Re: CULT: Preemergent

Yes, Anner, one could do that. I prefer not to, because Preen should be kept off of foliage, and a hose watering will spatter dirt and Preen up on the seedlings' foliage. When I set out seedlings (with the Preen already either raked or watered into the soil), I like to go down the newly-set rows with a watering can and give each sprout enough MiracleGro to water it in individually. That also "sets" the plant (establishes a footing). If it doesn't rain within 24 hours, I do water the bed thoroughly with a hose.

Even though the instructions warn of possible foliage damage by letting the granules stay on the foliage, I find that I can scatter Preen over established adult beds without harm to the plants if I follow it by an hour or an hour and a half watering with a sprinkler. My guess is that with some types of flowers, the damage to the foliage of adult plants might be cosmetic, rather than substantive. I just don't like to take chances with tender seedlings.

I think you can scatter Surflan over adult plants and water it in, as well. But I'd advise double-checking with someone who uses it.

As to your question about anyone actually having trouble, yes, I'm sorry to say, I can speak from experience. I and at least one other grower in this Region used Snapshot for several years both as a preemergent weed control on established beds and on newly prepared seedling beds. It worked fine until they changed their formula without any prominent warning on the package. I suddenly had a year's worth of seedlings struggling to live, and bloom delayed a year on the survivors. On examining the packaging, I found a new "fine print" section specifically warning not to use the product on seedling beds or even on beds into which adult plants were to be re-set. The name of this product is Snapshot 2.5 TG. I would not now recommend its use, because it is harmful to even adult plants which are being transplanted within a year of application. -- Griff


----- Original Message ----- From: <ChatOWhitehall@aol.com>
To: <iris@hort.net>
Sent: Sunday, July 16, 2006 6:40 PM
Subject: Re: [iris] CULT: Preemergent


In a message dated 7/16/2006 3:35:53 PM Eastern Standard Time,
jgcrump@cox.net writes:

<<So, I like to water it in first, time permitting, and pull a few pesky
weeds later on. --


Griff, is it not possible to just plant the irises then apply the Preen and
water it in?

I'm sorry if this is an idiotic question, but I don't use the stuff. The
only preemergent I use is Surflan, and that on the gravel parking area. Very
effective.

Have we heard of anyone actually having trouble using ANY pre-emergent on
newly set rhizomes, trouble clearly linked to the use of the chemical, or is
the received wisdom on this actually largely theoretical? Do you know?

Cordially,

Anner Whitehead
Richmond VA USA

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