Herbicide Damage in Flower and Vegetable Gardens

Last year I hired a lawn care service that sprayed my lawns and several nearby perennials and vegetables.  Most of the plants died and I was wondering if it was safe to plant in the area and eat the tomatoes.

Start with a call to the lawn care company.  They can give you detailed information on the chemical they used, its longevity in the soil and interaction with plants.  Most broadleaf herbicides break down and are no longer a threat to the plants the following year.  Weather, watering practices and the active ingredient influence the chemicals longevity.  In general if the plants show no sign of herbicide damage it is no longer a threat.  Tomatoes seedlings are very sensitive to many weedkillers so they make a good test plant.  Try a few plants. 

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