Pesticides and Herbicides: all you need to know

One of the biggest problems any garden can face is the infestation of pests and weeds. That’s where pesticides and herbicides come in handy. They’re a great way to keep any garden space in good condition, but it’s important to be aware of what you’re using.

Pesticides help control pests and plant diseases, with various types like liquids, dusts, and granules suited for different uses.
Herbicides target weeds and come in selective or non-selective forms, with pre-emergent or post-emergent types depending on the weed growth stage.
When handling both pesticides and herbicides, you should wear PPE, follow label instructions, and stay informed about product developments for optimal garden care.

Learn about pesticides

What is a pesticide?

A pesticide (also known as plant protection products) is used to control pests, weeds, and diseases, preventing them from eating away at your plants and spreading disease. There are many types of pesticides, from granules to liquids, but if you own any pets, it’s best to use a pet-friendly pesticide to avoid any unwanted accidents.

How do you use pesticides?

Once you’ve identified a problem with your garden, it’s important you follow the instructions given with your pesticides to get the best, safest results. Certain pesticides are better for certain jobs. For example, you may get one that’s specifically for mites, or one that’s a bit more of an all-rounder.

When applying a pesticide, make sure to cover the entirety of your plant, including the leaves, stems, flowers, and fruits. Don’t forget to cover the bottom of the leaves as this is where most insects and pests will live.

Timing is important too. You’ll get the best results if you use your pesticide in the early morning or late afternoon when insects and mites are most active. Plus, it’s a good idea to apply it frequently as pesticides generally don’t kill mite and insect eggs.

Always keep yourself safe when using pesticides. Make sure to wear personal protective equipment when interacting with the product and only spray when the weather conditions are good as this can reduce the risk of any spray drifting.

What is the best pesticide to use?

There is no single ‘best’ pesticide as different types are best suited to different jobs. Dusts are dry powder-like substances that are ready-to-use without needing any mixing or measuring. These get into all the tiny crevices and are best for plants at chest height and below.

For taller plants, liquid pesticides are a better option. Ready-to-Use (RTU) liquids, like dust, don’t need any mixing or measuring, so they’re really convenient. They’ll generally come in a spray bottle and are great if you need more precision. So, if your plant has open blooms, you can spray around them so that all-important pollinators won’t be harmed.

Other varieties like concentrate liquids, granules, and pellets are available but are less common for your everyday home use.

How do you remove pesticides?

If you’re worried about pesticides hanging around on your fruit and veg, there are a few ways to remove them. Simply running food under cold water for 15-20 seconds can be enough, then turning them upside down to drain before lightly brushing the outside of harder-skinned fruit and veg. If you’ve got a bit more time, soaking your fruit in 10% salt water for 20 minutes or bicarbonate of soda for 15 minutes has been found to remove common pesticides. Just don’t soak more porous fruits like berries for too long.

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Learn about herbicides

What is a herbicide?

While a pesticide focuses predominantly on pests, herbicides target unwanted plants such as weeds. Weeds can be very damaging to your garden as they steal water and nutrients from your plants. That’s why it’s important to keep weeds under control.

How do you use herbicides?

Before you use herbicides, try and remove weeds in other ways such as pulling and hoeing. If these don’t work, it’s time to try the chemical route. Whatever you choose, make sure to read the label for the best information on how to use it safely and effectively. Herbicides can come in two varieties: Pre-emergent and post-emergent. If you want to get rid of young seedlings right after they’ve emerged, you’ll want to use pre-emergent. If you’re tackling a fully-grown plant, post emergent will be absorbed into its leaves. The best option will depend on how developed the plant is.

Safety is paramount with herbicides too, so remember to wear PPE and avoid spraying in high winds.

What is the best herbicide to use?

As with pesticides, different herbicides work best for different outcomes. You can get herbicides that are developed to tackle one specific weed, or one that’s more of an all-rounder and will kill almost any plant. If you want to get rid of weeds on your lawn, a selective herbicide will keep the grass in-tact, but if you want to completely clear out an area, a non-selective herbicide will kill all plant life.

How long do herbicides take to work?

There is no set amount of time for a herbicide to take effect. It can take anything from a few days to several weeks before you start seeing the difference in your garden.

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FAQs

The higher the amount of glyphosate, the stronger the weed killer. If you want something that will completely wipe out plants, or you’re trying to get rid of weeds on harder surfaces like patios and pavements, a glyphosate-based weed killer is your best bet.

If a human is exposed to large quantities of pesticides, it can be toxic and may lead to long-term effects and illness. When it comes to pesticides on your food, there are limits put in place to ensure what you’re eating is safe to consume.

To keep your garden in tip-top shape, pesticides and herbicides can be a really useful solution to your problem. They are an ever-evolving product, so it’s always best to read the label before you begin. There are many varieties out there so consider what you want to achieve and pick out a pesticide or herbicide that’s designed for that issue. If you’re looking to expand your greenhouse or vegetable patch, take a look at our handy guide on growing fruit and veg.