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Windsor, Ontario, Canada

I dont know about anyone else, but I find getting a full coverage of spray on the undersides of the leaves if very difficult and time consuming. I wonder if anyone has any secrets or tips?

6/17/2007 10:00:35 PM

Ctpumpkin@optonline.net

Yep...spraying the undersides thoroughly is a thoroughly exasperating experience. But it has to be done.

Stihl mist blowers are popular for this reason.

Solo makes a special tip for their back-pack sprayers. You remove the conventional nozzle body & replace it with this adjustable dual nozzle body. It's pretty slick & permits you to spray "UP" with the wand aiming down.

I've also seen folks take extra long brass wands & gently bend them so the tip aims up. Picture a letter "j".

I've always dreamed of a series of misting nozzles running along the ground aimed straight up. A valve manifold system would permit adding zones as the plants grow. Alas I have more ideas than time to execute them.

6/17/2007 11:33:45 PM

Windsor, Ontario, Canada

I was actually going to set up a second irrigation system just like that this year with parts from dripworksusa.com, but I figure some leaves would block others from being sprayed, im sometimes lazy, would cost more than is necessary, and apparently automated chem distribution systems are illegal. I will have to look into the stihl misters. I have been looking for a j shaped nozzel, but was having trouble finding one.

6/17/2007 11:37:42 PM

Ctpumpkin@optonline.net

If the system is plumbed into a water supply then the permitting & backflow prevention is a hassle here too unless you're a farmer or golf course. My goal is to have a dedicated non-irrigation system.

Here is a Solo Backpack sprayer - about $89most places.

http://www.bigpumpkins.com/Diary/DiaryViewOne.asp?eid=10756

Here is the adjustable tip that is sold as an accessory:

http://www.bigpumpkins.com/Diary/DiaryViewOne.asp?eid=23461

I used to sell these items but I don't now.

You just gotta love the internet. You can order the part #4900477 double spray nozzle right from Solo! Only $14.95

http://www.solousa.com/store/flypage/_nozzles/4900477.html

6/18/2007 8:51:26 AM

Windsor, Ontario, Canada

That sprayer tip is awesome!!! Do you think that would fit a most sprayers?

6/18/2007 10:30:57 AM

Ctpumpkin@optonline.net

Probably just fits the Solo. If you cit the hose off a different brand then the entrie trigger & wand assembly can be switched.

6/18/2007 11:29:44 AM

Windsor, Ontario, Canada

Which is better, a diaphragm or piston pump?

6/18/2007 12:58:06 PM

Ctpumpkin@optonline.net

In theory, diaphragms should be better. But I have both & my piston unit was purchased new in 1983. The diaphragm units from Solo leak more, require more frequent rebuilding & are very hard to work on.

I would buy a piston if in the market again.

6/18/2007 2:27:47 PM

San Jose garysand@pacbell.net

If i get around to it I was planning on doing what steve said, misters on the ground facing up, as well as overhead, tromping in the plant as little as possible will help prevent accidents

6/18/2007 8:12:42 PM

Western NY

I just put a pic of my sprayer nozzle in the photo section. It came with my backpack sprayer (3 gallon solo knockoff), and puts out an amazingly fine mist. Each side makes a mist cone at abut a 45 degree angle apart.

6/18/2007 9:41:54 PM

Ctpumpkin@optonline.net

Andy's nozzle looks very similar.

Backpack sprayers all have the longer hoses & wands that we need. Most permit the user to loosen a locknut at the wand where it mounts to the trigger so we can turn it upside down which allows the user to spray UP. Even a single nozzle will do a fair job if the thing is aimed the right way. Most sprayer manufacturers assume we want to spray DOWN such as treating weeds in the lawn.

Small compressed air "hand cans" (Spray Doc, etc) are not well suited to what we're trying to do. The average hose-end sprayer is even worse for insect & disease sprays.

6/19/2007 12:04:42 AM

Western NY

Steve - do you know if they make wand extensions for what i'm using? I'll try to look around on the internet, but i haven't seen anything local. i'd like another 2 or 3 feet of reach.

6/19/2007 8:16:09 AM

Ctpumpkin@optonline.net

Andy,

What kind of sprayer is it. I need the brand name.

6/19/2007 11:55:02 PM

Western NY

it's a BE equipment sprayer. i'll check tonight to be sure.

6/20/2007 8:22:20 AM