Master gardener Paul James talks about one of the most functional gardening tools-- the sprayer. This versatile device comes in handy for all kinds of garden chores, from misting houseplants and fertilizing foliage to applying garden chemicals.
"It's hard to believe that in all the years I've been doing this show, I've never really focused on one of the most useful gardening gadgets of all, one that comes in a variety of shapes, sizes, and styles, and that frankly, I can't imagine being without," says James.
The simplest of the sprayers are the very affordable plastic sprayer bottles, and because these are inexpensive, it's a good idea to purchase several. Use each sprayer for a specific use and label the bottle accordingly. This way you can utilize the sprayers for a variety of contents and chores such as pure water for misting, compost tea for feeding foliage, vinegar for herbicide treatments, insecticidal soap for pest control and horticultural oil for pests and disease prevention without having to rinse the bottles in between uses. With adjustable nozzles, the basic sprayers offer anything from a fine mist to a direct stream, depending on the job. There are even specialized sprayers for spraying directly up and under those hard-to-reach areas under the leaves where pests like to hide.
Sprayers do require some maintenance because they have a tendency to occasionally clog. To restore sprayers to good working condition, use a thin piece of wire to help remove build-up in the sprayer. Even sprayers with a built-in filter may get congested, so prevent future problems by straining compost liquids through cheesecloth before using in a sprayer. Also, try tying a small piece of pantyhose around the inlet portion of the feeder tube to catch any pieces of debris that may cause clogging.
Using a basic sprayer for a large area can be a strenuous forearm workout, but never fear, there are several types of sprayers that make using these gadgets less painful:
- Pressurized sprayers operate by applying more stress on the contents and less on you physically. These handheld pressure sprayers cost a bit more than the basic sprayer, but they require only periodic pumping, which allows gardeners more freedom to spray without strain. Like most sprayers, pressurized models require occasional maintenance.
- The most popular sprayer is the pressurized tank sprayer. Available in a variety of sizes, including a backpack version, the tank sprayer can cover a large area with little effort. When choosing a tank sprayer, consider the contents to be sprayed. Plastic tanks may absorb chemicals, whereas metal tanks do not.
"So, if you prefer plastic and you spray a lot of herbicides for instance, you might want to own two sprayers: one for herbicides only, another for everything else you spray," says James. "Just make sure you clearly mark the one used only for herbicides."
When filling the tank, measure the correct amount of chemical first, and then, slowly add the water according to the proper dilution rate. James recommends adding a golf ball or some marbles to the tank to act as an agitator with the powder mixes. Shake the tank occasionally to keep the powder mixed thoroughly.
Tank sprayers also require initial pumping, but once the tank is primed with pressure, the sprayer can cover a lot of ground. Remember to always relieve the pressure after each use because a pressurized tank sprayer may build up to 150 psi of pressure. Avoid leaving a pressurized tank in the sun where it can build up additional pressure and explode.
"As you might guess, tank sprayers also require maintenance to eliminate clogs and to keep them in good working order," says James. "But the good news is that a number of manufacturers offer spare parts, and repairing a tank a sprayer is easy, even for a guy like me."
- Perhaps the easiest to use of all the sprayers is the hose-end sprayer. "These things are especially handy for those of you who don't like to figure dilution rates for various lawn and garden chemicals, which admittedly can be confusing," says James. "These are so handy, in fact, that many manufacturers now market their products equipped with ready to use hose-end sprayers, and they're a snap to use."
Simply add the contents of the liquid chemical to the sprayer bottle or buy a ready-mixed sprayer, attach the hose, turn on the valve, and spray. Use a low dilution rate to cover more ground without re-filling.
"And when it comes to fertilizing lawns, these are great for those of you who don't like using granular products that must be applied with a spreader."
- To keep your outdoor surfaces such as concrete and brick looking new, consider the power sprayer or washer. Unlike the sprayers mentioned earlier, these powerhouse sprayers run by both electric and gas motors.
"Now personally, I prefer the gas-powered models because they tend to generate greater pressures, and they don't require you to mess with extension cords," says James. "And frankly, I don't like the idea of working around machines that combine both water and electricity."
Either way, with 3000 psi of water pressure, these sprayers will simply blast away any stains or dirt with ease. Most power washers allow you to control the type of water stream from a gentle spray for cleaning windows to a forceful spray for cleaning concrete.
Purchasing a power washer may range anywhere from $200 to just under $1000, but a more economical option is to rent a power washer for a fraction of the selling price.
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