Get Rid Of Weeds With This Clever DIY Spray Collar Hack
Keeping your garden free of weeds is crucial for it to thrive. Weeds compete with desirable plants for nutrients, water, and sunlight and detract from the overall aesthetic appeal of a garden. You may need herbicide applications to combat these unwelcome intruders effectively. However, traditional methods often result in overspray, causing unintended harm to non-target plants and the environment. This is where a spray collar can help.
Spray collars are clever but simple devices that keep herbicide spray directed solely at the weeds, minimizing the risk of damage to surrounding plants. You can use a collar as a barrier around the targeted weed to prevent the spray from drifting or splattering onto nearby flowers, bushes, or vegetables. In addition, enclosing the weed within the collar allows you to apply herbicide directly to the weed's leaves or stems, ensuring maximum effectiveness while minimizing waste. Better yet, you can make one using everyday household items.
Making a spray collar
A spray collar eliminates the need for time-consuming and painstaking hand application, allowing for a more efficient and precise process. It also drastically reduces the chances of weed killer contacting your plants, ensuring the health and vitality of the garden. The targeted approach of the spray collar minimizes herbicide usage, leading to cost savings and environmental benefits.
Start by selecting an empty metal food can appropriate for effectively enclosing the targeted weeds. Ensure it is large enough to encircle the weeds without leaving any gaps. Remove the top and bottom using a can opener or tin snips to carefully cut along the edges, ensuring it is smooth and safe to handle. Position the can around the weeds, ensuring a snug fit. The collar should completely enclose the targeted area, directing the herbicide spray solely onto the weed and preventing it from reaching non-target plants. Apply the herbicide directly to the weed's leaves or stems, being mindful of any breezes that may carry the spray outside the collar, and adjust your technique accordingly.
Other spray collar options
If you don't have access to a metal can, you can repurpose a plastic funnel as an alternative. Cut the neck off the funnel, leaving an opening wide enough to insert the sprayer. Another option is a plastic bottle, such as a milk jug or a 2-liter soda bottle. Cut the bottom off, place it securely onto the ground over the weed, and insert the sprayer into the opening to kill it. An old bucket or trash can with a large hole in the bottom will also work nicely. You can also fashion a collar by bending cardboard or a plastic sheet into a cylinder.
Safety is crucial when using a spray collar for targeted herbicide application. Remember to follow safety guidelines by wearing protective gear such as gloves, goggles, and a mask, and ensure proper storage and disposal of herbicides. By taking the necessary precautions and following safety guidelines, you can use a DIY spray collar safely and effectively to combat weeds in your garden.