Using Garden Chemicals

Unless it is already stated on the label, do not mix chemicals together.

Most (but not all) of our products will last indefinitely if stored correctly in a cool and dark place. Product effectiveness will slowly and slightly reduce after 5 years time.

Examples of products that have an expiry date include Yates Nature's Way Caterpillar Killer - Dipel and Yates Mancozeb Plus - Garden Fungicide & Miticide which have an expiry date of two years after the date of manufacture.

Most (but not all) concentrated products that have been mixed with water in a sprayer can last up to 24 hours. To avoid having any leftover solution (i.e., concentrate + water), it is best only to mix as much as you need and apply the entire contents of the sprayer at one time. If you run out of solution while spraying, mix more and then apply. It is much easier and safer to mix up some more than it is to dispose of unwanted solution.

This really depends on the product and how the actives constituents interact.

Examples: do not apply Yates Lime Sulfur within 14 days of applying an oil spray; and do not apply Yates Weed 'n' Feed within 7 days of applying a fertiliser.

If you need to apply more than one product to a plant, please Contact Us.

Many of our hose-on products have a hose-on applicator and in some circumstances, the applicator needs to be removed.

If there is any product left in the bottle make sure you are wearing personal protective equipment such as plastic disposable gloves and goggles.

While outside, sit the bottle on a stable surface or on the ground.

Firmly hold the bottle by the handle with one hand, and firmly hold the applicator connector (the bit that normally attaches to the hose) with the other hand. Using an arc motion, lever the applicator connector to separate it from the bottle.

Once you are finished handling the product, thoroughly wash your hands, and any other part of you or your clothing that may've come in contact with the product.

If you are still having issues doing this, please do not hesitate to contact us.

We admit that it doesn't sound like the most exciting thing one could be doing on a Saturday afternoon. Unfortunately though we see far too many home gardeners finding themselves in a rather unforgiving situation after using a product in a way that is not in line with the directions on the label. When an edible plant is involved, whether a delicious tomato with a bumper crop on the way or a family heirloom lemon tree that has been a steady performer for generations, the response is always an unhappy one when we advise – as we are obliged to do – that the plant can no longer be considered 'safe' for consumption.

This is a heartbreaking situation that we don't want to see – not even once. So we've put together a quick go-to guide on how to read a pesticide label in Australia so that gardeners of all experience levels can be empowered to comprehend and interpret label directions for themselves – and get it right the first time. The following advice can be adapted to labels for registered garden products, such as pesticides, fungicides, miticides and herbicides.

The first step when considering using a pesticide product for the first time is to read the entire label in full. Not only will this give you an overview of how the product can be used, but also of any particular warnings and cautions that should be observed – note these as a priority.

"Active constituents are the substance(s) in an agricultural or veterinary chemical product that are primarily responsible for a product's biological or other effects." - APVMA (Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority).

While the whole product label, front and back (where applicable), does serve as a legal document of sorts; it is this table that spells out the specific situations in which the respective product can be applied. Note that rarely will this table specify any particular situations where the product cannot be used. So as a rule, if your intended use does not fit within a specified use on the 'How to Use' table: your intended use is not approved for the product in question – so please don't use the product in this case.

Step 1: Finding Your Plant

In the first column, check to see if your plant is listed. If none of the plants/plant groups listed include your own, please don't use the product in this case. We may be able to suggest a suitable alternative for your application.

Step 2: Finding Your Pest/Weed

In the second column, check to see if your targeted pest/weed is listed. If none of the pests/pest groups listed includes your own, please don't use the product in this case. We may be able to suggest a suitable alternative for your application.

Step 3: Mixing & Application Rates

In this column, included on concentrate products that require preparation before spraying, you can find the correct dilution and other application rate details, such as the amount to be applied per square metre of lawn.

Step 4: How to Apply

In the final column, you should see concise directions for how and when to apply. These details are critical to safe, effective and environmentally sustainable use of the product. If you are unable to apply the product in line with these directions, please don't use the product in this case. We may be able to suggest a suitable alternative for your application.

All garden chemicals must be stored in original containers only. It is against the law to decant them into other containers.

Store all garden chemicals out of reach of children and pets, ideally in a locked cupboard.

Store in a cool and dry place. Do not store in direct sunlight.

Dispose of empty containers and unwanted garden chemicals safely. To dispose containers, wrap in paper, place in a plastic bag and put in the garbage. For disposal of larger quantities of chemicals contact your local council.

Avoid contact with spray (especially in concentrated form) or dust with skin, eyes and mouth.

Avoid breathing fumes from sprays or dusts and spraying or dusting on windy or rainy days.

Do not eat, drink or smoke whilst using garden chemicals, and wash your hands and face with soap and water thoroughly after use.

If you need medical assistance please contact Emergency Response Services for EMERGENCIES ONLY, call 1800 220 770.

For poisons information call 13 11 26.

Don't forget, if these directions don't seem to apply to your situation, or perhaps you are still trying to diagnose what exactly is going on in your particular case – we are available to answer your questions and help steer you in the right direction. There are few things we enjoy more than cracking a tough case, but most importantly we want all gardeners to be using our products in a safe and sustainable way.

Please don't hesitate to Contact Us if you are unsure about things like: what product to use, if the situation is as per label instructions, how to apply the product safely, and how to get the most out of the application.