If left untreated, weeds can quickly take over your garden. Most weeds are prolific, releasing thousands of seeds, which fall to the ground or get carried by wind, insects, birds or other animals to other parts of the landscape. Those weed seeds can stay viable in the soil for years, waiting to sprout when conditions are right.

Spraying and pulling the weeds that have invaded your garden is hard work. The easiest way to stop weeds from taking over is to prevent them from growing in the first place. You can control weeds by using a preemergent, such as Preen Garden Weed Preventer, which keeps seeds from sprouting.

Weed killer

Most of these products are non-selective, which means they kill or damage the good plants, such as the perennials and annuals, along with dandelions and crabgrass. These weed killers come in granular or liquid formulas and are applied when weeds are above ground. The liquid can be used to dab individual weeds taking care not to allow any of the solution to touch desirable plants. Always read and follow the label directions of the product you use.

Weed preventer

Weed preventers provide a safe way to stop weeds from germinating and growing above ground without harming desirable plants. When used according to label directions, Preen weed preventer products eliminate the need for hand weeding or weed killers for three months or more. That saves time, freeing up gardeners to enjoy their landscape. Always read and follow the label directions of the product you use.

Already have weeds growing in your garden? It's not too late for Preen! You can apply Preen at any time during the growing season to prevent new weed seeds fro sprouting.

First remove any existing weeds that may be growing. Then apply Preen  using the easy-to-use bottle with flip-top applicator-cap. When plants are dry, sprinkle the product granules on top of the soil or mulch at the rate recommended on the label. Use a rake to work the granules into the top layer of soil or mulch.

Once activated by watering, Preen forms a weed control barrier in the top layer of soil, preventing weed seeds from germinating.

Learn how Preen weed preventers work.