Corn
Gluten Meal
A natural alternative
for lawn and garden weed control.
One of the most important breakthroughs in organic lawn care has its roots in a fortunate accident by Iowa State University researcher Nick Christians. The natural herbicide that resulted from his research (made from corn gluten meal) is now patented, and is licensed for use in turf and home gardens as an alternative to weed and feed products.
Corn gluten meal is a powdery byproduct of the corn milling process. Used for years as a supplement in hog feed, this natural protein is very effective for lawns and gardens as a plant food as well as a weed supressor. Corn gluten meal products offer a non-toxic, yet effective alternative to traditional, chemical-based weed and feed products for weed control in gardens and lawns, paths and driveways.
As a plant food, corn gluten has a N-P-K ratio of 9-1-0, or 10% nitrogen by weight. As a weed suppressant, corn gluten acts as a natural "pre-emergent" - it inhibits seed germination by drying out a seed as soon as it cracks open to sprout. These qualities make corn gluten an ideal 'weed n feed' product.
granulated - easiest to apply using a spreader. Can also be mixed with water into a paste to use as a patch for localized weed supression. The patch will keep weeds from sprouting while the surrounding plants fill in.
pelletized - can be broadcast by hand. This is an excellent treatment for lawns in spring and fall; a general application will add nutrients to your lawn while discouraging the growth of new weeds.
Cost: prices will vary by brand and quantity, but corn gluten-based products are a little more expensive than traditional chemical-based weed n feed products.
• Coverage depends on which form of corn gluten you're using, so read the package for accurate application. In general, however, corn gluten is applied at 20 - 40 lbs per 1000sq ft.
• Corn gluten will not work until wetted, so wet it down using a fine soft spray after applying.
• One application effectively supresses weeds for 4 - 6 weeks. Heavy soils, protracted rainy weather and hot spells may require monthly application.
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Effects are cumulative. Results improve with repeated use over time.
Surprisingly, corn gluten products can be hard to find. Many garden centers will tell you they've never heard of it, while others have products on their shelves which are corn gluten based but use a product name, like "Safe n' Simple" for example. Look in the "weed n' feed" section.
You can also shop online for corn gluten meal.
Corn gluten natural weed control
All-natural pre-emergence weed control adds nitrogen to your beautiful organic lawn while preventing new weeds from sprouting!
Apply in early spring, 3 - 5 weeks before weeds begin to sprout. Apply again in late fall.
Price: $36.95 (20 lb bag, treats 1000 sq. ft.) more info, or to purchase
More information about corn gluten meal: http://www.gluten.iastate.edu/
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