## Does Pre-Emergent Affect Vegetable Garden?
Pre-emergent herbicides are applied to soil to prevent the germination and growth of weeds. They are typically used in lawns and gardens to control unwanted vegetation. However, some pre-emergent herbicides can also affect vegetable plants.
The active ingredient in most pre-emergent herbicides is a chemical that inhibits the growth of plant roots. This can damage or kill vegetable seedlings if they come into contact with the herbicide.
Which Pre-Emergent Herbicides Affect Vegetable Gardens?
Not all pre-emergent herbicides will affect vegetable gardens. Some are specifically designed to be safe for use around plants, while others are more likely to cause damage.
The following pre-emergent herbicides are generally safe to use in vegetable gardens:
Bensulide (Betasan, Pre-M)
DCPA (Dacthal)
Flumioxazin (SureGuard)
Oxadiazon (Ronstar)
Pendimethalin (Pre-M, Prowl)
Trifluralin (Treflan)
The following pre-emergent herbicides should be used with caution in vegetable gardens:
Alachlor (Lasso)
Butralin (Sutan+)
EPTC (Eptam)
Metribuzin (Sencor)
Oryzalin (Surflan)
Simazine (Princep)
These herbicides are more likely to damage vegetable plants if they are applied too heavily or at the wrong time of year.
How to Use Pre-Emergent Herbicides Safely in Vegetable Gardens
To avoid damaging vegetable plants, it is important to follow the directions on the herbicide label carefully.
Apply the herbicide at the correct time of year. Pre-emergent herbicides should be applied before weeds have a chance to germinate. The best time to apply the herbicide will vary depending on the type of herbicide and the climate in your area.
Apply the herbicide at the correct rate. Too much herbicide can damage vegetable plants. Be sure to measure the herbicide carefully and follow the directions on the label.
Water the herbicide in well. Watering the herbicide in will help to activate it and prevent it from being washed away by rain.
Keep the herbicide away from vegetable plants. Do not apply the herbicide directly to vegetable plants or their roots. If the herbicide gets on the plants, it can damage them.
What to Do if Pre-Emergent Herbicide Damages Vegetable Plants
If you accidentally damage vegetable plants with pre-emergent herbicide, there are a few things you can do to try to save them:
Water the plants thoroughly. This will help to dilute the herbicide and reduce its effects.
Transplant the plants. If the plants are small enough, you can transplant them to a new location away from the herbicide.
Apply a fertilizer. Fertilizing the plants can help to promote new growth and overcome the effects of the herbicide.
Conclusion
Pre-emergent herbicides can be an effective way to control weeds in vegetable gardens. However, it is important to use them carefully to avoid damaging vegetable plants. By following the directions on the herbicide label and taking precautions to protect your plants, you can safely use pre-emergent herbicides to keep your garden weed-free.