How It Works

• Plants need protein for growth.Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of B Balaji
  
  Roundup works by inhibiting an enzyme called EPSP synthase. This enzyme is necessary for the plant to produce proteins needed for plant growth. Therefore, once the plant has been sprayed, its leaves turn yellow, and the plant dies over a period of a week or two.
  
  

Bed Prep

• Keep weeds under control.Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Sean McGrath
  
  Once Roundup has dried, it is no longer a threat to other plants. However, waiting a week after spraying to plant your garden is a good idea. If you plan to till the soil before planting, till first, spray Roundup second.
  
  

Weed Fabric

• Weed control fabric is a wise choice for your garden. It allows moisture and oxygen to pass through, but prevents weeds from growing. After spraying Roundup and allowing it to dry, lay down the fabric. Cut holes in the fabric wherever your plants will go, and insert the plants.
  
  

Post-emergent Weed Control

• Roundup is a post-emergent weed killer. It is sprayed on the weeds after they have appeared in your garden. It must contact the plant in order to do its job.
  
  

Pre-emergent Weed Control

• Pre-emergents are used on lawns.Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of sanyam sharma
  
  A pre-emergent weed killer stops weeds from growing, before they have even appeared. A pre-emergent weed killer is most often used on established lawns in the spring, and again in the fall. These are the two times of the year when weed growth is most prevalent.