Weeds that keep popping up every now and then can be very frustrating. To make matters worse, it is not always easy to control them as most herbicides don’t work. But, there is hope in some weed killers that have proven to be quite effective at eradicating weeds. One such product is Roundup.
However, when using Roundup, there are some considerations you need to make. One of the main ones is when to plant after application in order to guarantee germination and safety of your crops.
So, how soon can you plant after using Roundup? You should wait for a minimum of 3 days after using Roundup before you can plant shrubs and other ornamental plants. If you are growing food, wait at least a week before planting.
An exception is when you are using strong products such as the Roundup Extended Control or Roundup Weed Preventer where you should wait for one to four months before planting food crops.
What is Roundup weed killer and how does it work?
Roundup is a brand name for a group of herbicides that use glyphosate as an active ingredient in controlling weeds. It is an inorganic weed killer that is synthetically created in the lab.
Roundup weed killer is used by applying to unwanted plant foliage. From here the tissues of the plants absorb it, allowing it to travel systematically to the roots.
While moving through the plant tissues, glyphosate interferes with their ability to synthesize amino acids, thus killing it off. Its absorption by the roots thus guarantees permanent eradication of weeds, without any chance of regeneration.
How long after spraying roundup should you plant?
Most herbicides can interfere with the growth (and even germination) of plants. Therefore, you need to be careful with your timing to ensure that your plants grow without any issues. So, how soon can you plant after using glyphosate?
Well, the answer to this question will depend on a number of factors. These include the type of plants, the roundup weed killer you used, and your desired weed eradication results.
If you are planning to plant shrubs and flowers, the recommended waiting period before replanting is one day. For grasses and vegetables, a three-day waiting period is advised before planting.
However, this short time frame is only advisable when using mild roundup products. For example, Round Weed & Grass Killer Concentrate and Roundup Ready-to-use Weed and Grass Killer.
When using aggressive formulas such as Roundup Extended Control or Roundup Weed Preventer, the waiting period can be as long as one to four months. This is due to the fact that the formulas come with strong chemicals that last in the soil and prevent the germination of any plants.
Another thing to consider when it comes to planting is how effective you want the herbicide to be. The longer the herbicide soaks into the plant, the more it will be absorbed, thus guaranteeing better results.
Therefore, you can even spray up to one week before the intended planting period. You can learn more here about the length of time it takes for Roundup to kill weeds.
Waiting one week or more is especially recommended if you plan to apply roundup before tilling a garden. This will ensure that the roots and any seeds have been completely killed, thus preventing re-germination after cultivation.
Is roundup safe for vegetable gardens?
Killing weeds in the vegetable garden before planting is a great way to ensure your plants grow unhindered. However, it can also introduce toxic chemicals to the soil that can make them unsafe for consumption.
Therefore, there are important questions to ask yourself before using herbicides. For example, how long does roundup last in the soil, and is it safe with edible plants?
According to studies, the active ingredient glyphosate can stay active in the soil for up to six months. However, the herbicide only acts through foliage and the stem.
On top of that, proper application protocol dictates that you spray the weed killer directly on the leaves.
So, when you spray correctly, there will be minimal spillage into the soil. And in case of accidental spillage, the herbicide can be broken down in a few weeks. Therefore, with proper application, the Roundup weed killer should be safe for your vegetables and other edible plants.
Rounding up
Roundup weed killer is a popular herbicide due to its effectiveness in controlling weeds.
However, when using it, you should carefully consider the planting time so as to guarantee proper germination. Allow ample time for the herbicide to act on the weeds to eradicate them completely.
IW’s Chief Editor and a lover of green spaces.