Applying weed and insect controls is an easy matter with the sprayers currently available. Many ready-to-use products are equipped with their own sprayers, but concentrates are not. They must be diluted with water and applied with a sprayer. One of the advantages of concentrates is that they take up less storage space and, for large jobs, are more economical.

Hose-end sprayers are handy devices, consisting of a container and hose attachment. Levels are clearly marked on the outside of the container. To use, simply add the amount of the product that's recommended on the label. Never exceed the recommended amount. Then, fill the container with water to the correct line marking. Attach any ordinary garden hose and turn on the water. The sprayer automatically mixes the water with the product. The on/off flow of the product is easily controlled by the operator. And hose-end sprayers are made to prevent the mixture from reversing back into your water supply.

Dial 'n Spray, an adjustable hose-end sprayer from Ortho, allows the user to set the water/chemical proportion according to the product being used. There's no pre-mixing. All you do is pour the concentrate into the container and turn the dial to the recommended setting. The sprayer mixes the chemical and water in the proper dilution.

If you prefer not to drag the hose around, you can use a tank-type sprayers. Available in ½ -gal., 1-gal. and 2-gal. sizes) are made of tough polyethylene. The long, kink-resistant hose has a 360-degree rotating wand to make it easy on the wrist. It's trigger-fed, so you can control the application easily. Also, the valve locks on for prolonged spraying.