Will Scotts Weed and Feed Kill Tomato Plants?

Many gardeners swear by Scotts Weed and Feed for their lawns. It’s a popular product that promises to fertilize your lawn while killing pesky weeds. However, if you have tomato plants growing in your garden, you might be wondering if this product is safe to use around them. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at weed and feed and its potential effects on tomato plants.

What Is Scotts Weed and Feed?

Scotts Weed and Feed is a combination product that contains both fertilizer and herbicide. The fertilizer provides nutrients to your lawn while the herbicide kills weeds that are growing in it. The most common herbicide found in Scotts Weed and Feed is a chemical called 2,4-D, which targets broadleaf weeds such as dandelions, clover, and chickweed.

What Are the Risks to Tomato Plants?

While Scotts Weed and Feed is safe to use on lawns, it’s not recommended for use around vegetable gardens. This is because the herbicide in the product can be harmful to plants other than grass. Tomato plants are particularly sensitive to 2,4-D, and even a small amount of exposure can cause damage.

Some of the potential risks to tomato plants if you use Scotts Weed and Feed around them include:

Stunted Growth: 2,4-D can cause tomato plants to grow more slowly, resulting in stunted growth.

Leaf Curling: The herbicide can cause the leaves of the tomato plant to curl up, leading to reduced photosynthesis and nutrient absorption.

Reduced Fruit Production: If the leaves of the tomato plant are damaged, the plant may not produce as much fruit as it normally would.

Death: In severe cases, exposure to 2,4-D can cause the tomato plant to die.

What Can You Use Instead?

If you’re looking for a way to control weeds around your tomato plants, there are safer alternatives available. Here are a few options to consider:

Natural Mulch: Cover the soil around your tomato plants with natural mulch, such as shredded leaves or straw. This will help to suppress weed growth while also providing nutrients to the soil.

Hand Weeding: While it may not be the most enjoyable task, hand weeding is an effective way to remove weeds from your garden without using harmful chemicals.

Vinegar: You can use vinegar as a natural weed killer. Mix one-part vinegar with three parts water and spray it directly on weeds.

The Bottom Line

If you have tomato plants growing in your garden, it’s important to avoid using Scotts Weed and Feed around them. The herbicide in the product can cause damage to the plants, resulting in stunted growth, leaf curling, reduced fruit production, and even death. Instead, consider using safer alternatives such as natural mulch, hand weeding, or vinegar to control weeds in your garden.

By taking a little extra care and using the right products, you can protect your tomato plants and enjoy a healthy, thriving garden.