If Preen is your go-to brand to stop garden weeds before they start – or you've been thinking of trying it out this year, why not also try… another Preen? Yes, there are several formulations of Preen, and each kind is identified by its color-coded applicator cap.

Many gardeners are familiar with the famous yellow Preen bottle with its easy-to-use, flip-top red shaker-cap. But take a look next time you’re at your favorite garden retailer, you’ll see other yellow Preen bottles with green caps and purple caps, too.

The green capped bottle contains a different Preen product: Preen Garden Weed Preventer Plus Plant Food. This two-in-one product is designed to save gardeners’ time by simultaneously delivering Preen weed preventer granules with an added, balanced 6-8-6 garden fertilizer already mixed in. In one easy application, you can stop weeds before they start, give flowering plants a boost, and help all your plants build strong roots for better heat and drought tolerance, plus improved overall performance.

The purple cap denotes Preen Natural Vegetable Garden Weed Preventer, a granular formula of corn gluten for easy shaker-application.

So if you like Preen products, why not give another Preen a try this spring? Just look for the color-coded caps. And while you're at it, check out our lineup of Preen Lawns products. Preen One Lawncare blocks crabgrass, kills tough lawn weeds, and feeds your lawn in ONE application.

At Lowe’s coast-to-coast, you'll find Preen Mulch with Extended Control Weed Preventer, a premium hardwood mulch with added Preen weed preventers already mixed in. It’s guaranteed to stop weeds for up to six months. For full product details, see www.Preen.com.

At a Glance Comparison Chart

Breakdown of Preen Formulas

1. Preen Garden Weed Preventer (The Classic Formula)

This is the versatile, staple weed preventer for everyday landscaping. It forms an invisible barrier in the top layer of soil that stops broadleaf weeds and grass seeds from sprouting.

• Where to Use: Around established flowers, roses, groundcovers, trees, and shrubs.

• Plant Safety: Safe to use around more than 600 species of desirable plants (always check the product label for the full plant list).

• Application Tip: Apply after planting or in early spring, then water in lightly to activate. Reapply every 3 months during the growing season for continuous protection.

2. Preen Garden Weed Preventer Plus Plant Food (Dual-Action Formula)

If you want to feed your plants while keeping weeds at bay, this dual-action product combines Preen’s proven pre-emergent weed prevention with a balanced, all-purpose plant food.

• Dual Benefit: Prevents weeds for up to 3 months while feeding plants to promote abundant blooms, strong roots, and vibrant foliage.

• Where to Use: Around established flowers, ornamental gardens, groundcovers, trees, shrubs, and listed vegetable transplants.

• Application Tip: Apply anytime during the growing season (spring, summer, or fall). Sprinkle granules evenly over dry plant foliage and soil, then water immediately to activate the weed barrier and release plant nutrients.

3. Preen Extended Control Weed Preventer (Longest Lasting)

If you want to spend the absolute minimum amount of time maintaining landscape beds, this maximum-strength formula provides the longest window of protection available.

• Where to Use: Around established trees, shrubs, perennials, and groundcovers in mulched landscape beds.

• Coverage: Prevents seeds from 600+ broadleaf weeds and grasses for up to 6 months with a single application.

• Important Constraint: Do not use in vegetable gardens or on flower seeds, lawn turf, or unestablished annual plants.

4. Preen Natural Vegetable Garden Weed Preventer (100% Natural Solution)

For edible crops, standard synthetic pre-emergents are off-limits. This 100% natural formula keeps weeds out of your fruit and vegetable garden without synthetic chemicals.

• Active Ingredient: Made entirely from 100% corn gluten meal, a natural byproduct of corn processing that prevents seeds from forming feeder roots during germination.

• Where to Use: Around established vegetables, herbs, and fruit plants, as well as flower beds and landscape areas where children or pets play frequently.

• Application Rules:

  • Apply only around established plants that are at least 2–3 inches tall (or transplanted seedlings). Do not apply when sowing seeds directly, as it will prevent your crop seeds from sprouting.

  • Reapply every 4 weeks throughout the growing season for consistent control.

3 Quick Rules for Pre-Emergent Success

Regardless of which Preen product best fits your yard, three universal application rules apply across all formulas:

1. Existing Weeds Must Be Removed First

Pre-emergent herbicides prevent seeds from germinating; they do not kill existing weeds. Always hand-pull or hoe out growing weeds before applying Preen.

2. Never Mix Pre-Emergents into Seedbed Soil

If you are planting seeds (flowers, vegetables, or lawn grass), wait until the seedlings have sprouted and reached at least 2–3 inches in height before applying a weed preventer.

3. Water to Activate

Granules must be watered in (via rainfall or a light garden hose watering) to dissolve the active ingredients and set the invisible barrier in the top layer of soil or mulch.