Corn Gluten (Natural weed control)
The weed inhibiting qualities of corn gluten meal were discovered in the 1980's by researchers at Iowa State University. It is now well established that proteins found in corn gluten meal inhibit the formation of roots on newly germinated seedlings, thus preventing the establishment of new weeds in lawn. Over two - three seasons, significant reduction of weeds is achieved. The root inhibiting effects have been demonstrated on many common weed species.
Corn gluten is naturally high in nitrogen, and doubles as an excellent slow release fertilizer!
Although much of the literature and marketing of corn gluten relates to lawns, it is equally effective in garden beds (as long as you are not direct seeding new plants). At Sage Garden Herbs, we are testing corn gluten in our stock pots to reduce pesky greenhouse weeds.
General application rates are 20 lbs per 1000 sq. feet of lawn. Corn Gluten is best applied in the early spring and again in fall. Ideally, corn gluten should experience a period of wetting in, followed by one to two weeks of dry. The granules can be applied with a fertilizer spreader or by hand (the product is totally safe - unless you are allergic to corn - and can be handled without any toxicity). Unused corn gluten can be stored as long as it does not become wet, and freezing will not harm the product. SGH's corn gluten comes in moisture proof pails.
Here are some helpful & interesting links about using corn gluten as a natural "weed and feed" for your lawn:
How to Use Corn Gluten Meal (Short and sweet - from Iowa State University, where the product was discovered)
Iowa State University PhD dissertation on the science of corn gluten (If you don't want to get too technical, the introduction of this paper provides a nice summary of what corn gluten is and how it works)
Manitoba Eco Network webpage devoted to healthy lawn care practices
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