Your guide to using sprayers in the garden

Sprayers are not only useful for applying pesticides. You can use a sprayer to apply fertilizers to lawns or vegetables or to spray a herbicide on poison ivy that's run up a tree. Find out what you need to know before using a sprayer in your garden.

No garden is pest-free, but a well-tended garden contains a balance of beneficial predators and healthy, resistant plants along with a tolerable number of undesirable insects and other pests.

• When insecticides are needed to help with pests that threaten your garden, sprayers can be useful.

The simplest sprayer is a handheld, trigger-type, pump spray bottle, which is fine for applying homemade pest repellents to plants.

• When using garden chemicals, reserve a sprayer exclusively for pesticides.
• Label it clearly with an indelible marker and clean it out thoroughly after each use.

The easiest way to treat large areas is with a hose-end sprayer.

• You place a water-soluble fertilizer or chemical in a glass or plastic reservoir whose top attaches to a hose; when the hose is turned on, the water pressure draws up, dilutes and disperses the solution.
• Be sure to use only concentrates specified for hose-end applicators and to adjust the sprayer settings for the proper dosage.

There are many styles of tank sprayers for home gardens, ranging in capacity from four to 19 litres.

• The most common type is the compression sprayer, which works with air pressure that's built up when you intermittently pump a plunger.
• Another type is the knapsack sprayer; you maintain the pressure needed to expel the contents by continuously pumping a lever.

While both types of tanks resist corrosion, translucent plastic lets you see when to refill, and it's usually lighter than stainless steel.

• Use only the amount of chemicals recommended by the manufacturer for a specific application, and dilute with water in the proper proportion.
• To help chemicals stick to plant leaves, you can add three drops of dishwashing liquid or insecticidal soap per one litre of prepared spray.

• When filling a sprayer with manure tea or other solution that may contain solids, strain it through a doubled-up pair of pantyhose legs or a coffee filter inserted into a plastic or metal funnel.

Filtering is necessary to keep particles from clogging the nozzle of the sprayer.

Clear it by inserting a thin nail or sewing pin or by spraying it from the outside with a strong stream of water.

• Always read pesticide labels carefully and follow the directions on handling, use and storage to the letter.
• Apply pesticides on a dry, calm day with moderate temperatures and low humidity.
• Keep children and pets away from pesticides while they're being applied and until they have dried or settled completely.
• Cover as much of your skin as possible. Wear rubber gloves, a long-sleeved shirt and long pants, eye protection and a dust mask. Avoid touching your face or eyes.
• Never eat, drink or smoke while handling pesticides. Be careful to avoid inhaling powders or sprays.
• Don't allow pesticides to contaminate ponds, streams or swimming pools.
• Never apply pesticides to food crops unless the labels state that it is safe to do so.
• Clean all equipment carefully after application. Wash your hands and face thoroughly with soap and launder clothing separately.
• Keep pesticides in their original packaging and store them in a secure, dry, cool place.
• Repeat applications only as needed and as indicated on the product label.

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