Most gardeners reach for a spray bottle at some point. It might be weeds pushing through the paving, aphids on the roses or snails chewing the lettuce. Home garden chemicals can do the job, but they can also harm people, pets, bees and waterways if they are used carelessly. Nearly everything you need to know is printed on the label.
In Australia, pesticides and herbicides are assessed and registered by the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority, known as the APVMA. The label on a registered product is approved as part of that process. Reading it properly is the single best habit you can build.
What makes a product a home garden product
Under the APVMA labelling code, home garden products are sold to the public through ordinary shops. They are meant for edible and ornamental plants, lawns and the areas around homes. Packs typically hold up to about one litre or one kilogram. Treated produce is expected to be grown mainly for your own table, not for sale.
There are also limits on how toxic these products can be. The APVMA says Schedule 7 poisons are too toxic for householders and cannot be labelled as home garden products. Products for the home garden are also expected to be safe to prepare and use without special equipment such as respirators. That does not mean they are harmless, so the label still matters.
How to read the label
A home garden label follows a set layout. You will find the product name, the active constituents, the claims for use and the APVMA approval number. There are sections headed How to use, How to prepare and Caution. Safety directions, first aid instructions and storage and disposal statements are also included, with an expiry date where one is required.
Look for one line in bold capitals straight after the directions. It reads NOT TO BE USED FOR ANY PURPOSE, OR IN ANY MANNER, CONTRARY TO THIS LABEL UNLESS AUTHORISED. The Northern Territory Government guide to using chemical products safely makes the same point. Use only registered products and follow the directions on the registered label. Incorrect use can harm people, animals, crops and the environment.
Mixing only what you need
Concentrates usually give a dilution rate such as millilitres of product per litre of water. Measure it rather than guessing. Do not add extra product to make the mix stronger. The APVMA says a product should be used exactly as directed or it may not work as expected. The How to prepare section explains how to mix the product and clean your sprayer afterwards.
Labels also warn against mixing more than you need. Many give a rough idea of how many plants or how much area a batch will cover. Use that to work out a small batch and avoid leftovers. Leftover spray is the part most likely to end up somewhere it should not.
Protecting yourself, your family and your pets
The APVMA says the label tells you what protective clothing to wear. Read that section before you start, not halfway through the job. Keep children and pets out of the area while you mix and spray. Products for use inside the home must warn against spraying people, pets, exposed food and food preparation areas.
Snail and slug baits need extra care. The labelling code says pellets should not be heaped and should be stored in the original container, locked away from children and animals. Keep baits well away from dogs, poultry and ducks. If you think a pet has been poisoned, contact a vet straight away.
Keeping spray off the plants you want to keep
Spray drift is the mist that floats away from where you aimed it. The APVMA says chemical drift must be avoided and can be dangerous. Following the label reduces everyone’s exposure, from a farmer to a householder using an insect spray. Weedkiller labels must carry a caution against letting spray touch or drift onto plants you do not want killed.
This matters most in tight spaces. In a small yard, a lawn, garden beds and paving can all sit within a metre of each other. Our ideas on how landscapers make small yards look amazing show how closely planting is often packed. Spot treat weeds where you can rather than spraying a whole area.
Lawns need thought too. Labels list the plants and areas a product can be used on, so check that your lawn is on the list. If you are still choosing grass, our guide to picking the correct lawn type for your landscaped garden may help. Matching the grass to the site can mean fewer weeds in the first place.
Bees, drains and waterways
Every home garden label must warn against letting containers or spray reach drains, sewers, streams or ponds. Never tip leftover mix down the sink or into a stormwater drain. Products that are hazardous to bees carry a specific warning. If you see that warning, do not spray while bees are feeding on flowering plants.
Not every weed needs a chemical at all. Moss and weeds in the cracks of paths can often be scrubbed or hosed out. Our article on the differences between pressure cleaning and power cleaning covers cleaning hard surfaces. Pulling weeds by hand along a fence line is another option that keeps chemicals away from your garden edges.
Fruit, vegetables and withholding periods
If you spray anything you plan to eat, look for the withholding period. This is the time between the last application and picking the produce. On the label it starts with DO NOT PICK, names the crop and appears in bold capitals. Mark the date on a calendar so nobody in the house picks too early.
Storing and disposing of garden chemicals
Keep products in their closed original container in a cool, dry place. Store them out of the reach of children and away from direct sunlight. The labelling code says empty containers can be wrapped in paper, placed in a plastic bag and put in the garbage. Aerosol cans should never be punctured or burnt, even when empty.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use a farm chemical in my home garden?
Home garden products are made and labelled for householders. The APVMA says Schedule 7 poisons are too toxic for householders and cannot be labelled as home garden products. Stick to products labelled for use in the home garden.
Is it safe to make the mix a bit stronger?
No. The APVMA says products should be used exactly as directed or they may not work as expected. A stronger mix also raises the risk to you, your pets and nearby plants.
How do I get rid of leftover spray?
The best approach is to avoid leftovers by mixing only what you need. Labels warn against letting spray reach drains, sewers, streams or ponds. Follow the storage and disposal section on your product label.
How long should I wait before picking sprayed vegetables?
Check the withholding period on the label. It starts with the words DO NOT PICK and names the crop it applies to. Each product sets its own period.
Rules on chemical use can differ between states and territories. Check your product label and your state or territory government for local requirements.
