Weed & Grass Killer for Flower Beds

Herbicides

• Herbicides come in two main types: pre-emergence and post-emergence. Pre-emergence herbicides are sprayed on garden areas to prevent weeds from growing. Post-emergence herbicides are used to control weeds after they emerge.

Recommended Pre-emergent Herbicides

• Some pre-emergence herbicides control weeds and grass with little injury to flowers. Herbicides containing DCPA are recommended by the North Carolina State University and Blackburn Nursery. Other recommended pre-emergents include prodiamine and pendimethalin. These control a broad spectrum of weeds without damaging most flowers.

Recommended Post-emergent Herbicides

• Before applying any post-emergence herbicide to the garden, carefully read the label or talk to nursery staff before applying it to the garden to ensure the project will not cause injury to growing flowers. Some post-emergence herbicides, which may be safe in the flowerbed include sethoxydim, fluazifop, fenoxaprop pethyl and clethodim, according to North Carolina State University. Apply carefully, as an overdose may damage flowers.