Preemergent herbicides are designed for application before the targeted weed germinates, and are an effective preventative method for controlling weeds.
People always ask me what type of preemergent herbicide I use and I tell then Snapshot DG. You’re only going to find this at a place that sells to nurseries. I would check AM Leonard or whoever you use for your nursery supplier.
Now what Snapshot DG does is it creates a vapor barrier that covers the ground to prevent weed seeds from germinating. This won’t work on already established weeds!
One question I get over and over again is, “How do I apply this? How much do I use?” and my answer is, I DON’T KNOW!
So in this video, I am going to demonstrate how I apply preemergent herbicides.
There are many different ways people prefer to dispense their preemergent of choice, some use a shaker and apply it as you pot up your plants.
At my plant farm we pretty much went into winter weed free so now, I am going to apply this to my grow beds before the weed seeds have a chance to germinate.
Weeds begin to germinate when spring soil temperatures tend upwards from 50 degrees F.
Weed scientists use 52 degrees F. at one-half inch deep as the trigger point for their application of preemergent herbicide.
So now, it’s April in Ohio and I have to get a head start on the weeds before they get ahead of me! I’ll have to re-apply in about 60 days.
Please put on some protective rubber gloves! I know, I know, I am not wearing my gloves in this video, but I am hard headed. So always do as I say, not as I do and you’ll be a lot better of for it!
Now what I do is I grab a handful and I start tossing it out (watch my awesome technique in the video). I have used a broadcaster in the past, but I felt I was getting more in the aisles than on the plants.
Spreading preemergent herbicide
When dispensing by hand I feel I have more control over where the herbicide lands. I also use the wind to my advantage when I can and this method works really well for me. Like I said I have tried other ways but this works best.
At home on my landscape, I use a product called Ronstar. Ronstar G is a preemergent herbicide that controls a variety of annual broadleaf and annual grass weeds. Ronstar controls weeds through their shoots rather than their roots, so it won’t harm turfgrass roots in the process. In fact, Ronstar can be used for long residual preemergent weed control even in areas that may need to be sprigged or where turfgrass roots are already weakened due to pest, mechanical or other damage.
I don’t use Ronstar in my containers because it doesn’t control chickweed, but chickweed is not usually a problem in the landscape.
So there it is, like I always say, Keep It Simple and Don’t Over Think It!
Now watch this little movie me and Duston made for you.
I guess that if I have lightly scattered Romstar on top of potting tray soil I won’t be able to plant impatients for several weeks at least. Can still scrape it all off and use something better so I can plant right away??
Robert,
I wouldn’t try to grow seedlings in that tray at all. Or at least not for several months.
I just planted a wooly thyme yard. Can I broadcast snapshot over the plugs?
Andrea,
I have no idea, you’ll have to research the product and see if it’s rated for this plant.
Can you use a pre-emergent herbicide in your cutting bed?
Mike,
No, you have to keep the weed free by hand.
Mike, I have the snapshot instructions here, they recommend not using on hydrangeas, burning bushes, spurge, candytuff, vinca minor, and some others…. from your experience, have you noticed any problems applying it to freshly potted cuttings of any of these varieties? Thanks a lot, Mike!
Dean,
Not that I am aware of, but I suggest following the instructions on the label. It would be crazy for me to say otherwise.
I care for a botanical garden and have been using Treflan 5-G in my flower beds. I am excited to learn about Snapshot as Treflan does nothing for Spurge. After reading more about it, it says not to use on new transplants. I usually apply my pre-emergent after planting. Do you know if this is okay, or if I need to wait a few weeks or more?
Probably my worse “weed” is elm and maple trees, any ideas on those?
Thanks, I have learned much from your videos, books and blogs.
Joy,
We apply snapshot to everything as soon as they are potted, while still on the potting bench. Rooted cuttings, plugs etc.
Mike How can I get rid of Trumpet vines?
Meg,
I’d dig and pull as much as you can, then either smother or spray anything that comes back. But stay on top of it and spray immediately as soon as they start to grow. Smother with cardboard and mulch if you don’t want to spray.
What herbicide to get rid of trumpet vine?
Meg,
I’m sure glyphostate, generic roundup will do the job. Do not over spray, just wet the leaves, do not spray to the point of run off. But first remove as much as you can before you start spraying so you only have to treat a few areas close to the ground.
Thanks Mike. Would / could you use Snapshot for pre planting treatment in a Vegetable garden if you were starting plants in a greenhouse? Can’t imagine treating soil, then planting say beans or lettuce ? Thanks. Jeff in Ma.
Jeff,
All you have to do instead of an herbcide in a garden is til, til and till some more. The repeated tilling will eliminate all living roots etc.
Great information, enjoyed the read and the video along with the additional videos!!! Thanks Looking forward to a great growing season.