Stupid Stupid Stupid

Ok, I need help here. I did something so completely stupid, I shouldn't ever be allowed to grow anything ever again. I don't deserve to have plants... :(

Instead of checking to be sure my 2 gallon sprayer had bug spray in it, I just started spraying, certain that I'd been spraying bugs the last time I used it.

You know where I'm headed, don't you. :)

Well, instead of bug spray, it had weed killer in it and I sprayed all kinds of things, including lots of plants, sadly also some of my hostas. Are they all doomed? Can I do anything now to save them? Some of the leaves are turning yellow/brown. If I cut the leaves back, will I save the plant?

Help. I don't deserve it, but please have pity on me. Next time, I'll check the tank, I promise.

Did you wash the stuff off?

did you take the water hose to them?? that's the first thing I would have done.

Oh, Smiln, you're breaking my heart. Yes, I would cut all the foliage off, and hope you're soon enough to prevent it from completely entering the roots. What's the expression? Experience is the hardest teacher. She gives the test first, and the lesson afterwards. ((((Smiln))))

Oh Carla, I really hurt for you!! That is why there is no such thing as weed killer around my house, it's pull 'em all the way! If you need anything in specific next spring, let us all know.

"eyes"

Glad to know there is someone stupid like me too! I did the same thing to my lime tree about a month ago. It is coming back beautiful with no thanks to me. Good luck Smiln32!

Aaacckkk! No! Not the hosta!

If they don't come back I'll send you a nice big box of them in the spring!

poor dear you must be sick. Don't be too hard on yourself. We all do things we would love to thump ourselves in the head for. Thats what makes us human. Im with go-vols. I always get sick around any of that stuff. Just walking down the bug spray isle will make me sick. Makes you wonder what its doing to us all.

smiln, water as suggested, seems the correct route to take. The more water on the leaves, and more importantly, the soil (dilution), will correct the situation. Not sure if this time of year, or when the plants are in full growth (summer), make a difference. The roots shouldn't be taking in as much water now as in active growth or in heat conditions.

I know you know all this, just want to say, e-mail me if you lose many plants next spring. I will have loads available and would like to help.

So Sorry Carla - hope you can catch it in time. Did similar thing last month, but it wasn't my fault, really. I had been spraying Volk Oil for whiteflies. Then DH filled the sprayer with bug killer for the house, right before we left towen for a few days. I used it a few days later, thinking it was the spray I had used - I held my breath, but everything survived.

I know it would be an awful job, especialy this time of year, but you could dig them all up and wash the roots as a last resort. Wait a few days and replant them.

Carla, the hostas will be going dormant now anyway, so why not cut off all the leaves, and water-water-water as suggested above, I'd bet they will be fine. If not, there should be another box with your name on it come spring... John

How close have we all come to doing this. I know I have. Grandkids were here and I left a bottle of roundup out in the open and when I pulled in the yard it was sitting out by the flower bed. I was so weak knee I could hardly get out of the car. He kept sayiing he didn't spray anything and I guess he didn't because nothing ever died. But I worried for a week. I'll be glad to help out next spring if you lose them.

Carla in order to avoid repeat accidents in the future why dont you buy a seperate sprayer/ watering can for the weedkiller. That way the two wouldnt get mixed up! Commiserations on your tragedy, though as everyone says I am sure they will come back again.

You all are so nice. I almost didn't post this because I didn't want you to think I'm completely ditzy. :) Can gardeners be vain? :)

Geewhiz...I need to lighten my hair... :)

I've all but drown the plants, but after seeing your posts, I guess I'll cut the foliage on them, too. Several are gone, I can tell, but others, like the hostas might bounce back.

John, I still have hostas blooming (and did so last year until late November). I've been here for over 2 years and still can't quite get used to the long growing season.

Ya'll are so sweet to offer to send me plants. I've never known such amazing people in all my life. The generosity and kindness that I see here on a daily basis is so heart-warming. God is surely present in this place.

Bless you all. My eyes are watering....must be dust or something in the air. :)

Carla, I hope it isn't weed killer residue in the air! I would be honored to share any of my plants in the spring with you too, if you have lost anything. But plants are very tenacious of life; drowning them like you did gives them the best hope of recovery.

And quit calling yourself stupid! You're not! We all do careless things sometimes.

Have you ever seen the ajuga called 'Catlin's Giant'? Well, the history of that one is that the grower (Mr. Catlin) made a huge batch of potent weed killer, and some drifted into his patch of ajuga. This mutant monster grew up. So just imagine what you might get from one of your altered hostas! One big enough to reach the tops of your palms? LOL

Come on, Smilin, give us a smile, you can do it. Now a bigger grin. Great! That's the spirit!

[[[[ hugs ]]]]] Kathy