Earth Friendly Weed Control For Your Lawn and Garden

I'm sure you've seen the flags or warning signs in your neighbor's lawn- the one’s that instruct them to keep children and pets away from the chemically treated grass. After the signs are removed these chemicals enter our soil, water systems and wells. Governments have been banning synthetic pesticides and fertilizers for decades-but usually long after significant damage has been done.

We all want beautiful, low maintenance lawns. We also realize the need for environmentally safe products. So what can we do?

Research at Iowa State University has discovered that corn gluten meal is a safe, effective alternative to traditional weed and feed products. There is a significant difference between this product and the ones that we are familiar with. Corn gluten meal is natural and organic.

It looks like the corn meal you would use for baking. It's a byproduct of the corn milling process. This natural substance is 60% protein. It’s been used in food products for cattle, poultry and fish. It's also been reported to be an ingredient in dog food.

How does it work?

Corn gluten meal is a pre-emergent herbicide. It controls the weed population by inhibiting the sprouting of seeds. It’s effective when applied 4 to 6 weeks before weed germination. It requires a bit of understanding on the part of the consumer. You will need to do some research on the type of weeds in your lawn and their corresponding life cycles. The process requires consistent use over time. Because corn gluten meal contains 10% nitrogen by weight-it makes an excellent fertilizer for your lawn and flower beds. Sprinkle it around the base of established perennials and it will encourage growth as well as inhibit weeds.

You can purchase corn gluten products in many forms. Follow the directions from the manufacturer. These three forms are the most popular in products on the internet.

Natural/Unprocessed - in this form it is a fine powder. Check your feed supply store for the pure form. You can use it on bare soil and around the base of plants.
*Source http://www.cerealbyproducts.com/

Granular Form - this is the easiest to apply by use of a spreader and can be turned into a paste by adding water. You can use the paste for weed control on specific areas.

*Source http://americanatural.stores.yahoo.net/corglutweedc1.html

Pelletized – this form can be applied by hand and is best applied in the spring and fall.

*Source http://www.hort.wisc.edu/mastergardener/Features/weeds/
corngluten/corngluten.htm

Since corn gluten meal stops seed germination only, you'll need an effective method for spot killing established weeds. Try combining household vinegar with lemon juice. Pour the mixture into a spray bottle and attack weeds directly. The acid mixture may temporarily disturb the soil ph. The good news is that the soil will return to balance within 48 hours. Higher concentrations of vinegar may be required for certain weeds. You may have to shop around to locate it.

You can check the internet, your local garden centers and farm supply stores for the ingredients listed above. With a little bit of research we can all begin doing our part in protecting our environment for ourselves and future generations.

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