Columnists > Ellen Brown > AdviceSeptember 07, 2006

By Ellen Brown

Question:

What do you do if you get a weed killer on a plant you wish not to kill? Hardiness Zone: 9a

Sam

Answer:

Sam, As they say on the environmental front, "Dilution is the solution to pollution." Do your best to minimize damage from the weed killer by thoroughly diluting the area with water. Use a hose or watering can to wash any residue off the plant's foliage. You can also dilute the soil around the plant with water, but your best bet is to remove some of the old soil and replace it with a mix of fresh soil and compost. This will help to replace any of the beneficial micro-organisms that may have been lost to the week killer and will prevent you adding additional stress to the plant from over-watering. Trim away any dead or damaged foliage, and depending on the type of plant, cut it back a bit to stimulate new growth. None of these tips are guaranteed to save your plant, but they will help increase the odds. Only time will tell how your plant will truly fare in the long run.

In the future, try using a coffee can or 2-liter bottle to isolate the weed you're trying to eliminate. A plastic 2-liter bottle with the bottom removed works well because it allows you to surround the weed with the bottle and then spray the weed killer right through the opening at the top.

Good luck!
Ellen

About The Author: Ellen Brown is our Green Living and Gardening Expert. Click here to ask Ellen a question! Ellen Brown is an environmental writer and photographer and the owner of Sustainable Media, an environmental media company that specializes in helping businesses and organizations promote eco-friendly products and services. Contact her on the web at http://www.sustainable-media.com

Answer this Question

Read answers for this post below.

• Homemade Weed Killer Recipes
• Weed Killer for Clover
• I Accidentally Sprayed Weed Killer on Flowers

• Weed Killer That Is Safe For Rabbits
• Using Bleach as a Weed Killer
• Is This Weed Killer Safe For Pets