Mulch question - weed blocker?

[Lanatwo]

I bought some Preen red mulch to put in my flower beds and I have some left over and would like to use the rest over my veggies. However it has weed blocker in it. Will my veggies be safe to eat if I mulch them with it? I'm not sure what kind of herbicide it is...

Advice appreciated.

 

[thistlebloom]

Lanatwo, I think you should definitely avoid using the Preen mulch in your veggie beds. The herbicide it contains is trifluralin which can enter your body by breathing the dust and also by eating the plants that have absorbed it into their tissues.

It hasn't been studied on humans, but has been shown to be toxic to rabbits, mice, rats, and domestic animals that have come in contact with it by breathing it, touching it, or consuming plants it has been used on.

Preen does make a veggie garden preemergent that is composed of corn gluten meal, which is accepted for use in organic gardening. Timing is critical for success with corn gluten meal, so read the directions carefully.

I'm sure the most effective, healthiest, and of course time consuming way to keep your garden weeds down to an acceptable level is the good old fashioned hoe.
Weeds are annoying little buggers...

 

[Lanatwo]

I appreciate your input!

I will get some regular, non weed-blocking mulch for my garden. Thank you very much!

 

[lesa]

No need to spend a lot of money. Straw or grass clippings work fine....