A hose-end sprayer simplifies applying liquid lawn and garden products over wide areas. This device attaches directly to a standard garden hose, automatically mixing concentrated chemicals with the water stream as you spray. It uses water pressure to create a suction force, known as the Venturi effect, which draws the product from an attached reservoir to achieve the correct dilution. This allows efficient broadcasting of fertilizers, pesticides, or herbicides without pre-mixing large volumes of solution.
Preparing the Product and Equipment
Before handling concentrated chemicals, consult the product’s label for the required application rate and safety precautions. The label specifies the correct dosage, which is often expressed as a specific amount of concentrate per 1,000 square feet. Determining the size of your treatment area is necessary to calculate the total volume of product needed for the job.
Use personal protective equipment (PPE) when handling concentrated products to prevent skin or eye exposure. This typically includes chemical-resistant gloves, long sleeves, closed-toe shoes, and safety goggles.
Determine if your product is intended for a dial-in sprayer or a pre-mix model. Some sprayers use “ready-to-pour” concentrates added directly to the reservoir. Other models require that you pre-dilute the product with water inside the jar. Measure and pour only the exact amount of concentrate needed into the reservoir.
Assembling the Sprayer and Setting the Ratio
Connect the reservoir, filled with concentrate, securely to the sprayer head. This connection must be tight to maintain the vacuum seal necessary for the siphoning action to work correctly. A loose connection causes leaking and results in an inaccurate dilution rate, potentially harming your lawn or garden.
If using a dial-in model, match the required application rate on the chemical label to the setting on the sprayer’s dial. Dials typically feature settings marked in fluid ounces per gallon or generic labels like “feed” or “weed.” Set the dial before turning on the water, as the flow rate affects the siphoning mechanism.
The high-velocity water passing through the sprayer head creates a low-pressure zone. This vacuum pulls the concentrate up the dip tube and into the water stream where it mixes. If the label specifies an application rate per area, translate this into a dilution setting to ensure the entire amount of concentrate is used over the intended square footage.
Application Techniques for Even Coverage
Securely attach the assembled sprayer to your garden hose and turn the water fully on at the spigot. Full water pressure maximizes the Venturi effect and maintains a consistent flow rate. Ensure the sprayer’s control valve is set to the “on” position before pulling the trigger.
To achieve uniform coverage, maintain a consistent walking speed while spraying. Moving too quickly results in insufficient coverage, while moving too slowly leads to excessive application. Walk backward across the area to avoid stepping in the fresh application.
Slightly overlap each pass with the spray pattern to ensure no gaps are missed. Use a fan-spray pattern for broadcast treatments to cover the area evenly. If the product level is not decreasing consistently, check the hose connection and the dial setting.
Cleaning and Storing the Unit
Immediately after spraying, clean the unit to prevent residue from drying and causing clogs or corrosion. The recommended method is to triple-rinse the reservoir and sprayer head.
First, empty any remaining concentrate from the reservoir for proper disposal, or apply it to the designated area if permitted by the label.
Next, fill the reservoir halfway with clean water and reattach the head. Spray this clean water over the previously treated area until the reservoir is empty; this flushes residue from the dip tube and internal components. Repeat this process two more times to ensure all chemical traces are removed.
Cleaning prevents cross-contamination, especially when switching between products like fertilizer and herbicide. After the final rinse, disconnect the sprayer, shake out excess water, and store the unit in a dry location away from direct sunlight.