Organic Weed Control for Lawns

Keeping that fresh green lawn going all summer is a challenge if you still have turf grasses like St. Augustine, Bermuda, centipede grass or another type of perennial lawn grass that spreads by roots or rhizomes. Here's a way to keep the lawn green and weed free all summer.

Corn gluten meal is not only a great weed suppressant but lightly fertilizes the lawn all summer with a NPK ratio of 9-1-0. It is a byproduct of the corn milling process. It was used for years as a hog feed supplement until somebody figured out that nothing will sprout under it when it is spread on the ground. However, established perennial plants, including lawn grass, will grow if the corn gluten meal is not spread too thickly. For lawns it should be spread at the rate of 20-40 pounds per 1000 square feet every 4-6 weeks throughout the growing season beginning as soon as cool season grasses appear. The results are cumulative because the fertilization process that occurs is slower than with conventional fertilizers and some vigorous annual weeds may have already sprouted when you begin applying it to your lawn. You should have a lush lawn with complete weed control by the fourth year of application.

There are three ways corn gluten meal is sold: First, there is the unprocessed corn gluten meal which is a fine powder that is best applied with a drop spreader. It is difficult to apply on a windy day. Second, there is the granulated form that is a breeze to use in a broadcast type spreader. Last of all there is the pelletized variety that can be neatly broadcast by hand. All forms must be watered in to be effective. Too much water, however, such as from excessive rainfall, can wash it away before it has a chance to work just like anything else applied to the lawn.

The main drawback is that it is more expensive than buying chemical fertilizers and herbicides and it can be hard to find, so call around to feed stores or garden centers. An organic nursery business should carry it. If not, ask them to order from their supplier for you to receive when it is time to apply. Another drawback is that it does not contain much potassium or phosphorous so you will need to take a soil test every year or two to see if those elements are needed.

Corn gluten meal controls crab grass, purslane, pigweed, and most other weeds that come up from seed before becoming established.

More gardening info and book, plant and seed sources at: www.biglump.com