Planting flowers is a great way to beautify your home landscape. Plants like petunias, zinnias, and marigolds help brighten up the yard and attract insects, which in turn help to feed the soil. However, if you have recently used preen, you might be wondering if you can plant flowers after using it. This article will answer the question, ‘can you plant flowers after using preen?’
Questions to Ask Before You Plant Flowers After Using Preen
1. What is Preen?
Preen is an EPA registered product designed to kill and remove insects, ticks, and other pests.
2. Is preen safe for all plants?
Yes, preen is safe for all plants and flowers. You can use it on your garden or lawn without worrying about harming your plants.
3. Will I need to water my flowers after using preen?
No, you do not need to water your flowers after using preen because it will not harm the soil or roots of your plants.
4. When should I plant my flowers after using preen?
You can plant your flowers immediately after using preen because no chemicals are left in the soil that could harm them.
How Do You Use Preen?
Preen was developed for gardeners who want to prevent weed growth without using harsh chemical herbicides. But preen’s active ingredient, trifluralin, can also be harmful to other plants.
So you must use this product correctly to avoid harming your existing plants. Here are some tips for using preen without harming your garden.
When applying preen, follow the label directions carefully. Do not apply more than the required amount of product per square footage of the area.
Apply the product only in dry conditions, and if rain is expected within 24 hours of application, hold off on applying preen until after the rains. Watering your plants well before applying preen will help minimize their effects on their roots.
After application, water your garden again to wash Preen granules into the soil where they can be effective at killing weeds but won’t harm your plants’ roots.
Apply preen only to areas where weed seeds can germinate easily and grow rapidly; don’t apply it where weeds will not grow or will not be able to thrive.
Avoid applying preen near desirable plants whose roots come close to the soil surface, such as beans, carrots, and onions. Do not apply preen on areas where you have recently planted.
How Long Should I Wait After Using Preen?
Preen contains nutrients that make the plant healthier and stronger. It also contains a fungicide that helps prevent or treat fungal diseases on the plant. After application, it takes about two weeks for the rain to wash away most of the preen from leaves and branches.
It is vital to note that the effects of preen will vary depending on factors such as geographical location and soil type. However, it’s safe to say that the benefits of using preen last for a long time, usually up to two years. Every year, you can apply preen to protect your plants and then wait two years before re-applying.
How Do I Keep My Flowers Alive After Using Preen?
Preen is designed to kill weeds and keep them from coming back. It is made from corn gluten meal, a natural pre-emergent herbicide that eliminates weeds before they can grow.
The product is generally safe for use around plants; however, too much of it in the soil can harm your current crop of plants. Preen won’t kill existing weeds but prevents new ones from growing. If your flowers are already showing signs of damage, you may be able to save them.
Step 1
Pull up the weeds surrounding your plants and place them in a yard waste bag or compost pile. Never leave cut weeds on top of the soil as they will continue to send out shoots and grow again.
Step 2
Water your plants deeply to help wash the preen through the soil and down into the roots. Try to keep at least 3 inches of soil moist during this recovery period.
Most herbs and vegetables need 1 inch of water per week during their growing season, so plan on watering them more often than usual until they begin to show signs of recovery.
Step 3
Spread an even cover layer of mulch around your plants to help retain the soil moisture.
The Benefits of Planting Flowers After Using Preen
Preen is a plant-friendly insecticide that has been used for decades to kill bugs and keep plants safe. However, it is vital to know that the benefits of preen are not limited to killing bugs and keeping plants safe. It can be used as fertilizer on your lawn or garden.
Can you plant flowers after using preen: Final thoughts
It also helps with weed control by suppressing the growth of weeds near your plants. The best part about using preen as a fertilizer or weed suppressant is that you do not have to use any additional chemicals; all you need is preen!
Related Article: Do Weeds Die in Winter?