Julia learned that some herbicide products contain at least one active ingredient called glyphosate. Glyphosate is a post-emergent, nonselective herbicide that is absorbed through the leaves following application, and moves throughout the plant, including the roots. Glyphosate works by preventing the plant from making certain compounds necessary for survival.

Julia also learned that, once applied, glyphosate tends to stay put in the soil with limited movement to untreated plants, such as her nearby flowers. In the soil, glyphosate generally breaks down within days to weeks, and the way it sticks to the soil makes it less available to untreated plants that may grow in the same soil at a later time (such as Julia's vegetables).

The NPIC specialist explained that there are many different weed killing products available to consumers. Some are suitable to use for garden plot preparation and some are not. Consumers should always read the product label carefully to be sure their product has been approved for this use. Julia also learned that the product label would help her determine how quickly she could plant her veggies following application. Julia read from the product label that she could plant cucumbers and peppers now, but she would have to wait a few weeks before planting her tomatoes and herbs. The NPIC specialist also provided Julia with the telephone number for her local Cooperative Extension Service to obtain additional advice about preparing the soil before planting her garden.