a narrow stream.

The tank compression sprayer can be either hand-held or a backpack type apparatus. They are usually 1-3 gallons in size. The chemical should be added to the water in the right concentration. Once mixed, the sprayer is pumped up to pressure and you are ready to spray. There is usually an adjustment at the nozzle to make a fine mist or a course spray, depending upon the application you desire. You will need to stop spraying as the pressure decreases to pump the sprayer back up to pressure so you can continue to spray. This type of sprayer is the best for putting on herbicides that require so many tablespoons or ounces per 1,000 sq. ft. (1,000 sq. ft., is 100 feet long by 10 feet wide or any combination of this). To properly calibrate your sprayer, mark off 1,000 square feet. Fill your sprayer with water and spray this 1,000 sq. ft. Once done, measure how much water was used. If the recommendation was two tablespoons per 1,000 sq.ft., and it took 1½ gallons to spray the 1,000 sq. ft. mix at the rate of two tablespoons per 1½ gallons of water in your sprayer.

The hose-end sprayer is another type of spray applicator. There are numerous brands available. They basically consist of a jar that screws on to the end of a garden hose. Some have a fixed mixing ratio built in, while others have an adjustable dial on the top. Measure the amount of material into the jar and set the dial to the desired ounces per gallon of water applied. Attach to the garden hose and spray. This type of sprayer is ideal for applying insecticides or fertilizers to trees, shrubs, lawns, etc.

Applicator clean up and storage is very important. With the dry spreader, it is often used with fertilizer that can be quite corrosive if left in the spreader. Wash out the spreader with water and then apply a fine mist of oil or WD-40 (from an aerosol can) to the inside of the spreader. For the liquid sprayer, once finished, rinse out the inside of the sprayer with water. Then, fill the sprayer with fresh water, pump it up and then spray a small portion on the previously treated area. This will get any spray material out of the hoses to prevent contamination the next time you use the sprayer.

Additional Spray Tips:

Wear glasses while mixing and spraying.
Wear long sleeve pants and shirts while spraying and also wear shoes.
Stay up wind of the spray.
Avoid drift so you don't damage desired plants.
Avoid skips and double ups. Many professional sprayers use a dye (green, blue or red) so they can tell where they have been.
To avoid contamination, it is advisable to have two sprayers, one for herbicides and the other for pesticides and fertilizers. Label them accordingly.
Never store the sprayer with a chemical mixture in it.
Mix only what you will use that day. It is not advisable to store the mixture once it has been diluted with water.

Hopefully, these tips will take the mystery and confusion out of the proper application to keep the pests and weeds out of our lawn, garden or ornamental areas.

These tips have been brought to you by Dr. Garden,
from Monterey Lawn & Garden Products

“Products that work!”

Lawn and Garden Products, Inc.
P.O. Box 35000
Fresno, California 93745-5000
Phone: 559-499-2100
Fax: 559-499-1015
Email: info@montereylawngarden.com

Not all products listed on this site are registered for use in all states. For product registration information please contact the lead regulatory agency within your specific state and/or locality.

Gardening Tips

Spraying Made Easyby Dr. Garden

Spraying Made Easy
by Dr. Garden