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.
How corn gluten works
Corn gluten meal works by inhibiting root formation in weeds at the time of germination. It doesn't inhibit roots of mature plants or transplants unless it is used at a very high rate of 80 pounds/1000 sq. ft. or more. Weeds germinate and form a shoot, but no root, which prevents growth. A short drying period is required after germination, because too much water may allow the plants to recover and form roots.
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 1500sq ft. For best results, it should be twice a year in spring and fal.
• 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. Timing is essential in the use of corn gluten meal. It must be applied before the targeted weed emerges above the soil. Since a drying period is required after application, you should make sure no rain is forecast for a few days after application. Heavy soils,
protracted rainy weather may reduce its effectiveness.
• Corn gluten is effective for preventing weeds in lawns, but it may also be used for weed control in garden beds and pathways. When used in garden beds, it is recommended that you use transplants or mature plants, or do not apply the meal until the plants are well established.
•
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.
30 lb bag, treats 1500 sq. ft. more info, or to purchase
More information about corn gluten meal: http://www.gluten.iastate.edu/
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