With the discontinuation of Weed & Feed from many markets Corn Gluten has emerged as the new Organic Weed & Feed. The truth is that this title is misleading at best. All the producers of the many versions on the market state that it does not kill weed most people do not read further that the title.

So what is it?

Corn GlutenCorn is a pre-emergent  seed germination inhibitor ,which means it prevents seeds from germination and that is any seed,made from corn. It DOES NOT kill existing weeds.  Corn Gluten has a natural NPK rating of usually around 10-0-0.  Corn Gluten should be applied three times a year; Spring, mid Summer and early Fall at 20 lbs per thousand square feet of lawn. Corn Gluten will not burn your turf,  it is easily applied using any fertilizer spreader, it can be applied during rain or shine and pets and children can safely use the treated area immediately after it has been applied. There is no waiting period required.

So how does it work?

Corn Gluten controls weed seeds by releasing organic dipeptides into the soil and inhibiting root formation of germinating weeds.Corn Gluten is a non-selective organic pre-emergent herbicide and slow release organic nitrogen fertilizer for the control of broadleaf weeds.Corn Gluten can be used in and around flowers, vegetable and herb gardens, perennial plants, annual and perennial bulbs, citrus, orchards, fruit and nut trees, vineyards, ornamental trees and shrubs, rose gardens, and virtually any woody or herbaceous plant.

How do you apply it?

Corn Gluten  can be distributed using a spreader or cultivated directly into the soil. Allow for a short drying period after application and initial irrigation. Corn Gluten  will inhibit germination and is best applied after vegetable or flower seedlings are established. Apply to established turf in early Spring before dandelion and large crabgrass seed germination at a rate of 9.7 kg/100 m2 (20 lbs. /1000 sq.ft. ). Apply again in late Summer or early Fall. Corn Gluten cannot be over-applied and causes no known environmental hazard.

So what’s the downside?

If over seeding to add more grass plants to your lawn and choke out the weeds, is part of your lawn management practice Corn Gluten can not be used because it prevents the grass seeds from germinating as well as the weed seeds.

Studies have shown that it takes time for the dipeptides to build to a sufficient level to be effective, sometimes a whole season, so usually the first years effectiveness is slight.

Also long term uses of Corn Gluten has shown a drop in its effectiveness.

So all & all Corn Gluten is not a bad fertilizer and a so so herbicide.

Send me your comments and experiences

Tim