How to Choose the Best Garden Sprayer

A Guide to Choosing the Best Garden Sprayer

Tis the season for gardening and maintaining your lawn. And, that means you'll need to invest in the best equipment to take care of your prized greens.

There are lots of different ways to battle pests, but the best garden sprayer that you can get your hands on is one of the most effective ways to eliminate them. There are also a few different kinds of garden sprayers available so that you can choose one that suits your project(s) best.

Never again will you have to worry about your garden plants or lawn getting killed by using too much spray of one kind or the next. With a garden sprayer, you'll be able to monitor exactly how much herbicide or pesticide makes it onto your plants.

If you're wondering what the best garden sprayer is, then you've come to the right place. In this article, we're discussing your options.

What is the Best Garden Sprayer for Your Garden?

Choosing a garden sprayer doesn't have to be confusing or difficult. All you have to do is figure out what your preference is depending on how many areas you have to cover. You should also identify the problem in your garden and decide whether you will be using the sprayer for herbicides or pesticides. It's best to have one sprayer for each type of solution because you should never mix chemicals.

Here are the three main types of garden sprayers you can use:

Hose End Sprayer

A hose end sprayer is one of the most simple to use and least expensive of your options. All you have to do is add the concentrated material to the sprayer and attach it to your garden hose. The pressure and force of the water through the hose pulls the herbicide or pesticide from the jar, mixes it and dilutes it as it sprays out of the nozzle.

This option is good for any application, but don't forget that it will only reach as far as your garden hose.

Tank Sprayer

A tank sprayer, also known as a compression or garden pump sprayer is the most common type of spray equipment because it is versatile. Tanks are approximately one quart to three gallons and can be carried easily by hand. There is also a wand with which you can control the spray pattern.

With a tank sprayer, you'll add your concentrated material as directed and then fill the rest with water to the marked water fill line. The air left over in the tank is then pressurized by pumping the handle to deliver the material.

These tanks are made of polyethylene plastic or galvanized or stainless steel. You may also use this type of sprayer for cleaning decks and siding.

Backpack Sprayer

A backpack sprayer sometimes called a backpack weed sprayer is operated the same as a handheld tank sprayer. The main difference is the size (up to 4 gallons) and the fact that you can disperse the weight by carrying it on your back. These are often easier to handle, especially for long distances.

Spraying Schedules

You'll need to spray your lawn and garden regularly for the best results. Different types of pests and weeds will attack your lush greens during different parts of the season so it's best to know when you should spray. Here's a short guide:

Early Spring

Spring is the best time for dormant spraying. What this means is that you can spray for pests that have overwintered on your shrubs, trees, and other woody plants. Spray everything down to prevent damaging insects and diseases before they have a chance to develop.

Spring

Lawn weeds start their journey to take over your yard in the spring season. You should consider applying herbicide either directly on the weed or before it emerges for best results. You can follow the instructions on your weed sprayer material for your region.

Early Summer

Spray vegetables and flower plants as needed in the early summer. If you notice plant disease, make sure to remove all weeds and dead plants before you start a spraying program. Roses should be checked for black spots under the surface of the leaves before beginning a regular spray program.

Summer

Make sure to eliminate mosquito breeding grounds, like standing water and weed patches before spraying flowers, shrubs and dense foliage. You can also spray nearby walls and under the leaves using a weed sprayer or herbicide sprayer.

Late Summer

There are two types of insects to be concerned with. The first type lives underground and attacks the roots of your plants, while the other attacks from above ground. You can use a garden sprayer and maintain your lawn properly in order to terminate and expel these pests.

And, don't forget to spray weeds with a weed sprayer. You can use an herbicide sprayer for your lawn to prevent the spread of disease.

Fall

Use your garden sprayer on the foundation of your home with pesticides to prevent crawling insects from entering your home as the cool weather hits. Only spray to the point of runoff and then spray approximately 2-4 inches of soil alongside the foundation.

Year Round

You can also use your garden sprayer for houseplants at the first sign of an insect attack. Make sure you use the proper materials depending on your problem.

Final Thoughts

Depending on what type of project you intend to tackle in your yard will also depend on the type of garden sprayer that you use. The best garden sprayer for you may be different than the one your neighbor uses, and that's okay. Just keep these tips in mind the next time you go shopping for garden supplies so that you can find your perfect fit.

If you're up against a really big project, you can also look for a tow behind sprayer or ATV sprayer. These types of sprayers attach to your back of your ATV so you can pull it behind you while you work on crops or other large areas that need maintenance.

When you're ready to look for the best garden sprayer available, head on over to our website and check out our inventory. You won't be disappointed.