Best 10 Garden Sprayers

Are you looking for reliable solutions to get your garden in tip-top shape on time for summer? Do you want to get rid of weeds, pests, and insects? Then, you’ll need to grab some chemical solutions, including weed killers and mosquito repellants. But, you’ll also need a good quality garden sprayer. The best garden sprayers are an essential part of any garden’s cleaning and maintenance routine. From amateurs to professionals, you’ll see that everyone likes to have a sprayer at their disposal. 

There are so many options available in the market that picking the right one for you might seem overwhelming. Don’t worry, though, as we will guide you through the choice so that your purchase will be a worthwhile one. Our buying guide will show you what to look for, suitable if you’re just starting as a DIY enthusiast. You won’t have to look for any professional help!

What is a garden sprayer? 

A garden sprayer is a spraying tool that most people prefer to use in combination with herbicides, insecticides, fungicides and fertilisers. By diluting these chemicals into water and placing them in the garden sprayer, you can tackle any garden area conveniently by spraying at many lengths, heights and angles. 

There are many different garden sprayer sizes available in the market, from small handheld 2-litre ones to large rucksack-style 20-litre ones. Depending on your garden’s size, you will benefit differently from the various sizes available. The smaller ones are ideal for small weeds and plants, while the larger ones are suitable for sizable gardens with long lawns. 

How do garden sprayers work?

Garden sprayers are very efficient in getting the job done simply. They are a three-part spraying solution with a tank, pump and spray lance with a nozzle. The tank holds the water or chemical solution, the pump handle applies pressure for the water release, and the spray lance’s nozzle shoots out the water stream onto your plants.  

They work by creating pressurised water flow via a manual bailer that releases the container’s built-up pressure. When the user presses the trigger on the spray lance, the internal air pressure oozes out from the nozzle in a pre-set pattern to spray. Most garden sprayers have adjustable nozzles that alter the pattern from jet to spray to mist, depending on the sensitivity of the plants or lawn. 

What to look for in a garden sprayer? 

Are you not sure what to look for when it comes to garden sprayers? Do you want to find out all there is to know about them before your purchase? We’ve added a list of the top features to consider to get the best sprayer.

1. Materials

The material build quality will ensure that your garden sprayer is a long-lasting and durable product. For best quality, try to get thick corrosion-resistant materials when they come in close contact with harmful chemicals. Most garden sprayers are made from robust plastic with rubber compartments in the hose, lance, and seals. Compromising on material quality will lead to a weakened performance with lower pressure than usual. 

2. Spray Settings

Most, if not all, garden sprayers have adjustable nozzle settings so that you can pick the right spray pattern to match your needs. The most common adjustability options are a jet stream, spray mode and a fine mist for the lightest projects. 

Some garden sprayers also include multiple nozzles, including a foaming nozzle, flat fans and other specific spray attachments to prevent clogging on the pump sprayer.

3. Litre Capacity

The litre capacity will be a size indicator, too, for your garden sprayer. The most common sizes are between 2 to 5-litre garden sprayers, suitable for most average garden sizes. These are also lighter than the bigger capacity ones, which means you will carry them better. The one downside is that refilling will be more frequent.

If you have a big garden that requires a lot of upkeep, there are other larger tank capacity options from 8 up to 20 litres. The biggest benefit is that you can work continuously for longer without the need to refill as often. Their downside is that they weigh more, but most are knapsack sprayers, so the weight equally distributes on your back. 

4. Portability

If you’re looking for something that will be hassle-free to operate, then portability is an essential feature to consider. The overall sprayer’s weight will highly determine its portability. The material build will affect the sprayer’s weight as plastic is more lightweight than stainless steel options or other heavy-duty materials. 

Also, a backpack-style garden sprayer is more comfortable to bear its weight as you don’t have to carry it by hand. If you want something more compact like a hand sprayer with pressure, a shoulder belt will also allow better mobility with less strain. 

5. Ease of Use

Another essential consideration when picking a garden sprayer is how comfortable and easy it is to use. There are some ways to identify how simple it is to operate your garden sprayer. For example, to reduce arm strain, look for an ergonomic and wide handle and padded straps. Also, many have a safety valve that releases pent-up pressure or a shut-off valve so that no liquid comes out when you refill the tank.  

For less hunching while working, try to find a long enough hose to reach the taller areas with a spray lance that is adjustable or extended enough for tough spots. Finally, ensure that the sprayer has detachable parts so that it never clogs up. The best maintenance and care for years of durability is to wash it between uses to remove any bleach or other chemicals entirely.

What are the different types of garden sprayers available? 

There are two types of garden sprayers available to pick from, either handheld or backpack sprayers. Each has its pros and cons, but the choice is yours depending on the coverage area, personal preference and budget. Let’s have a look at the two types below. 

Handheld

Handheld garden sprayers are fit for smaller gardens because of their lessened tank capacity. They have a handle and shoulder belt for convenience of carrying and pressurise the air via a manual bailer. Their biggest advantage is that handheld sprayers are more affordable and have less weight. Most amateur gardeners prefer these for some light spraying around the backyard. 

Their main drawback is that they don’t have as much power or pressure as backpack ones. Also, their litre capacity is smaller, which means you will have to refill them more frequently. 

Backpack

Backpack garden sprayers are a bit more functional because they have a larger tank capacity that allows you to finish the job with one fill. Usually, they can hold up to 20 litres at a time, and you won’t feel the weight pressure as their backpack shape evenly distributes the weight on your back. They offer you a one-hand operation, unlike handheld ones that require you to keep both hands occupied. 

These garden sprayers will either run on a battery-operated motor pump or a manual one. Their benefits are their power, less refilling and greater pressure, but their biggest disadvantages are their price point and their added weight due to the larger capacity.

How can you make the most out of your garden sprayer?

Are you a newbie when it comes to garden tending? Do you want some pro tips and tricks so that your garden sprayer can work its wonders effortlessly? Have a look below and find our most vital recommendations! 

1. Use separate sprayers for your weedkillers, pesticides and fungicides. 

Sometimes when cleaning out the tank, there’s a chance that the tank’s interior still has some leftover chemicals from previous uses. To avoid killing your plants, it’s best practice to have separate sprayers for each chemical. 

2. Make sure all compartments are tightly in place.

This is more so a safety precaution that will ensure you operate the garden sprayer securely. That’s because the air pressure could be very powerful, especially with backpack ones, and a loose part could injure you unexpectedly. 

3. Don’t leave chemicals in the tank when not in use. 

Always fill the tank only as much as you want to use at any given moment. There are two reasons for this. First of all, if you leave pesticides in the tank, they will become less effective over time. Also, the tank is likely to corrode due to the chemicals’ harmful toxins. 

4. Follow the instructions for mixing. 

If it’s your first time using chemicals and garden sprayers, most of them include instructions on mixing them with water properly. Take some time to review the instructions and only put the recommended amount of chemicals for the best results. 

5. Wear gloves when handling the sprayer with chemicals. 

Some chemicals are very harsh because they contain bleach and other toxins. The safest practice is to wear protective gloves if your garden sprayer contains chemicals to prevent burns or other accidents. If you’re simply spraying some water on plants, then you can get away with no gloves.

How much do garden sprayers cost? 

Are you tight on a budget and don’t want to break your bank? Fear not, as there are many affordable options out there that won’t rip your pockets. Whether you want something that’s very price-specific or something convenient and comfortable to use, there are choices for any demand, from low-cost to high-end ones.

Affordable 

You will find some excellent handheld garden sprayers that require a manual pump on the low side of the price scale. These will have a smaller tank capacity, usually 2 to 5 litres. Their materials are mostly plastic, and the cost can start at £7.99 to £30. Within this range, you might be able to get a couple of nozzle attachments too. They will also have a pressure release valve for more effective coverage, despite their manual bailer. 

High-End

Is budget a non-issue, and you want to get the most out of your garden sprayer? Some high-end alternatives to a manual pump or handheld sprayer will give you wider coverage and more versatility. The backpack-style garden sprayers have the increased tank capacity, multiple spray heads and start at £30 to £60. They are a worthy upgrade that will reduce your manual efforts significantly. 

Closure

Get to garden tending as soon as possible by investing in a high-quality garden sprayer that will work fantastic wonders in your garden. Fill the tank with anything from fertilisers to pesticides and rejuvenate the vibrant and delightful look to your lawn, shrubs and flowers! 

We are optimistic that our buying guide has helped you get all the crucial information to pick the best garden sprayers for your needs. Take some time to review the available choices and select the one that makes the most sense for you. What’s it going to be? Handheld or backpack-style?