Nothing ruins a beautiful flower bed like unwanted weeds. When you’ve spent a lot of time planning and planting the perfect arrangement, watching weeds take over is disappointing.
Pulling weeds at the root takes time and there’s no guarantee they won’t come back. That’s why it’s so important to use the best weed killer for flower beds.
Whether they’re killing weeds that are already there or helping prevent new ones from growing, there’s no better way to keep your flower beds looking as beautiful as you intended.
Table of Contents
What to Do When Weeds Have Taken Over Your Flower Beds?
If you have an established flower bed, nothing is more annoying than watching weeds slowly take over.
Weeds don’t work the same way that your flowers do. Their seeds lie dormant in the soil, waiting for you to dig them up and give them the right conditions to grow.
Typically, weeds will show up before your flowers really get going and they seed very quickly. This is part of the reason they’re so frustrating and why they’re so hard to get rid of.
Weeds in Flower Beds
One way to prevent weeds is to stop them before they start. There are products specifically designed to prevent weeds from growing in the first place but they work best before your flower bed is established.
If you can, apply weed preventing products before planting your flowers for the season to stop problems before they start.
You can also prep the flower bed by hand before planting by removing any weeds and roots you find when tilling the soil. Weeding is easier when you stay on top of it so remove any weeds as soon as you notice them. The longer they stay in the soil, the more likely they are to seed which will cause a bigger problem down the road.
When the flower bed appears to be weed-free, cover any open areas with mulch. This blocks the light that weeds need to grow. A thick two to three-inch layer can be quite effective at stopping them or at least slowing them down.
The Best Weed Killers For Your Flower Beds
There are a lot of formulas that are very effective at killing weeds or preventing them from growing in the first place. Whether you’re looking for strong chemicals that work quickly or want to use something more organic, we found a lot of great products to get the job done.
1. Compare-N-Save Concentrate Grass and Weed Killer
This weed killer from Compare-N-Save kills unwanted grass and weeds in a single application. The active ingredient, glyphosate, a herbicide that’s particularly suited for killing annual weeds and grasses that compete with other plants.
This one-gallon bottle is concentrated and covers 3,000 square feet when diluted for general weed control. Not only can you use this product around your flower beds and other landscaping, but it’s also useful to keep pathways clear and along fences to keep your property looking nice and neat.
For weeds that are really stubborn, you can use a stronger concentration if needed. One thing to know about glyphosate is it’s absorbed through the leaves and travels to the root.
That means it doesn’t affect the soil so, once you get rid of all the ugly weeds, you can replant your flowers in as little as a day.
2. Preen Extended Control Weed Preventer
For a long-lasting treatment, take a look at this product from Preen. It’s safe for use around more than 600 different plants including perennial flowers like geraniums, marigolds, and hydrangeas as well as many other plants, shrubs, and trees. There’s a plant list on the label so you can be sure yours are safe.
This weed killer is in granule form which makes application pretty easy. Just open the flip-top lid, tilt the bottle, and use the applicator cap to distribute where needed right on top of the soil. One watered, it created a one to three-inch layer of soil that prevents new weeds from growing.
Note that this isn’t a weed killer, it’s a weed preventer. It prevents weeds from growing so you don’t actually need a weed killer. When applied properly, it blocks weeds like dandelions, crabgrass, nettles, and horseweed for up to six months, guaranteed.
3. Spectracide Weed & Grass Killer Concentrate
Spectracide concentrate2 is a non-selective weed killer that eliminates anything it comes in contact with. It’s a great choice for any weeds but is particularly effective for stubborn growth that’s hard to get rid of.
It enters through the leaves and travels to the roots, ensuring that the entire plant is killed.
With careful application, you could start seeing results in as little as three hours, starting with leaves turning yellow and brown then wilting and eventually shriveling up as the herbicide makes its way to the roots. Protect desirable plants during application to avoid accidental spraying.
This is a great product to use in flower beds or along walkways and patios. It’s rainfast in only 15 minutes so you don’t have to worry about any contamination to desirable plants plus you can replant the same area in as little as 24 hours.
A bottle of this concentrated formula goes a long way. In fact, a 64-ounce bottle makes up to 20 gallons of weed killer. You’ll cover a lot of areas and the best part is the results are guaranteed or your money back.
4. Preen 2464083 Garden Weed Preventer
Another effective way to prevent weeds from growing in the first place is this formula from Preen. It’s safe to use around 200 different plants including popular flower like petunias, roses, geraniums, and begonias.
The application can be done any time in the spring, summer, or fall and the effects last for up to three months, guaranteed. It works by preventing weeds from rooting so when used properly, you’ll never see any weeds in the first place.
This 16-pound container comes with a handy scoop for easy application. It’s designed to shake the granules at the right rate for optimal coverage and should be applied to dry flower beds to prevent any granules from sticking to the leaves.
After application, water in the granules so they absorb into the soil to create a barrier that weeds just can’t penetrate. And don’t worry, it won’t build up in the soil, wash away, or leach into the groundwater so the rest of your plants are safe.
5. Roundup Weed and Grass Killer Concentrate Plus
This weed killer from Roundup is a great choice if you’re looking for something to use with a tank sprayer. It’s one of the best ways to cover large areas and is safe to use around your flower beds as well as shrubs and trees around your yard.
The formula is rainproof in 30 minutes and can deliver results in as little as 24 hours. It’s guaranteed to kill weeds at the root. One quart of this concentrated formula makes up to 10 gallons of weed killer so this 36.8-ounce bottle goes a long way.
Application is easy; just spray the plants you want to eliminate until they’re thoroughly wet. Avoid desirable plants and rinse with water if accidentally sprayed.
Weeds begin to wilt within days and die within one or two weeks. Plus, you don’t have to wait long to replant, flowers can be safely planted one day after application.
6. Fertilome 33692 Killzall Weed and Grass Killer
Another effective option is this weed and grass killer from Hi-Yield. It uses a special double-surfactant formula that dries on plants and starts working quickly. It’s 41 percent glyphosate so it’s applied to the leaves and works its way down to the root to eliminate weeds completely.
This super-concentrated formula comes in a 32-ounce bottle that can cover up to 6,500 square feet. Use three tablespoons per gallon of water for general weed control or up to five tablespoons for more stubborn growth. It takes about a week for the weeds to die and a normal application is usually enough.
In addition to being ideal for flower beds, this product can also be used near fences or along with patios, sidewalks, and driveways. You can use this formula in tank sprayers or hand-trigger pump sprayers and it’s rainfast in only two hours.
7. Spectracide Weed & Grass Killer With Extended Control Concentrate
Spectracide weed killer is both fast and effective. This formula kills all types of weeds at the root and keeps them from coming back for up to five months. Plus, treated areas can be replanted in only 24 hours so you can quickly get started making your flower beds gorgeous once again.
This 40-ounce container makes up to 13 gallons of weed killer which can cover a large area. Mix and apply with a tank sprayer by covering the leaves of the weeds you want to eliminate. It’s rainfast after only 15 minutes and can deliver visible results in as little as three hours.
You can use this weed killer along fences, paths, patios, and driveways as well as around established flower beds, trees, and shrubs. It’s a great way to make your whole yard weed-free.
8. Green Gobbler Vinegar Weed & Grass Killer
This weed killer from Green Gobbler isn’t your typical vinegar solution. In fact, it’s actually four times stronger than the vinegar you have in your kitchen. If you’re looking for something without harsh chemicals that’s certified for organic use, Green Gobbler is the way to go.
One of the great things about this weed killer is it works in less than 24 hours on a variety of weeds including crabgrass, dandelions, and clover. Plus, it’s easy to use and ready to go right out of the container, no diluting necessary.
Another great thing about this product is it’s backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee. If you’re not happy, just contact Green Gobbler and they’ll reimburse you for your whole purchase, no questions asked. Save time, money, and avoid bringing harsh chemicals into your home with no risk.
How to Choose the Best Weed Killer for Flower Beds?
The first thing to consider is what kind of weed you’re dealing with. Each weed killer is made to kill different types of weeds. Some weeds only last one season and are a little easier to kill.
Others can keep coming back year after year and may require something a little stronger that destroys the root system.
You should also consider how much area you need to treat. If your weed problem is isolated to a few small flower beds, you don’t need as much weed killer as you would if you also want to take care of weeds throughout your yard.
Ready-to-use formulas are easy and convenient, a good choice for small areas. If you need to cover a large area, though, concentrated formulas are more economical. They can often cover 3,000 square feet or more.
Another thing to think about is how rainfast the weed killer is. Some of these formulas are rainfast after only 15 minutes or so while others take a few hours.
If you live in a rainy climate, you have to be very careful about when you apply the formula so choose one that dries quickly.
What is the Best Weed Killer for My Flower Beds?
There isn’t a single answer to this question because it really depends on the circumstances and what you prefer.
If you’re looking for something to prevent weeds from growing in the first place, granulated formulas are a good choice. Spread them over the area that requires treatment and then water them into the soil. This creates a barrier that prevents weeds from getting the light they need to germinate.
A lot of these products use glyphosate, a herbicide that works by soaking into the leaves then traveling through the plant to the roots. You have to be very careful when applying this type of weed killer because it will also kill your flowers if they get accidentally sprayed.
Another option is an organic weed killer. We included a product that uses vinegar that’s four times more concentrated than regular vinegar.
This is a good choice for homes with pets or small children because it’s just as effective as chemical weed killers without any of the harmful chemicals.
Pre Emergent and Post Emergent Weed Killer
Pre-emergent weed killers prevent weeds from growing in the first place. If you have weeds that return year after year in the same spot, a pre-emergent weed killer might be just what you need to stop the cycle.
We should note that the pre-emergent weed killer isn’t meant for weeds that have already surfaced. Instead, they’re formulated to attack the seeds before they’ve had a chance to germinate. They can be an effective way of preventing weeds in the first place, especially when combined with mulch.
If you plan ahead, pre-emergent weed killers can save you a lot of trouble. They should be applied in early summer or late spring, depending on the weed and climate.
Postemergence weed killers are formulated to kill weeds that are already growing. They’re usually applied to the leaves and make their way through the plant to the roots. While they are extremely effective, you have to be very careful when applying.
A lot of these products are nonselective which means they’ll kill anything they come in contact with, including your flowers and other healthy plants. These sprays should be carefully applied to the leaves of undesirable plants while other plants should be protected from accidental spray.
Postemergence weed killers should never be applied to a broad area. In fact, the best way to use it is with a precise spray nozzle or foam applicator so you can be sure it’s only getting on the plants you want to destroy.
If you have persistent trouble with weeds, a good strategy is to try a two-fold approach. By using both a pre-emergent and postemergence weed killer, you’re covering all of your bases.
Pre-emergent weed kills have to be applied at just the right time or you won’t get enough coverage to last the season. If weeds start to emerge, a postemergence weed killer can quickly take care of them.
Types of Common Weeds in Flower Beds
You might notice the same weeds popping up again and again and wonder if you’re the only person having this problem. Chances are you’re not alone.
There are a lot of common weeds that plague most gardeners. Some of the most common weeds in flower beds are:
1. Field bindweed. This weed is persistent and can be very hard to get rid of, primarily because its roots go really deep – up to 14 feet. They sprout in the early spring and persist throughout the summer months when they flower and spread quickly.
2. Dandelions. Dandelions are perhaps the most recognizable weed around. They reproduce not only from the fluffy seeds that children are so fond of sending into the wind but also from their large roots. They’ll fast and can take over your flower bed quickly if not dealt with early.
3. Lambsquarters. This week has actually been officially classified as the most common garden weed. It’s widely seen across the northern United States and Canada where it grows fast and spreads rapidly. It can suck a lot of moisture out of the soil and can do real harm to your garden.
4. Crabgrass. This is another really common weed that returns every summer. If left unattended, it can grow up to two feet tall. Generally, it’s easy to manage as long as you get it before it seeds.
5. Yellow Wood Sorrel or Oxalis. One reason to look out for this weed is that it often shows up in nursery pots so you may be planting it without knowing. It grows in sun or shade and thrives in wet or dry soil. Plus, it spreads quickly.
6. Pigweed. This plant shows up in late spring or early summer and is particularly difficult to get eliminate. In fact, it’s often easier to use a pre-emergent weed killer to take care of it.
7. Creeping Charlie. This plant got its name from the way it spread quickly and close to the ground. Even the tiniest bit left behind can become a whole new plant making them extremely difficult to get rid of.
One way to make sure you’re using the right weed killer is to take the time to research the weed that you’re dealing with. Some of them are truly hard to get rid of and can take years to completely destroy.
Weed killers make this a little easier for you because most of them include extensive lists of the weeds they are effective against.
Conclusion
There are a lot of great weed killers out there but it’s hard to say which is the best one because it really depends on your situation. Consider what weed you’re dealing with as well as how you want to attack it to figure out which is the best one for your flower bed.
The good news is there are a lot of great options out there. Whether you want something that works quickly and don’t mind using harsh chemicals or as looking for a safe weed killer for flower beds that’s certified organic, there’s a weed killer for you.
If you’re having trouble keeping weeds away for good, try not to get discouraged. You’re not alone! Make sure you’re using the right weed killer for the specific weeds you’re dealing with and don’t forget to mulch.
Sometimes a combination of pre-emergent and postemergence approach might be what you need to eliminate weeds for good. That’s why we included a little bit of everything on this list to help make sure you have all your bases covered.
I’ve used the Preen weed preventer with and without fertilizer throughout the years. Very minimal results. I apply it once a month in my plant beds but I still get new weed growth. I’m done with it, although I may try the Preen extended control next year if I don’t find something else. I see that Roundup is now make a weed preventer for garden beds. I may give that a try.
I’m new at this but I did use a weed killer product in my flower bed and removed most of the dead weeds. I then planted and mulched. In a few days weeds started to push through the mulch. Will spraying more weed killer over the mulch end this frustration? What works best?
I have an annual flower garden 4 feet by 24 feet . It faces south . this small garden has become infested with Chamber Bitter. I now realize we will have to kill everything in this bed now. And from what I have read, we will have to use a preemergent before planting the garden next year. We are in our 80’s
and not capable of much physical labor. please advise.-
I purchased the Green Gobbler Vinegar weed and grass killer. How long do I have to wait to plant flowers or flower seeds where I sprayed???
This article wasn’t the slightest bit helpful. Full of ambiguity and generalization.
I’ve used the Preen weed preventer with and without fertilizer throughout the years. Very minimal results. I apply it once a month in my plant beds but I still get new weed growth. I’m done with it, although I may try the Preen extended control next year if I don’t find something else. I see that Roundup is now make a weed preventer for garden beds. I may give that a try.
I’m new at this but I did use a weed killer product in my flower bed and removed most of the dead weeds. I then planted and mulched. In a few days weeds started to push through the mulch. Will spraying more weed killer over the mulch end this frustration? What works best?
I have an annual flower garden 4 feet by 24 feet . It faces south . this small garden has become infested with Chamber Bitter. I now realize we will have to kill everything in this bed now. And from what I have read, we will have to use a preemergent before planting the garden next year. We are in our 80’s
and not capable of much physical labor. please advise.-