Can You Use Preen on Tomato Plants?

If you are a tomato gardener, you know that every summer there will always be those unwelcoming weeds that grow around your plants. Weeds can cause damage to tomato plants and steal important nutrients from the soil. One solution that some gardeners have turned to is using Preen, a popular herbicide, to keep weeds at bay. But the question remains, can you use Preen on tomato plants?

The Basics of Preen

Preen is a pre-emergent herbicide that is formulated to prevent new weed growth. It is designed to be used before the weeds begin to grow, and is particularly effective at preventing annual weeds from sprouting. The active ingredient in Preen is trifluralin, which is a chemical that works by preventing the weeds from forming roots. Preen is designed to be used around plants that have already germinated and are growing.

The Risks of Using Preen on Tomato Plants

While Preen is effective at preventing weeds, it has been known to cause damage to certain plants. Tomatoes are one of those plants that can be negatively affected by Preen. The chemical compound trifluralin does not differentiate between weeds and other plants, and it can be absorbed by the roots of tomato plants. This can cause damage to the plant's growth and development, and can even lead to stunted growth and deformed fruit.

Is There a Safe Way to Use Preen on Tomato Plants?

While it is not recommended to use Preen on tomato plants, some gardeners have found a way to use it without causing harm to their plants. The key is to apply the herbicide carefully and in small amounts. Gardeners recommend using a dusting method, which involves sprinkling a small amount of Preen around the base of the tomato plant. This method helps to prevent the chemical from being absorbed by the roots of the plant, while still preventing weed growth.

It is important to note that even when using the dusting method, there is still a risk of damage to the tomato plant. It is best to do a small test area before applying Preen to your entire tomato garden.

Alternatives to Preen

If you are not comfortable using Preen on your tomato plants, there are other options for weed control. The most popular method is to pull weeds by hand. This can be a tedious task, but it is effective at keeping your garden weed-free. Additionally, you can add a layer of mulch around your tomato plants to prevent weed growth.

Another option is to use an organic herbicide, such as vinegar or corn gluten meal. These products are safe for tomato plants and do not contain harmful chemicals. However, they may not be as effective as Preen at preventing weed growth.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while Preen can be effective at preventing weed growth, it is not recommended to use it on tomato plants. The chemical compound trifluralin can cause damage to the plant's growth and development. If you must use Preen, use the dusting method and be sure to test on a small area first. Alternatively, you can use hand-pulling or organic herbicides to keep your tomato garden weed-free.