Best Weed Killer For Flower Beds

Weeds. This single word conjures up images of twisted, hideous growths that overtake our beautiful gardens, choking the life out of the flowers and vegetation we so painstakingly raised from seedlings.

But did you know that many weeds are only considered weeds when they are not intentionally planted in your garden? This means that one man’s trash may be another’s treasure or, more specifically, one garden’s weed could very well be another’s intentional plant.

Regardless of what you would constitute as a weed, the reality is that you probably don’t want one in your garden or flowerbed. But how do you get rid of weeds without harming your other flowers and how do you keep weeds from returning in the future?

That’s what we’re here to find out. Join us today as we talk more about weeds and how to control them, prevent them, and kill them using weed killer for flower beds, home remedies, and preventative measures.

But before we get started, let’s talk more about weeds and learn about some of the most common weeds seen in flower beds across the United States.

What Are The Most Common Weeds In Flower Beds?

Dandelions are some of the most common weeds.

The term “weed” could be considered controversial because so many of us have differing opinions about what a weed truly is. Still, most experts agree that common weeds share some similar characteristics and many fall into similar categories.

Let’s take a look at some of the most common types of weeds we see in the United States.

Invasive Species Of Weeds 

When looking for any type of weed killer for flower beds, you’re most often looking for a weed killer that gets rid of invasive species of weeds.

Invasive species of weeds are typically weeds that are growing in the wrong place. In other words, they may not be considered a weed to other gardeners but they were not planted by you and are now invading your flowerbed.

Many invasive weeds are usually not considered serious weeds if they aren’t aggressive growers and may even be simple to pull and kill if you choose not to have them in your garden.

Beneficial Weeds

Is there really such a thing as beneficial weeds? Actually, yes! Many people intentionally plant some types of weeds in gardens and crop settings for certain botanical properties, uses, or even just visual effects.

Beneficial weeds can help retain moisture, hold soil, control insects, encourage water and nutrients, and more. These beneficial weeds may be weeds by context, but many gardeners plant them purposefully and enjoy the benefits of them being in gardens.

So before you go out looking for a good weed killer for flower beds, do a bit of investigating and identify the weed that’s growing. Perhaps you didn’t invite it but you may not mind if it stays.

Aggressively Growing Weeds

Aggressive weeds are potentially the most harmful and serious weeds in gardens and often require the use of weed killers and some of the best weed killer for plant beds that we will list below. Aggressive weeds can overtake entire gardens if not kept under control and can kill flowers and vegetation from the root up. These types of weeds can reproduce quickly and potentially demolish entire gardens.

Now, before we jump into looking at weed killer for flower beds, let’s take a look at the most common types of weeds most gardeners will come across in their flower beds:

• Amaranth
• Bindweed
• Dandelion
• Catnip
• Annual Black Eyed Susan
• White Clover
• Red Clover
• Quickgrass
• Chickweed
• Potentilla
• Ground Ivy
• Horsetail
• Lamsquarters
• Lamium
• Mugwort
• Nutsedge
• Evening Primrose
• Creeping Sorrel
• Purslane
• Queen Anne’s Lace
• Wild lettuce
• Wild Violet
• Vetch
• Velvet Leaf
• Smartweed

Were you surprised to see some of the above “flowers” on our list of weeds? Violet is an especially tricky weed to some gardeners because, though it’s beautiful, it is a ravenouse reproducer that overtakes gardens quickly if not kept in check.

Other weeds on this list may be beneficial and can help encourage the growth and health of your flowerbed, as we mentioned above. Some may even add a bit of ornamental charm. The key to preventing and managing weeds is first identify your weed problem before purchasing any type of weed killer for flower beds.

But how did you get weeds in your flowerbed, and how can you get rid of them using the a weed killer for flower beds without harming your flowers?

Let’s find out.

How Did I Get Weeds In My Flower Beds?

Weed seeds are everywhere in your garden, lawn, and flower bed and have the potential to grow. 

Weeds come from many different sources and there could be several reasons you may find yourself battling weeds in your flower bed.

First, keep in mind that weed seeds are already present in the soil and it is usually your digging and planting that has caused them to germinate.

Most weed seeds are buried far below the soil and don’t have the chance to germinate because they don’t have enough light. However, once you get into your flowerbed and begin digging and planting, you may be bringing these seeds to the surface.

Other common reasons for weeds popping up in flower beds include seeds being blown in from another source via the wind. You may also have weeds if you have a deficiency in your gardening soil or if your garden isn’t at a stage where it can compete with the weeds that are attempting to grow.

The best way to keep weeds out of your flower beds is to keep them out from the start. Stay on top of weed control, invest in the right weed killer for flower beds (which we’ll discuss further down) and make sure you are planting plants and flowers that are able to thrive in your region and can compete with invasive weeds.

But how do you catch a weed problem in your flower bed before it gets out of control? Great question.

Early Signs Of Weeds In Flower Beds

Monitor your seedlings and know what they should look like. 

If you want a healthy and thriving flower bed, it’s important to stay on top of weed control. Monitor your plants often for any sign of weeds or invasive plants that have sneaked their way into your garden or flower bed to live.

You can use a number of preventatives to keep weeds from finding a habitable home to grow and thrive in your garden, but along with using a good weed killer for flower beds, we also suggest looking out for the early signs of a weed infestation.

This is easier said than done, however, as weedlings and seedlings look quite similar in their early stages and you may not realize you’re growing and cultivating a weed until it’s too late.

So, how do you identify the uninvited guest in your garden bed? Experts suggest being proactive and try using markers to identify where you’ve planted your flowers. For smaller flower beds, this technique may be unrealistic, but for larger flower beds we like the idea of knowing where your flowers are supposed to sprout up.

Keep an eye on these markers and make note of anything growing outside of the designated grow-zone. If you suspect a weed, pull it out by the root and get some weed killer for flower beds stat.

Another way to be on the lookout for weeds is to understand your flowers’ germination period. Read the instructions to get an idea of how long it takes for your flowers to grow and note that anything that sprouts sooner is likely a weed.

The last recommendation would be to look at what the seedling of your suspected flower is supposed to look like once it sprouts. If it doesn’t look much like the plant you’re seeing in your flower bed, you may be dealing with a weed and, again, it’s high time to invest in some weed killer for flower beds.

Of course, even all the vigilance and proactivity in the world may not be enough to protect your flower beds from weeds completely, which is why we recommend getting a good weed killer for flower beds before you start gardening at all.

This video does a great job of explaining how to identify a weed problem in your flower beds and control it before it gets out of control. 

Keep in mind also that lots of weed killer for flower beds can only be used before you plant flowers, as they may otherwise harm an already established garden. Of course, other weed killer for flower beds are able to be used on established flowers, so it really depends on the product.

If you’re not sure where to begin looking, don’t worry. We have listed some of our favorite weed killer for flower beds below.

For those of you interested in organic gardening, we will start with natural weed killers and move on to commercial weed killers that have been proven to work further down.

Best Natural Weed Killer For Flower Beds

Many gardeners prefer using weed killers that are organic and environmentally friendly.

As we mentioned above, it’s important to stay vigilant to protect your flower beds from weeds. Of course, you still may not be able to prevent every weed, which is why it’s important to have the best weed killer for flower beds on hand.

Many gardeners prefer to use natural weed killers and formulas that don’t contain harsh chemicals or ingredients and that are safe for people, pets and the environment.

Let’s take a look at some of the best weed killer for flower beds that use natural ingredients for organic gardeners.

ECO Garden Pro Organic Vinegar Weed Killer

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First on our list of weed killer for flower beds that use natural ingredients is a product called ECO Garden Pro. This is an organic weed killer that uses vinegar to kill weeds and is safe for people and pets.

It works within 24 hours of application and can be used in flower beds as well as gardens, on sidewalks, in mulch beds, and even on concrete and sidewalks. It is especially helpful against some of the most common flower bed weeds like clover, chickweed, and dandelions.

Green Gobbler Vinegar Weed Killer

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Another great weed killer for flower beds that uses all natural ingredients is by Green Gobbler. This is again a vinegar based weed killer that is safe for people, pets and the environment.

You can use it most anywhere for your weed-killing needs and it works in a matter of hours without the use of toxins or chemicals. That said, read the directions carefully to ensure you use it correctly.

Natural Armor All-Natural Weed Killer

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We also like the Natural Armor weed killer above because it is made with all natural ingredients and does not contain any glyphosate, which is an herbicide that can be toxic to people, pets and the environment.

This is one of our favorite weed killer for flower beds options because you can order it in different sizes depending on your needs or the size or number of your flower beds. It also comes ready to use with an attached nozzle and sprayer for target treatment.

OrganicMatters Natural Weed Killer

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Another natural weed killer on our list of good weed killer for flower beds is an organic formula that is people and pet safe and also environmentally friendly. Like some of the above sprays, this product works in as little as 24 hours to kill common weeds that crop up in gardens, along sidewalks, and of course in flower beds.

You can order it in three different sizes and it includes a spray nozzle for targeted treatment in your flower beds or along sidewalks or even in your garden.

Doctor Kirchner Natural Weed Killer

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Last on our list of best weed killer for flower beds that uses only natural and safe ingredients is by Doctor Kirchner. This is an environmentally friendly weed killer that doesn’t contain any chemicals or herbicides and is not toxic to people or pets.

It comes in orders ranging from one gallon to five gallons depending on your needs and uses natural ocean salt water and vinegar to target and kill weeds. We also like that the bag it comes in is environmentally friendly as well!

Best Weed Killer For Flower Beds In General

For weeds that keep coming back, a more intensive weed killer may be needed. 

Sometimes a very serious or intense weed infestation requires a bit more heavy duty weed killer. Furthermore, not all weeds are going to be able to be controlled by the same products. If you need a more intensive treatment for your weed problem, we recommend looking at the best weed killer for flower beds below.

Some of these products do contain harsh ingredients that can be harmful to people and pets, and therefore they should be used only as directed and kept out of reach of children and pets.

Roundup Extended Control Weed Killer And Preventer

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The above product by Roundup is a popular brand and one of the best weed killer for flower beds, according to experts. It includes a wand for targeted application and can be ordered in several different varieties depending on your needs.

This product uses a formula that allows it to kill weeds on contact and prevent new weeds from cropping up for four months after it is applied. It is also rainproof and the product promises weed killing results in as little as three hours.

Preen Garden Weed Preventer

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Specifically designed for already established flowers and to be used in flower beds and gardens, Preen Garden Weed Preventer is one of the best weed killer for flower beds because it is so beneficial to your plants.

It includes a formula that prevents weeds from growing while also promoting healthy flower and plant life with an included fertilizer that increases root development. That said, it does contain some harsh ingredients that inhibit the growth of weeds and should be used only as directed.

Compare-N-Save Weed Killer

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The Compare-N-Save Weed Killer product above is beloved by many gardeners and has some great reviews and testimonials. It is simple to use and works by killing only actively growing weeds, so while you cannot use it on already established flower beds, it is perfectly safe to use beforehand and then plant immediately after.

That said, this product does contain a powerful herbicide that can be harmful to people and pets and should be used only as directed.

Miracle-Gro Shake ‘N Feed Plant Food Plus Weed Preventer

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We have also included this product by Miracle-Gro on our list of weed killer for flower beds because it is safe to use on already established flowers and not only promotes a healthy and vibrant growth of plants from the root up, but it also prevents weeds from growing for up to three months after application.

It is specifically designed to be used in garden beds and is safe to use on edible plants as well including vegetables.

Home Remedies To Protect Flowers From Weeds

Vinegar is a common ingredient used in many natural weed killers.

Commercial weed killer for flower beds can become expensive, especially if you are dealing with a very large weed infestation or you have a number of flower beds to care for.

Luckily, there are several ways you can go about protecting your flower beds from weeds using products or ingredients you already have in your garage, garden shed, or kitchen.

Take a look.

Mulch 

Mulch is a gardener’s best friend for a number of reasons. Not only is it beautiful, it smells good and helps to promote healthy plant growth. That said, it can also help control and kill pesky weeds. If you notice weeds beginning to crop up in your flower beds, simply cover them with a three inch layer of mulch to block out the sunlight and kill them.

However, while we do love mulch, it can encourage insects like earwigs and centipedes. That said, earwigs and centipedes may be harmful to flowers and plants, so keep an eye out for these garden pests and others.

Newspaper

Just like with mulch, using newspaper to cover weeds in your flowerbed can help block the light and kill them. You can even spot treat the weeds in your flowerbed by cutting the newspaper to the size of the weeds you are dealing with so you won’t block the light from your other flowers.

Vinegar

Vinegar has long been touted as a natural weed killer, though we recommend you use this method with caution. The acidity in vinegar is a potent plant annihilator, and will kill weeds on contact. However, be very careful not to douse your flowers with vinegar or you’ll have mass casualties.

Add More Flowers 

Last, and perhaps our favorite home remedy to control weeds in your flower bed is the addition of more flowers. The fuller your flower beds are the less room there is for weeds to grow, so use this to your advantage by filling your flower beds to the brim with gorgeous fragrant, and colorful flowers.

Tips On Preventing Future Weeds In Your Flower Beds

Adding a layer of mulch to your garden can help prevent weeds from germinating.

Preventing weeds is certainly better than trying to get rid of weeds, which is why we love using preventive measures to help keep our flower beds beautiful, thriving, and weed free.

Using preventative measures for weed control will also save time in the future, which any gardener will appreciate. Using a good weed killer for flower beds as a preventative is certainly helpful, but so are some of the below methods as well.

Take a look.

Plant Flowers Closely Together 

Doing this will prevent weeds from having any room to grow, as we mentioned above. This is the flower-equivalent of saying “you can’t sit with us” to a weed. If there’s no room at the table, (or in the soil, in this case) then your weed problem won’t be able to begin at all.

Avoid Disturbing Buried Weed Seeds

Remember, weed seeds are everywhere, regardless of if you see them or not. However, many weeds don’t grow at all because their seedlings are buried so far beneath the soil they don’t ever have the opportunity to germinate.

This changes once you begin gardening and landscaping. That said, this rule mostly applies to larger gardens but can be applicable to flower bed weeds. In other words, don’t dig up soil unnecessarily as this could cultivate a new growth of weeds.

Apply a 3 Inch Layer Of Mulch Over Your Garden Soil

As we mentioned above, mulch is an excellent weed killer and home remedy for weed control. It is also a great preventative.

Once you’ve planted your flowers and they’ve begun to sprout, and once you’ve gotten rid of any potential weeds you’ve seen using a quality weed killer for flower beds, experts suggest applying a three inch layer of mulch over the top of the soil. Doing this acts as a natural barrier of sunlight to any future weeds below and will prevent them from growing.

Practice Weeding After A Good Rain And While Weeds Are Young

It’s always a good practice to pull weeds as you see them, but it’s even better to plan a day or time that is specifically for a wedding. Most experts agree that weeds come out easier root and all when they are young. Weeds also come out more fully and much more satisfyingly after a good rain, when the soil is moist and soft.

Off With Their Heads!

Emulate the Queen of Hearts and get to chopping! This is an especially helpful move when dealing with weeds you cannot pull out all the way or for very aggressive weeds that continue to crop up in your flower bed.

Chopping off the weeds’ heads will reduce the chances of having even more weeds to deal with in the future and will help contain the problem until you can manage it more completely using a weed killer for flower beds or other weed control remedy.

Only Water The Flowers You Want.

Remember, some weeds don’t look like weeds while others are quite clearly weeds. Either way, one of the best ways you can go about protecting your flower bed from weeds is to only cultivate the flowers you are growing and completely neglect the weeds. This will cause a drought effect to the weeds and help in reducing their ability to grow and thrive.

So, what do you think? Would you use a weed killer for the weeds above or would you prefer to make your own weed killer using home remedies? We would love to hear from you.

Leave us your thoughts about the weed killer for flower beds you like most in the comment section below.

Happy gardening!