by Debbie Proctor
One of the biggest problems gardeners say they encounter is finding an effective way of spraying their young plants. This is especially the case when it comes to spraying microgreens.
There are several solutions, but the one which many people discover works the best is to use a pressure sprayer.
For that reason, we are going to review five of the best pressure sprayers for microgreens, and to ensure you have as much information about them as possible we also have a buyer’s guide and FAQ section.
Comparison Chart
ITISLL 1Gallon Garden Pump Sprayer Portable Yard & Lawn Sprayer with Brass Wand and Shoulder Strap for Weeds Plants (White)
Solo 418-2L 2-Liter One-Hand Pressure Sprayer, Ergonomic Gardening, Fertilizing, Cleaning & General Use Spraying
Best Pressure Sprayers for Microgreens
Smith Contractor 190216 2-Gallon Sprayer
Those who are searching for a microgreens sprayer that has decent capacity, but which also offers excellent value for money need to take a closer look at this sprayer from Smith Contractor.
Product Highlights
Apart from its very competitive pricing, the reason this Smith Contractor sprayer offers excellent value for money is its versatility. Not only can it be used for spraying young vegetables and herbs, but it can be used for lawns too, as well as for general cleaning where a pressure sprayer is needed.
An indication of its versatility is the fact that it comes with 5 different nozzles, which offers uses such as high-pressure spraying, low volume flat sprays for better accuracy, and foaming. which is particularly effective when you are using a weed killer.
Another feature is the pressure relief valve; before you remove the pump, you can release pressure and thus prevent chemicals spraying on your clothing, and more importantly, your skin.
When using pressure sprayers, one issue is hand fatigue, but with this sprayer, it shouldn’t be. It has a lockable shut-off valve, which means you can keep the sprayer on continuously without having to continually squeeze the trigger.
The capacity of 2 gallons means you won’t have to refill it as often, and further convenience is achieved by the wand storage, which helps protect it, and the nozzles, from damage.
What I Like
If you have ever had the misfortune of having a chemical spray on your clothes or skin, you will know what a pain it is – literally if the chemical burned your skin. The pressure release valve on this sprayer means that should not happen.
What I Don’t Like
The design of the pump handle means that unless you place the wand in the holder in a certain way, it can interfere with it. Not a huge problem, but more of an annoyance.
Pros
- Commercial grade sprayer
- Multiple nozzle options
- 2-gallon capacity
- Pressure release valve
- 21-inch wand
Cons
Pump handle design impedes wand placement
Field King Professional Backpack Sprayer For Lawns And Gardens
One issue that many people find with sprayers is that they tend to leak. However, this sprayer from Field King is specifically designed not to leak, which will be great news for many gardeners.
Product Highlights
The part of this sprayer that sets it apart from many is its tank, and that’s not just for its 4-gallon capacity which reduces the refill frequency.
Inside, it has paddles and an agitator that can mix solutions, chemicals, and even powders, ensuring that when you spray, the proportions and consistency of the liquid is optimal.
The tank also has an internal pressure chamber which can reach a pressure of up to 150 psi, which far exceeds what other backpack sprayers are capable of, by up to 65%. The higher pressure is ideal for more precise spraying, and for reaching further, especially for those hard-to-reach microgreens.
This sprayer affords you a lot of flexibility thanks to its 4 different nozzles. These include a foam nozzle, an adjustable brass nozzle, and 2 flat fan nozzles.
To keep unwanted debris from entering the tank and potentially causing blockages, this Field King sprayer has a filtration basket in the refill opening.
For convenience, the wand has storage on the tank, and the wand handle can be reversed so that it can be used both right-handed and left-handed.
Finally, we must mention the non-leak aspect of this sprayer which is achieved in several ways, including a durable brass shut-off and high-grade Viton gaskets and seals. The one-way valve prevents leaks or spillages if the tank is inverted.
What I Like
Leaks are the bane of many a gardener while spraying and tending to their plants, vegetables, and herbs, so the fact that this has several features to prevent leaks is most welcome.
What I Don’t Like
Pretty much everything about this sprayer is excellent, but we were frustrated to discover that the rubber grip on the handle can work itself loose and occasionally slip off.
Pros
- Lots of non-leak features
- Internal paddles to mix solutions
- Up to 150 psi
- Filtration to exclude debris
- 4-gallon capacity
Cons
- Very top-heavy when full
- The handle is not fold-up type
Itisll 1-Gallon Portable Yard & Lawn Sprayer
Not everyone needs or wants a large-capacity sprayer for their microgreens, and prefer a smaller option, so that is why we are going to review this Itisll sprayer, which holds 1-gallon and weighs just 2.4 pounds when empty.
Product Highlights
The lower capacity of this Itisll sprayer may not suit those with larger gardens but it is ideal for those who only need to spray a smaller area. This sprayer will also be popular with those who might struggle to hold or carry the weight of larger sprayers, and it has an adjustable shoulder strap for even more convenience.
It is primarily designed for spraying plants, including microgreens, but its versatility allows you to use it for cleaning cars, cleaning of buildings, and exterior surfaces, and there are even those who use it to wash down their pets.
The main wand is 19 inches, and made from high-quality brass, with adjustment so that you can vary the strength from a powerful single jet, down to a fine mist. The 50-inch hose allows you to reach spots that are difficult to access. To reduce fatigue in your hands, the wand has a simple trigger that can be locked.
To build up pressure before spraying there is an easy-to-use pressure bar that needs to be pumped 20 to 30 times for best results. Thereafter, a safety valve ensures there is no risk of excess pressure building and causing damage to the sprayer.
What I Like
Many sprayers we have reviewed are large and heavy so they are not suited to those who might struggle to carry them. The fact that this is lightweight and has an adjustable shoulder strap means almost everyone should be able to use it.
What I Don’t Like
It is always more convenient if you can see into the tank to determine how much liquid you still have; however, with this sprayer, the material isn’t see-through, so it is more difficult to judge.
Pros
- Noncorrosive brass wand
- Lightweight and easy to carry
- Adjustable shoulder strap
- Pressure safety valve
- Lockable trigger
Cons
- The sprayer can clog occasionally
- Wider stream lacks power
Solo 418 One-Hand Pressure Sprayer
You will find that many sprayers need to be carried on your back, and come with long hoses and wands, but many gardeners do not need something as large as this, and that is why the Solo 418 sprayer, which you can hold in with one hand, is so popular.
Product Highlights
Not everyone has a large garden, and will not need one of the larger sprayers. This is where the Solo 418 sprayer comes into its own, as it is a lightweight option, and you can carry and use it with just one hand.
it weighs a mere 10 ounces and can hold 1 gallon of liquid, so it should still allow you to spray a fair-sized area of your garden. When not being used to spray microgreens, it can also be used for washing down cars and windows outdoors, and many use it for cleaning indoors, around the kitchen and bathroom.
As we said, it is operated using just one hand, but to ensure there is no danger of strain, you can lock the trigger in place for continuous use. To build pressure you pull the trigger 30 times, and then you can lock it on.
Adding further to its diversity of uses, you can also adjust the nozzle angle so that you can spray at different angles depending on what you are trying to spray.
A final feature is the drip guards which help you to spray more accurately, and not waste any of the spray solution.
What I Like
We love the sheer simplicity of the Solo 418 sprayer as it provides a spraying option that just about anyone can use, especially for those with small gardens, where a larger sprayer would be too much.
What I Don’t Like
We noticed that when we release the trigger, the valve does not always immediately shut off, which means that you need to be careful not to spray something or someone if you turn around quickly.
Pros
- Very easy to use
- One-hand operation
- Lockable trigger
- Adjustable spray output
- Excellent value for money
Cons
- No spray adjustment
- Level markings are difficult to read
Vivosun 34 oz Handheld Garden Sprayer
We finish with another multifunctional sprayer for microgreens which can be used one-handed.
Product Highlights
We’ll start with the many uses that the Vivosun 34oz sprayer offers you. It can be used to spray your microgreens, and it should go without saying that it can be used on other plants and flowers.
It is also suitable for cleaning functions so whether that is outdoors for the car, or indoors for the bathroom, it is ideal for these jobs and many others.
Regardless of whether you are filling it with a weed killer or detergent, you can easily check the levels using the clear markings on the side. The translucent tank material also helps you to see liquid levels.
You can use this on either a spot spray basis where you press once to release liquid, or you can lock the trigger and use the sprayer continually. To build pressure you simply press the pump on the top of the bottle around 10 times.
When spraying you alter the output using the adjustable nozzle to either a strong jet or a spray.
What I Like
Despite its small size, this sprayer does an excellent job of maintaining pressure once it has been pumped; there is less effort required in using it.
What I Don’t Like
While having a locking trigger is welcome, this one can occasionally get stuck in the locked position requiring a little bit of force to release it. Annoying, rather than a huge issue.
Pros
- Small and lightweight
- Diversity of uses
- Maintains pressure well
- Translucent bottle to see the fluid level
- Very low price
Cons
- Button placement could be better
- The narrow opening makes it difficult to clean out the tank
- The trigger can get stuck
Buyer’s Guide
Here is a brief buyer’s guide, to help you understand some of the key features you should be considering when purchasing a pressure sprayer for microgreens.
Types of Garden Sprayers
Five types of garden sprayers are commonly used. These are air (power) sprayer, gasoline-powered sprayer, compression tank sprayer, backpack sprayer, and liquid sprayer.
Unless you are going to be using the sprayer commercially or have a very large garden, then the liquid sprayer is the one which will normally be the most appropriate.
Adjustability Nozzles
An adjustable nozzle allows you to vary the intensity of the liquid spray between a strong jet to a fine mist. This is either done by turning an adjustable nozzle, or for some sprayers, they come with an assortment of nozzles which you interchange as required.
Tank Capacity
You will want a bigger tank capacity if you have a lot of spraying to do, although bear in mind that the larger capacities will be heavier to carry. Capacities for the sort of sprayers we have been looking at range from 1/3 to 4 gallons.
The smaller capacities will be found in hand-held sprayers for the obvious reason that there is only so much weight someone can carry with one hand. Larger capacity will be found on sprayers that come with a shoulder strap, or which sit on the ground while being used.
Materials
Most of the materials that you will find on pressure sprayers for microgreens will be plastic because they are more lightweight, less prone to corrosion and they also help to keep costs down.
Where you may find some differences are the materials used for the wand or the nozzles, with some being made from brass and others from plastic.
Ease of Cleaning
Most pressure sprayers are relatively easy to clean although this very much depends on how big the opening is at the top. As most tanks are made from plastic, they can be cleaned using hot water and mild detergent, ensuring that you rinse them thoroughly before leaving them to air dry.
FAQs
How Much Water to Spray on Your Microgreens?
Microgreens thrive in soil, which is moist, but not too soggy, so you should never spray them with excess water to the point of them being waterlogged.
How Often Should You Water Your Microgreens With the Sprayer?
This can often depend on the current weather in your area with the logic being that in very hot dry areas, there will be a greater need to spray your microgreens, than those where rain falls often. There will also be differences depending on what season it is.
As a general rule of thumb, as long as you make sure there is no sogginess occurring in the soil, you should safely be able to spray your microgreens every one or two days. You want the soil to be damp, but not soggy
How to Fix a Garden Sprayer
The biggest problem that normally needs fixing is clogging, and one of the best ways to prevent this is to thoroughly clean out the tank after each use to ensure there are no small particles of debris that can cause the problem.
If your sprayer is clogged, try to find if it is in the nozzle, wand, or the hose. Whichever it is, run water through it using a garden hose, and with pressure if possible.
Final Verdict
We hope you can use our review of the best pressure sprayers for microgreens. As always, we are going to pick our top choice and it is the Field King Professional Backpack Sprayer For Lawns And Gardens.
It has all the features you would want in a pressure sprayer such as alternative nozzles, lockable trigger, large capacity, and high pressure, however, it is the enhanced features it has preventing leaks which give it the edge over the others.