Weeds can be very frustrating, especially when they choose to grow on your flower beds. It’s an unsightly appearance, isn’t it? You made an effort to grow all those beautiful flowers, and then suddenly, it’s invaded with unwanted weeds!
Take note that it’s not just the aesthetic that suffers. Those weeds also compete with your flowers regarding nutrients, water, and sunlight. If they fail to get these requirements because of weeds, they might experience stunted growth or even death. Weeds also attract pests and diseases, harming your blooming flowers.
This is why eliminating weeds in flower beds is a must o maintain the health and beauty of your plants. But do you know what could be the best weed killer for flower beds? If not, this article will give you a list of the best weed killer for flower beds you can use!
What are the types of weed killers for flower beds?
Weed killers come in different types, and it’s up to you what to choose. Here are the two types of the best weed killer for flower beds.
Chemical herbicides
These herbicides contain chemicals or active ingredients that target the roots of the weeds. One advantage of chemical herbicide is that it effectively eliminates weeds due to their strong ingredients. However, they can also be harmful to humans, pets, and the environment. It also has the chance to contaminate groundwater.
Some examples of chemical herbicides include Glyphosate, triclopyr, dicamba, and 2,4-D.
Organic herbicides
This type of weed killer is the total opposite of chemical herbicides. It contains ingredients safe for humans, pets, and the environment, and that’s one of its advantages. However, since it doesn’t have any chemicals, it might take too long to affect, and it might need a repetitive application to see results. So, if you’re planning to use organic herbicides, patience and commitment is what you need.
Some well-known examples of organic herbicides include vinegar, clove oil, corn gluten meal, citrus oil, and boiling water.
What are the factors to consider when choosing a weed killer for flower beds?
When selecting the best weed killer for flower beds, consider different factors. These are safety, effectiveness, environmental impact, and selectivity.
- Safety. It concerns how safe you, your family, and your pets are when applying the weed killer. You might choose a weed killer that won’t harm anyone. Or if there are active ingredients like those in chemical herbicides, ensure that you’re willing to take necessary safety precautions when applying.
- Effectiveness. This is another factor worth considering because you do not want to spend on products ineffective to your weed problems. This is why before choosing a weed killer, you need to know the type of weed you have, the growth stage of the weed, and the best application method.
- Environmental impact. Some weed killers, especially chemical herbicides, contain active ingredients that can impact the environment. Some impacts we’re talking about are the contamination of soil and water sources and harm to beneficial insects and wildlife. This is why organic herbicides are ideal to use if you want to help the environment become a safe place for other creatures.
- Selectivity. There are weed killers formulated to kill specific types of weeds while leaving desired plants unharmed. This can be particularly important in flower beds where avoiding damage to the desired plants is essential. Selective herbicides can be chemical or organic and are formulated for specific types of weeds.
What’s the best weed killer for flower beds?
Here are some of the best weed killers for flower beds. Make sure to consider their pros and cons and ingredients before deciding.
- Preen Garden Weed Preventer
This is a pre-emergent weed preventer that prevents weeds from germinating. You can use it safely around flowers, shrubs, and trees, lasting up to three months. This weed preventer is non-toxic and does not harm beneficial insects, but it is not applicable to use on lawns.
It is also famous for its four easy steps: Remove, Sprinkle, Integrate, and Water. If you plan to apply it with mulch, then you can do so after applying it. A 5.63 lb of Preen Garden Weed Preventer can cover up to 900 sq ft, but if you aim to cover a huge area, consider getting a pail or bag.
- Espoma Organic Weed Preventer Plus Plant Food
This is your best bet if you prefer an organic weed killer. It is a weed preventer that also provides nutrients to flowers and plants. It is safe to use around pets and children and contains no synthetic chemicals. This product creates a physical barrier preventing weed seeds from germinating.
Ideally, you can apply it twice a year. That’s in early spring before weed seeds start to germinate and early fall. For gardens, you can apply 2 lbs per 100sq ft and 20 lbs per 1,000 sq ft.
- Roundup for Lawns Crabgrass Destroyer
This is an all-in-one solution if you have crabgrass on your flower beds or even other grassy weeds. You can also apply it around ornamental plants and flowers when used as directed, and it can effectively control crabgrass for up to four months. One gallon of this product can cover up to 1,000 sq ft.
- Ortho WeedClear Lawn Weed Killer Ready-to-Use Trigger Spray
This product is a selective weed killer that targets broadleaf weeds in lawns and flower beds. It is safe to use around ornamental plants and flowers as directed. It can provide visible results within hours of application.
- Bonide Chickweed, Clover, and Oxalis Killer
This selective weed killer herbicide targets common weeds such as chickweed, clover, and oxalis. It is safe to use around flowers, shrubs, and trees and is effective in controlling weeds within days of application. You can purchase it in different volumes, but a pint (⅛ of a gallon) can already cover up to 5,000 sq ft.
What to follow when using a weed killer in flower beds?
Different weed killer means different instructions and method of application. But here are some general tips we can recommend when using a weed killer in flower beds.
- Determine what type of weed you have and find a product that can target that type.
- It’s a must that before using any weed killer product, read the label instructions carefully to ensure that the product is safe and effective for use in flower beds.
- Be careful when applying the weed killer. Avoid spraying your desired plants and follow the instructions on the label for the appropriate application rate and method.
- The time it takes for the weed killer to take effect will depend on the type of weed and the product used. Be patient and wait for the weeds to die off.
- Once the weeds are dead, remove them from the flower bed to prevent them from spreading seeds.
Meanwhile, here are some safety precautions to take when using a weed killer in flower beds.
- Wear protective clothing: Wear gloves, protective clothing, and goggles when handling and applying weed killer products.
- Keep pets and children away from the treated area until the weed killer has dried.
- Do not apply weed killer on windy days to prevent drift and contamination of nearby plants or water sources.
- Keep weed killer products out of the reach of children and pets and store them in a cool, dry place.
Don’t let weeds invade your flower beds!
You need to remember that there is no one size fits all approach when it comes to the best weed killer for flower beds. Don’t forget to consider various factors such as the type of weed you have, safety, effectivity, selectivity, and environmental impact. By considering these, you can ensure that you are on the right track to choosing the best weed killer for flower beds without harming your plants.
If you don’t want to look like you have a weed bed rather than a flower bed, then we encourage you to take action promptly!