A simple guide to understanding common garden care products terminology.
The key term to understand is plant protection products (PPP), also known as pesticides, which are used to control pests, weeds and diseases. They can exist in many forms, such as solid granules, powders or liquids and consist of one or more active substances co-formulated with other materials. Below examples include definitions:
Concentrate
Concentrates are available as weedkillers, insecticides or fungicides. These need to be mixed with water prior to use.
Contact
Means that the chemical does not move but stays where it is sprayed. Contact products need to be carefully sprayed to get good coverage of the target weed or insect.
Fertilisers
Fertilisers are added to the soil to aid plant growth and can be mineral, organic or a combination of both.
Organic
Organic matter refers to composts or similar materials derived from plant material.
Ready to Use (RTU)
These products are ready for immediate use and can be used several times until product is empty. There is no waste or need for disposal as the products are usually powders (ants), pellets (slugs, rats, mice), trigger spray guns (weeds, fungi, insects) or impregnated fertiliser granules (lawn).
Systemic
Means the chemical can either move through the plant from the roots to the foliage or within the plant when applied to the lead. Systemic weedkillers are good to killing underground roots of perennial weeds. Systemic insecticides can kill insects hidden from contact with the spray.