Dacthal is the herbicide labeled for use in strawberries, and you can use it up
until first bloom. Be sure you don’t apply the product at a higher rate than on
the label, as you can interfere with runners rooting later on. There are
numerous pre-emergents labeled for use in vegetable gardens, with Treflan being
the most common. It works fine for some crops but can not be used around any of
the cucurbits, lettuce or corn. As with any pesticide always read and follow the
label directions. Precautions for which vegetables it can be used with are on
the label, as are waiting periods from application until harvest. As long as you
follow the label directions, there should be no problem with eating the fruits
and vegetables.
My vegetable garden is infested with crab grass, even after several years of
cultivation. What would be the effect of using a pre-emergent herbicide on:
perennials such as strawberries, and annual plants that I grow from seed in the
garden, and young seedlings? Would the pre-emergent herbicide be present in the
harvested fruits and vegetables?