Labels

• Read herbicide labels carefully. Make sure the chosen product is effective against the targeted weeds, and that it will not harm garden plants. Follow the label instructions. Incorrect timing or application rate may harm garden plants and may not kill the weeds.
  
  

Types of Herbicides

• Pre-emergents kill weed seedlings as they germinate. Use them after the garden is planted but before weeds emerge. Look for pre-emergents containing the active ingredients trifluralin or dacthal. Use post-emergents after weeds have appeared.
  
  

Types of Weeds

• Weeds are divided into two groups: grasses and broadleaved weeds. Annual grasses are easily controlled with herbicides, but broadleaved weeds present a challenge. Broadleaf control usually requires a combination of herbicides, hand pulling, mulching and cultivating.