Weed control on a vegetable garden - Ask Extension
I am looking for a product to eliminate the established weeds in my vegetable garden as I prep it for this year's growing season, I'm considering Pre...
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Weed control on a vegetable garden #867543
Asked May 08, 2024, 11:03 AM EDT
I am looking for a product to eliminate the established weeds in my vegetable garden as I prep it for this year's growing season,
I'm considering Preen vegetable garden, Natural Weed Preventer.
What would you recommend?
Thank you,
Teresa and Dan in Pentwater MI
Oceana County Michigan
Expert Response
Hello,
For managing established weeds in your vegetable garden in Michigan as you prepare for the growing season, here are some recommendations based on information from Michigan State University Extension and other educational resources:
Organic Mulching:
Mulching is a preferred method to keep weeds at bay. Organic mulches like straw, pine needles, or bark can be used.
A thick layer of mulch can prevent light from reaching weed seeds and smother small seedling.
For well-established or perennial grasses, it’s important to remove them before applying the mulch.
More information is at this link:
https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/get_an_early_start_on_vegetable_garden_weed_control
Herbicides:
If you’re considering herbicides, trifluralin (found in products like Preen) is a pre-emergent herbicide that can be used on a variety of vegetables to prevent weed seeds from germinating. More information is at this link:
https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/get_an_early_start_on_vegetable_garden_weed_control
For weeds that have already emerged, you can use post-emergent herbicides with care to avoid harming your crops. Protect nearby plants with barriers when applying.
More information at this link:
https://yardandgarden.extension.iastate.edu/faq/what-herbicides-can-i-use-vegetable-garden
Organic herbicides with active ingredients like acetic acid, citric acid, clove oil, lemongrass oil, and d-limonene can be effective, especially on younger weeds. They act as non-selective herbicides and kill on contact but may require multiple applications. More information at this link:
https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/get_an_early_start_on_vegetable_garden_weed_control
Integrated Pest Management:
Hand-pulling or cultivating the soil with a hoe can be effective for weed management. More information at this link:
https://www.canr.msu.edu/resources/ipm_smart_pest_management_for_the_vegetable_garden
If using pre-emergent herbicides, always follow label instructions to avoid damaging your garden plants.
More information at this link:
https://www.canr.msu.edu/resources/ipm_smart_pest_management_for_the_vegetable_garden
Remember to always follow the label directions on all herbicides and consider the timing of application to ensure it doesn’t affect the germination of your vegetable crops.
I hope this helps!
For managing established weeds in your vegetable garden in Michigan as you prepare for the growing season, here are some recommendations based on information from Michigan State University Extension and other educational resources:
Organic Mulching:
Mulching is a preferred method to keep weeds at bay. Organic mulches like straw, pine needles, or bark can be used.
A thick layer of mulch can prevent light from reaching weed seeds and smother small seedling.
For well-established or perennial grasses, it’s important to remove them before applying the mulch.
More information is at this link:
https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/get_an_early_start_on_vegetable_garden_weed_control
Herbicides:
If you’re considering herbicides, trifluralin (found in products like Preen) is a pre-emergent herbicide that can be used on a variety of vegetables to prevent weed seeds from germinating. More information is at this link:
https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/get_an_early_start_on_vegetable_garden_weed_control
For weeds that have already emerged, you can use post-emergent herbicides with care to avoid harming your crops. Protect nearby plants with barriers when applying.
More information at this link:
https://yardandgarden.extension.iastate.edu/faq/what-herbicides-can-i-use-vegetable-garden
Organic herbicides with active ingredients like acetic acid, citric acid, clove oil, lemongrass oil, and d-limonene can be effective, especially on younger weeds. They act as non-selective herbicides and kill on contact but may require multiple applications. More information at this link:
https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/get_an_early_start_on_vegetable_garden_weed_control
Integrated Pest Management:
Hand-pulling or cultivating the soil with a hoe can be effective for weed management. More information at this link:
https://www.canr.msu.edu/resources/ipm_smart_pest_management_for_the_vegetable_garden
If using pre-emergent herbicides, always follow label instructions to avoid damaging your garden plants.
More information at this link:
https://www.canr.msu.edu/resources/ipm_smart_pest_management_for_the_vegetable_garden
Remember to always follow the label directions on all herbicides and consider the timing of application to ensure it doesn’t affect the germination of your vegetable crops.
I hope this helps!
