FAQs - Gardening

Have a look through these questions and answers. If you don't find the answer you are looking for please contact us by sending a message to us here.

You can also follow our blog at | Follow The Pest Advice Blog This blog contains answers to many of the answers to questions we get at Kiwicare from our customers.

• NO Weeds Ronstar
• NO Fungus Super Sulphur
• NO Fungus Thiram
• NO Insects Lawngard Prills
• NO Weeds Buster
• NO Moss Mould Mildew Concentrate
• NO Woody Weeds
• NO Insects Carbaryl 80
• NO Insects or Disease Spectrum Liquid
• Organic NO Caterpillars

 

NO Weeds Ronstar SG

What is No Weeds Ronstar SG?
NO Weeds Ronstar SG is selective pre-emergence granular herbicide for controlling weeds in containers, nurseries and house gardens.

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How do I apply it?
Apply Ronstar sprinkler granules to bare soil BEFORE weeds germinate. Water in well.

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What if the soil is disturbed?
For best results the soil should be left undisturbed for as long as possible, preferable for a minimum period of three months. If soil is disturbed reapplication of Ronstar is recommended after three months.

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Are my existing plants safe?
Yes. Ronstar is safe for application around the base of established plants, trees and shrubs. CAUTION: Be careful with bulb growing areas.

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I have Oxalis. Will this product kill or at least hinder its growth?
Yes. Oxalis feeds through the new growth spears and destroys the bulb in the process. As existing above ground growth is not affected, it is important to clear away all growth and vegetation before applying Ronstar granules to the bare soil.

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I hate weeding around my roses. Is this product the answer?
Yes - absolutely. There is no safer and easier way to weed control around the roots of roses and other shrubs. After sprinkling the Ronstar granules onto the base soil they should be watered in well in order to activate the Ronstar 50-75mm down into the soil.

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Can I replant in the treated soil?
Do not plant seeds, bulbs or sensitive plants into the treated soils within three months of application.

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Are my cats and dogs completely safe around this product?
Yes, completely safe.

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NO Fungus Super Sulphur

What is NO Fungus Super Sulphur?
NO Fungus Super Sulphur DF is a user friendly "protectant fungicide" with the additional benefits of an acaricide/miticide (kills mites) and insecticide. For use on fruit trees, grape vines, vegetables, ornamentals and roses.

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What does NO Fungus Super Sulphur control?
As a fungicide, its main uses are for the control of powdery mildew, rust, lichen, algae and moss. Its acaricide properties make it effective against Citrus, Red, Yellow and Two Spotted Spider Mites. As an insecticide, it effectively controls Thrips and Plant Bugs.

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How does it differ from lime sulphur?

1. It is user friendly
2. It does not smell
3. No skin burn, leaf burn or adverse side effects
4. No withholding period
5. Contains a sticker spread/excellent rain fastness
6. Protectant fungicide year round applications
7. Super Sulphur has two activity phases - Dermal contact and Vapour Control

 

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Is NO Fungus Super Sulphur really safe?
NO Fungus Super Sulphur is derived from natural substances. It is not classified under hazardous substances, and is not harmful to bees and fish.

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What other benefits does NO Fungus Super Sulphur offer?
NO Fungus Super Sulphur DF disperses immediately into water with no lumps or sediment, and remains in suspension. Super Sulphur has two activity phases - Dermal Contact and Vapour Control. Rapid in action with longer residual activity. Super Sulphur has a positive effect on plant vigour and the colour of leaves and flowers, substantially improving fruit and plant quality.

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NO Fungus Thiram

What is NO Fungus Thiram?
NO Fungus Thiram is a general purpose PROTECTANT FUNGICIDE for use on and around all types of fruit trees, ornamentals, vegetables and lawns.

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Why do I need to use a fungicide?
If FUNGUS and DISEASES are CONTROLLED on your crops, plants, trees, shrubs and lawns they will grow much healthier.

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There seem to be lot of fungicides on the market. Why use Thiram?
Thiram is one of the SAFEST. It also has FAR MORE USES than most other products.

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Is it safe to spray my fruit trees and vegetables with this product?
PERFECTLY SAFE, however do not spray fruit or vegetables close to harvest time. Some thinning of Granny Smith apples may result if sprayed before December.

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My neighbour told me I can use this to deter cats and dogs. Is this true and how and if so where do I apply it?
YES. Thiram should be applied to ALL problem areas such as around the rubbish bags or regular animal toilet areas. Several applications over 3 - 7 days should break the animals annoying habits. It may take longer if the animal is to be controlled in what is its own territory e.g. its own back garden. Also the longer the habit has been in place the more difficult it will be to alter.

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I have mushrooms in my lawn. Can this product help me?
Thiram is excellent for toadstools, fairy rings, puff balls or any fungus growth on lawns.

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Will this product control Botyris and Club Root?
Thiram is highly successful (see dipping mix instructions). Dip bulbs, roots and tubers at planting time (10g per litre).

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What about my own cats and dogs? Are they safe?
The smell of Thiram is VERY OFFENSIVE to animals noses, otherwise it is completely harmless to your pets.

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I hate mixing chemicals. How do I mix and what precautions should I take?
Simply mix Thiram into the required amount of water and apply with a garden pressure sprayer. Always use rubber gloves.

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NO Insects Lawngard Prills

What are Lawngard Prills?
Lawngard Prills are 'Diazinon' insect control granules specifically formulated for the control of soil dwelling insects 'by oral and dermal contact'.

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What insects do Lawngard Prills control?
Among the most important are Ants, Grass Grubs, Black Beetle, Porina, Carrot Rust Fly, Wire Worms, Earwigs and Slaters.

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Why is it so important to water well after application?
Because the Lawngard Prills insecticide is encapsulated in the core of marble chips, it will not activate until contacted by moisture, i.e. rain or hose water.

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How deep down into the soil do Lawngard Prills need to go?
Dependant on the season, the top 25 - 175mm of soil usually contain most of the harmful insect pests.

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What do Grass Grubs feed on?
During the soil dwelling period the root systems of plants and shrubs are damaged or destroyed. During the flight period all types of foliate are decimated.

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What are the application rates?
As a general guideline:
Ants - 100g to 10m²
Slaters and Earwigs - 100g to 10m²
Grass Grub - 100g to 20m²
Porina Caterpillars - 100g to 40m²
Carrot & Rust Fly - 100g to 100m²

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How long will the product last in the soil?
Once activated, the Lawngard Prills insecticide will last up to 3 months in the soil.

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NO Weeds Buster

What is BUSTER?
Buster is a Non-Selective weed killer. It kills all of the weeds you spray it onto.

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There seems to be a lot of weed killers on the market. Why is this better?
BUSTER is a very broad spectrum weed killer. BUSTER does not translocate through the soil. BUSTER leaves no residues in the soil, BUSTER is extremely safe and effective. BUSTER also controls many of the hard to kill weeds which other products do not control.

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I have trouble getting rid of clover. I am told that BUSTER will do the job.
BUSTER is superb for controlling clovers. The systemic action of BUSTER completely kills the root system of clover.

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Are my existing plants safe?
ESTABLISHED trees and shrubs with callused bark are fine. ALWAYS AVOID OVER-SPRAYING small plants, flowers and lawns with any weed killer.

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I would like to kill my weeds fast! How long will it take?
7-10 days is normally required before die off is clearly evident.

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How do I mix and apply the product?
Simply mix 10 mls of BUSTER to each litre of water and apply with any low pressure garden sprayer.

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Are my cats and dogs safe around this product?
Always be careful with any chemical mixing and storage, however once BUSTER is applied there is no risk to your pets.

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How long will BUSTER stay in my soil? I would like to replant as soon as possible.
BUSTER has no residual action in the soil. Replanting of treated areas can be done 7 - 10 days after spraying.

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How do I care for my sprayer?
Wash sprayer with soapy hot water before re-using. Best practise is to use a dedicated sprayer for non selective weed killers.

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NO Moss Mould Mildew Concentrate

What makes Moss Mould Mildew Concentrate such a great product?
With 1001 interior and exterior uses, Moss Mould Mildew Concentrate offers TOTAL FLEXIBILITY AND SAFETY. Its uses range from CONCRETE PATHS, WALLS, TERRACOTTA, DECRAMASTIC and IRON and CONCRETE TILE ROOFS, WOODEN and FIBROLITE FENCES, DECKING, GARDEN FURNITURE, BATHROOM WALLS and CEILINGS, FABRICS and CURTAIN CLEANING and MILDEW PROOFING, GERMICIDAL, BACTERICIDE for HYGIENE AREAS, plus many other uses.

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How do I mix the product?
Mix thoroughly into the required amount of water (generally speaking the worse the problem, the stronger the mix that will be required). Normal mixing ratio is 10 parts water to each 1 part of concentrate.

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Do I hose if off after the treatment?
No. If you want maximum benefits you will spray or brush it on and then leave it alone. When used outside the weather will wash away the moss and mould.

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How long do I leave it before I can paint over it?
Not long. Just allow surfaces time to dry. Approx 1-2 hours.

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Do I remove dirt and heavy moss before or after treatment?
All heavy dirt and grime and moss clumps should be removed prior to treatment, particularly so if you wish to paint or waterproof afterwards.

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Will it stain?
Under normal circumstances - No. After treatment moss and spores turn brown causing some temporary discolouration, this will disappear after 1-2 weeks.

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Will it affect decramastic tiles?
No. Moss Mould Mildew Concentrate is one of the few products which is totally safe for use on decramastic roofs and garden furniture.

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Will it remove black mildew off ceilings and wallpaper?
Yes it will. Sponge dabbing is best to avoid smears. Avoid mixing too strong as this can also remove the colour from the wallpapers.

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Is it safe for use against mildew on curtains and drapes?
Yes, it is preferable to soak the curtains and drapes in a tub and then hang them out to dry (do not rinse).

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Can I use it on the lawns?
Moss in lawns can be controlled with Moss Mould Mildew. However, the product is not registered for such applications as it will also kill worms.

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How much will I need?
Normal uses require 1 litre of mixed material for each 5-6 sq metres of surface treated.

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NO Woody Weeds

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Can I use NO Woody Weeds to control lawn weeds?
Yes. But Kiwicare recommends NO Lawn Weeds Turfclean which is specifically formulated for weeds in lawns and will not harm lawn grass. There is a risk that NO Woody Weeds would burn off grass at higher concentrations or when the lawn is under stress.

 

 

NO Insects Carbaryl 80

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Can I use NO Carbaryl 80 to control earthworms?
Yes. But earthworms are normally regarded as highly beneficial in the soils. They improve the condition of soils by aerating and fertilising. However, highly manicured lawns such as bowling greens can be disrupted by earthworms and in this case carbaryl is effective at controlling the worms.

Can Carbaryl 80 be used instead of NO Wasps Powder for the control of a wasp nest?
Yes. But note, much less powder is required and it must be applied directly to the entrance of the nest. Wasps can detect and will avoid carbaryl at levels above the 4% in the NO Wasps Wasp Dust.

 

 

NO Insects or Disease Liquid Spectrum

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Can I use NO Insects or Disease Liquid Spectrum to control root damaging insects?
Yes. Spectrum Liquid contains a systemic insecticide which will travel through the plant to the roots and protect against attack by insects such as vine weevils attacking the roots of tuberous begonias.

 

 

Oragnic NO Caterpillars

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Does Organic NO Caterpillars control all moth and buterfly larvae?
Yes. Organic NO Caterpillars will kill all plant eating insect larvae. The Btk (Bacillus thuringiensis kurtsaki) bacterium develop and produce toxins deadly to the larvae when in the alkaline gut of the larave.

What is the withholding period when using Organic NO Caterpillars on vegetables?

There is no withholding period. Vegetables and food crops can be eaten safely even when they have just been sprayed with NO Caterpillars.