weeds in garden - Ask Extension
We are traveling next summer and are not planting a garden however the weeds will run rampid. Can we apply preen or another similar product to the gar...
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weeds in garden #890333
Asked November 26, 2024, 2:51 PM EST
We are traveling next summer and are not planting a garden however the weeds will run rampid. Can we apply preen or another similar product to the garden and not have it effect the growing in 2026?
Thanks
Franklin County Ohio
Expert Response
Your question has three answers. First, from https://extension.ugadu>publications>detail>title=w.
This article from the U. of Georgia suggests mulch as a way to provide a barrier for weed growth. It recommends placing down at least 3 layers of newspaper followed by an organic mulch like sawdust on top of it for at least 3 inches. The article recommends wheat straw, but that could introduce foreign weed seeds or pine straw, but that might blow away with the wind, or wood chips, but they should be aged for 6-8 months prior to application.
It also suggests a fabric barrier using landscape staples to secure 2 layers of clear plastic fabric over the soil or clear plastic sheeting, which will then raise the temperature in the bed to reduce weeds.
Chemicals could be used, but they must be applied directly to the stems and leaves of the plants, which doesn't seem like an option for you.
See https://extension.umn.edu> solarization-occultation, from the U. of Minnesota for an explanation of this process. In solarization you place a clear plastic tarp over the area to remove existing vegetation. In occulation you use the same process with black plastic or cardboard, to trap the heat and kill the vegetation underneath. See the website for further details.
Lastly, https://extension.psu.edu:introduction-to-weeds-and-herbicides, says that to be effective herbicides must adequately contact the plants, be absorbed by the plant, and move within in the plant to kill it. It has to reach toxic levels at the site of the "action."
After reading these articles, hopefully you will be able to make the best decision for your situation. Nothing addresses being away a whole season. Perhaps you could contact your county extension agent for information he/she would advise.
Good luck and have a great trip!
This article from the U. of Georgia suggests mulch as a way to provide a barrier for weed growth. It recommends placing down at least 3 layers of newspaper followed by an organic mulch like sawdust on top of it for at least 3 inches. The article recommends wheat straw, but that could introduce foreign weed seeds or pine straw, but that might blow away with the wind, or wood chips, but they should be aged for 6-8 months prior to application.
It also suggests a fabric barrier using landscape staples to secure 2 layers of clear plastic fabric over the soil or clear plastic sheeting, which will then raise the temperature in the bed to reduce weeds.
Chemicals could be used, but they must be applied directly to the stems and leaves of the plants, which doesn't seem like an option for you.
See https://extension.umn.edu> solarization-occultation, from the U. of Minnesota for an explanation of this process. In solarization you place a clear plastic tarp over the area to remove existing vegetation. In occulation you use the same process with black plastic or cardboard, to trap the heat and kill the vegetation underneath. See the website for further details.
Lastly, https://extension.psu.edu:introduction-to-weeds-and-herbicides, says that to be effective herbicides must adequately contact the plants, be absorbed by the plant, and move within in the plant to kill it. It has to reach toxic levels at the site of the "action."
After reading these articles, hopefully you will be able to make the best decision for your situation. Nothing addresses being away a whole season. Perhaps you could contact your county extension agent for information he/she would advise.
Good luck and have a great trip!
