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.
Related
Upcoming Live Events
& Webinars
March 27, 2024
FREE WEBINAR
How to Start a Garden for Beginners
Register now
April 3, 2024
Garden Trends
Franklin Public Library, Franklin, WI
April 10, 2024
FREE WEBINAR
Container Gardening Throughout the Year
Register now
April 11, 2024
FREE WEBINAR
7 Steps to Managing Water Where it Falls in Your Yard
Register now
April 17, 2024
Landscaping for Birds:
A Gardener’s Perspective
Glendale, WI
April 18, 2024
Be a Waterwise Gardener
Golden Rondelle Theater, Racine, WI
Register now
April 20, 2024
Pruning Hydrangeas and Other Shrubs
Pasquesi Home & Gardens, Lake Bluff, IL
April 27, 2024
Ridges & Rivers Book Festival
Viroqua, WI
April 28, 2024
Flowering Trees and Shrubs
Ebert's Greenhouse Village, Ixonia, WI
May 1, 2024
FREE WEBINAR
Ornamental Fruits and Vegetables
Register now
May 9, 2024
FREE WEBINAR
How to Plant Your Rain Garden
Register now
WATCH ON-DEMAND WEBINARS
Learn More