When Does Weed Season Open?
Take advantage with products that drive early spring shopper traffic
When spring weather warms the top layer of soil to 55° F weed scientists know that conditions are right for two things to happen: forsythias reach full bloom and crabgrass seeds begin their germination season.
Thus for gardeners-in-the-know, yellow buds on forsythia branches are a call to action: it’s time to apply a pre-emergent garden weed preventer to stop the seeds of early-sprouting weeds like crabgrass, chickweed and others before forsythias reach full bloom.
But the beginning of germination season is just that, the beginning. Different weeds’ seeds germinate at different times all season long, spring through fall. Early prevention is optimal, but anytime can be an effective time to begin a weed prevention routine.
For gardeners wishing to minimize hours lost to weeding, here are some tips for getting ahead, and staying ahead, of troublesome garden weeds.
1. Get rid of existing weeds
Mulch and pre-emergent weed preventers don’t kill weeds. They prevent weed seeds from sprouting. So, first, any existing weeds must be removed. Manual weeding is the safest and surest method. It’s especially important to remove weeds, roots and all. And definitely don’t ever let them gain size and go to seed!
2. Add mulch as a first line of defense
Mulch is an important and effective weed-fighting tool. Mulch deprives weed seeds from the light they need to sprout. A two to three inch layer of mulch goes a long way toward preventing garden weeds.
3. Prevent new weeds from starting
Using a pre-emergent weed preventer such as Preen combined with mulch offers a one-two punch against weeds. Just sprinkle the granules on top of the mulch. Together they can stop weeds for up to three to four months, working on seeds in the top layer of soil or mulch, plus those carried in by the wind, birds or animals. An additional application in mid-summer will protect against late summer- and fall-sprouting weed seeds.
4. Activate the weed-control barrier
After applying a garden weed preventer, water with a hose or sprinkler to activate it. Once activated, a product like Preen bonds with the soil, creating an invisible weed-control barrier that stops seeds from rooting by interrupting cell replication in their initial root hairs. It won’t build up in the soil, wash away or leach into ground water. Within six months to a year or so the active ingredient is broken down by soil microbes and is no longer active.
Preen, the leader in garden weed preventers, recently rolled out its innovative new Battery-Powered Spreader applicator cap as an option on Preen Garden Weed Preventer and Preen Southern Weed Preventer. The new powered spreader makes it even easier to apply Preen’s pre-emergent granules with consistent, even coverage for maximum garden weed prevention.
Gardeners who tried the battery-powered applicator found it comfortable to use, providing a steady, even application rate. Users could quickly cover large areas, while also readily directing the flow into hard to reach places such as under shrubs and between plants. The new powered spreader reduced fatigue and earned high marks in consumer research.
Preen Garden Weed Preventer with the regular shake-top applicator cap is offered in bottles with 5.625 lbs. of product (G81 2463795), estimated to cover 900 square feet, with a Suggested Retail Price of $17.99. The new Preen Garden Weed Preventer with the Power Spreader applicator cap is offered in a bonus size with 6.25 lbs. of product (G81 2464415), estimated to cover 1,000 square feet, with a Suggested Retail Price of $22.99.
Following a simple weed prevention routine makes it possible to minimize many weed problems before they ever happen.
Order Now Using Program Number: G81E1