sprayers

i am considering using a spray with its fine mist when using contact weedkiller, this should use less weedkiller as i only apply to actual weeds, i think it will give better control as the droplets will be more easily absorbed in through the leaf surface: will the smaller hand sprayers [pump acttion 1 1/2 litre sprayers �£10 by hozelock] be up to the job or will i need a bigger one, assuming most gardens don t really need too much spraying of contact weedkiller, and i d aslo be able to use it for occasional spraying of amarilltox,
my first target garden is infested with dogs mercury, and my idea was to just work on a weekly spray routine .....using stump killer
PS i will wear gloves and a proper anti droplet face mask as these things are deadly.

[ 16. March 2006, 08:37 AM: Message edited by: Lady Gardener ]

 

I prefer the backpacks - but it's hardly worth it for small areas - and it's absolutely essential if you're spraying at all to wear a coverall too! Don't under-estimate the chemicals - they're really nasty. :eek:

 

Re protective garb - I tend to get covered up even using lawn feed'n'weed and things like rose spray and Roundup. Am I going over the top? (Think I'd do it anyway, even if I am!)

 

better safe than sorry - I know people who've been affected, even when using all this stuff carefully, as they've been doing it for quite a few years - even one who reckons it made him sterile. :eek:

 

michaelmasdaisy, no I think you are wise. From memory, a few years ago there was something on the internet about Roundup and the effect that their products had on the local community somewhere in South America I believe, can't remember now. Anyway, when a lot of the children in the village died and people were suffering, it turned out to be their spray drift that had done it from the nearby fields! Was a big court case over it!
So can't be too careful!

 

michaelmasdaisy:

Depends a bit on what's in your weed'n'feed and rose spray but Roundup contains glyphosate and you really don't want it in contact with your skin or spray if there's a danger you might inhale it.

Not a bad idea to kit up when applying any chemicals though as it always makes you think twice about whether you really need to use it.

 

I'm one of the worlds worst when it comes to spraying. I tend to get the sprayer out and just use it, dont take any precautions at all, apart from not getting any in the pond that is.
I only do it occasionally, perhaps 3-4 times a year with weedkiller and a few insect sprays, always have done, and if we believe what they say the chemicals now are supposed to be safer than years gone by.
If I was doing it all the time regularly I think I would take more care.
Although I've been exposed to quite a few dodgy chemicals over the years at work, used to have timber preservatives running out of timber I was using years ago, and they have now been banned.

 

i wanted to use a sprayer for applying fertiliser as a foliar spray, even on lawns, tho i realise its more subject to wind restrictions than granular ....... i feel i would get more instant results, and would be able to incorporate sequesterd iron at same time, and armillatox at same time too!
i dont bother with protective clothing for but i do tend to wear a new set of clothes evry day, inhalation and skin splash must be greatest dangers

[ 17. March 2006, 09:36 PM: Message edited by: Lady Gardener ]

 

Wind really is the major problem - is it a very ope area you're using it in, or sheltered? It's amazing how much drift you get with a spray, even on a light breeze. There are charts to consult about what sort of wind conditions are ok - but basically on the west coast of Scotland I wouldn't have thought there would be many times when you could safely do it. (Just my opinion, of course!! )

 

Well, wind or breeze, even a slight one! It's enought to get you caught in the spraymist.

I usually do the spraying last thing then on going indoors, peel off all the gear and stick it straight in the washer! Then I go upstairs and have a shower and wash my hair! Now that must be over the top!!

 

certainly not m'daisy, thats exactly what MUST be done.
reagarding SPRAYING fertilizer on lawns, it is better to use the lawn weed & feed in my opinion, spraying does not kill off weeds or feed any quicker the the rest, at least with granular type you can see where you have been if you use a Cyclone Spreader, about �£30 from most G Centres or DIY centres, these are the best.

 

i ve bid for a spreader on ebay, inadvertantly entering wrong price, so ill prob win it!
can i mix something with grass seed to use it for broadcasting?
also, some1 suggested preparing seed/compost by mixing together for a few days to accelerate germination, any1 tried that, and would this mix spread?

[ 19. March 2006, 08:59 AM: Message edited by: Lady Gardener ]