Saw a post on one of the Facebook pages about using Preen in a garden bed and thought I'd see if it was safe to use around peonies and other perennials, if the stuff would inhibit plant growth. Seems from Preen's site the only one that is considered safe around peonies is the one specifically formulated for vegetable gardens--basically their corn gluten version. I've purchased a gluten (think it was potato, not corn) weed preventer before, not specifically Preen, but it was about useless, weed germination didn't even seem to be reduced. Before trying this stuff for next year I thought I'd ask if any of you here have used Preen in any of it's various forms around your peonies, lilies, daylilies etc. and if it harmed your plants in any way (most important!) and how effective it was on preventing weeds. Anyone?

I have used preen frequently and have several pounds in the shed. I really liked it at first. I scattered it on my entire garden, though not on vegies. Thought it worked great. Considering I have waves of green normally of chickweed among other horrible weeds. Then last year I applied it and I had some oddities on a few plants. They (like Leopard's Bane) sort of grew twisted, contorted.) The only thing I could figure was the preen - perhaps I was too 'generous' with it in the pursuit of preventing weeds. So this spring I was very careful about using an applicator, like you would use to fertilize or plant lawn seed. Same problem. Also hit my delphiniums. Nothing else was obvious. Had weeds out the wazoo but I didn't reapply as perhaps I should. As the ground gets disturbed in tending the beds it turns up new weed seeds.

So not sure what to say other than use it judiciously. I really need to write to the preen people and ask them 'what'z up?" before next spring.

Corn Gluten is a powerful seed emergence inhibitor.

So you've used it successfully, RJ? Several years ago I got one from an organic "plant related' source online and it did nothing but I think it was potato based. I'd love to use that version of Preen if it works well, just don't want to waste my money on a repeat of the potato gluten product or harm my peony roots.