Corn gluten is an effective pre-emergent weed control that can prevent many annual weeds, like crabgrass, over time.
Corn gluten is a byproduct of the wet-milling process of corn. Organic Lawns by LUNSETH uses non-GMO, organic corn gluten meal (CGM).
The protein in the corn gluten acts on germinating seeds to inhibit root growth.
Corn gluten also contains 10% nitrogen by weight and has a slow-release fertilizing effect when applied to home lawns.
25% control of new weeds can be achieved in the first year; 50% in the second year; and 75% control by the third year. This is due to the reduction in weed seeds and from the effect of nitrogen in the corn gluten increasing the lawn’s density.
Timing and application rates greatly affect the success of corn gluten meal. The best time to apply corn gluten is in the early spring. Heavy rates are necessary for weed prevention.
Preparing Your Lawn Before Applying CGM
Before CGM can be applied to your lawn and work in an effective manner, it’s important that some preparation occurs.
A spring cleanup that can include raking leaves and cleaning up debris such as fallen tree limbs and sticks. The product needs to get to the soil to work, thus removing debris in the lawn is an important first step.
CGM & Seeding
Just as it does for weeds, a CGM application can inhibit grass seed germination.
- If you’re planning to seed the lawn yourself, you should allow 3-to-4 weeks before CGM is applied.
- If you’re planning to seed after CGM is applied, it’s important you wait 3-to-4 weeks after the CGM application to seed to ensure successful germination.
- You can seed immediately after the corn gluten meal if you provide a barrier to avoid conflict. Sowing seed into ¼” layer of new topsoil or compost will work to create this barrier and ensure successful germination.
If you have a question using corn gluten on your yard or would like help getting your yard ready for spring and summer, contact the experts at Organic Lawns by LUNSETH.
