How to Apply Herbicides Safely

Weeds are a misery to all gardeners. Herbicides - chemicals that kill weeds - seem to be an easy answer. There are several things you need to know before you attempt to apply herbicides to your garden, the most important of which is that most herbicides can kill more than just weeds if applied incorrectly.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• 1-gallon Garden Sprayers
• Gardening Gloves
• Weed Killers
• Water
• Pollen/dust Masks
• Safety Goggles
• Safety Goggles
• Water

1. Test the sprayer every time you use it. Fill it with water, pump up the pressure and test to see that the nozzle is not plugged. Release the pressure by unscrewing the lid slightly.

2. Remove the lid. Leave the testing water in the tank.

3. Measure the amount of herbicide exactly and according to label directions.

4. Add the herbicide to the water in the sprayer. Rinse the measuring device by adding more water to the tank to make up the balance.

5. Screw on the top, being careful not to cross the threads. Tighten so that the pressure will not escape from the tank.

6. Pump the handle to increase the pressure inside the tank.

7. Spray the weeds, making sure to cover both upper and lower sides of the leaves. There needs to be visible moisture on the leaves for the applied material to work.

8. Avoid getting any herbicide on your good garden plants, for they will be damaged by the overspray.

9. Spray out all of the material in the tank. Don't leave any unused herbicide in the tank.

10. Clean the empty tank over a dirt area, never over concrete or in a sink. Unused chemical may flow into waterways causing harm to fish and wild life.

11. Rinse the tank three separate times, spraying clean water through the nozzle each time.

Tips & Warnings

• Spray weeds before they go to seed for best results.
• To prevent any herbicide from drifting onto desirable plants, use a piece of cardboard or plastic to block the spray. Hold it in place while you spray the surrounding weeds. Discard the barrier after use.
• Mix only the amount of herbicide that you will use at one time.
• Try pulling or hoeing weeds. It is good exercise and very rewarding and is easier on the environment than using herbicides.
• Never mix more chemicals than you intend to use at one time.
• Always follow label directions.
• When spraying herbicides, wear protective clothing, including safety goggles, respirator, neoprene gloves and long sleeves.
• Never carry a sprayer by the hose; always use the handle. Hoses will work themselves loose if not treated with care. Check hose connectors frequently.
• Never measure garden chemicals with measuring tools from your kitchen. Have dedicated measuring tools for pesticides.