corn gluten for weed control in lawn

[jeshrake 0]

Does anyone have experience with using corn gluten to control weeds in their lawn?

 

Is there one brand better than another?

Can you apply throughout the year where there are weedy areas in the lawn?

 

Any experiences that you have had are appreciated.

 

Thank you,

J

[Dsmith74 16]

One thing to be aware of is corn gluten is a pre emergent control. In other words, it is a preventative control that stops seeds from germinating. If you already see the weeds, it is too late for gluten. In fact, if the seeds have germinated, corn gluten is just nitrogen fertilizer (around 9-0-0 if I recall correctly).

[carolm 1]

Don't recall the brand, but some corn gluten has molasses in it, providing a bit of iron.

[Janet Macunovich 32]

When corn gluten meal first came on the scene in a big way (1991?) we attended a Turf Management conference where results of its use were presented. It was effective in controlling some weeds -- in the 90% of seeds thwarted range, compared to "chemical" products (EVERYTHING is chemical, really!) that had 90-95% control. But it not very effective in controlling others -- down in the 70% range. The reviewers were recommending it be used in combination.

Good info from Iowa and Minnesota Extensions,

such as

"Potential problems with corn gluten meal stem from the fact that extensive moisture and microbial soil activity can reduce its effectiveness. You can control how much you water right after applying CGM, but you can't control rainfall. Sometimes seeds that had been prevented from forming roots can "outgrow" the problem.

Another potential drawback is price and availability. While it is becoming more readily available, corn gluten meal is still significantly more costly compared to other pre-emergence herbicides."