Weed killer in garden

Michelle
by Michelle
I'm digging a new garden for flowers and I sprayed the top with some weed killer. I have not yet turned the soil over or planted but want to make sure I have not ruined the soil. Thanks!!
  5 answers
  • Somewhat Quirky Somewhat Quirky on May 04, 2015
    Michelle, check the bottle. It will tell you how long you have to wait to plant after you use the product. My husband double sprayed an area last year that had an 18 month waiting period! For lawn treatments the waiting period is usually 4-6 weeks. A lot depends on if you used a treatment that was killing existing weeds or one that is for weed prevention.
  • S. Ferg S. Ferg on May 05, 2015
    Instead of using a "commercial product", why not try something natural to kill the weeds? that way you won't have to worry about it effecting the soil. I hear vinegar is an excellent weed killer.
  • There is a myth that vinegar is the go to for weed killing. Vinegar can actually make your soil sterile as well. If used properly, weed killers can be used quite effectively and safely. But first you must read the directions and know what the weed killer is for! Hand pulling is the best way to get rid of weeds and it is also more effective and efficient if you pull the weeds before they flower and go to seed! I have been gardening for many years and find that using any chemical- manufactured or from our pantry can help us in our gardens. Just because it is homemade does not mean it is not harmful to our soil. Know what you are spraying. You have not ruined the soil. Nature has a way of regenerating itself when given the chance. I know because I started with sterile, hard, contaminated soil and I have lush beds. More info on how much you sprayed on the plants and/or soil will help determine a more direct answer.
  • 9530106 9530106 on May 05, 2015
    Just what I was going to say! Yes, vinegar does kill everything, and nothing will grow there for a very long time!
  • Ilona Elliott Ilona Elliott on May 06, 2015
    You don't need to kill the growth with any chemicals. You can sheet mulch it. You just cut the area with a mower, lay down an inch or so of compost or manure, cover with cardboard, overlapping all the edges well, water it and get the cardboard really wet, put another layer of manure or compost on the cardboard, then a thick layer of mulch--6-12 inches of straw, watering as you layer, and bark on top, then you can push the mulch aside to form holes and fill the holes with soil and plant plants right into it. You can skip the straw if you want and just cover with a good thick layer of soil, but the straw will create awesome soil. This approach is part of permaculture/sustainable gardening, and no chemicals are needed so no worries. The hardest part about any garden bed is how to keep grass and weeds from growing in around the edges. I find I have to use an edger and edge a couple of times a year to keep it clean. This is dynamite for growing organic veggies also. Sorry so long winded. Good luck with the flowers!