by Chris Winslow

 

For many gardeners, the easiest and most effective way to control weeds
is to grab a bag of ‘Weed and Feed’ and spread it over the lawn.

The ‘weed’ part is an herbicide that kills unwanted lawn weeds before they
emerge. These products have names like Turflan and Surflan, and when
applied at the right time they control most turf weeds for an entire season.

There are, however, problems with this approach… big problems. 

These chemical controls are toxic. They will poison kids and pets and song-
birds… and anyone or anything that comes into contact with them. They also
contaminate surface water and groundwater.

Since most of us have kids and dogs and drink water from the highland lakes
or wells, it is safe to say that these chemical herbicides are not a good idea.  

However I do have some good news. There is a product called corn gluten
that’s organic and safe. It looks a lot like cornmeal, and actually is a by-
product of the cornmeal milling process.

Corn gluten contains natural chemical elements that stop seeds from
forming roots. For this product to work, the most important thing is timing.
You must spread it on before the winter/spring and summer weeds germinate.

To control the winter/spring weeds, apply it during the upcoming fall before
germination. A second treatment in February and early March will control
summer weeds like dandelions and crabgrass.

There is another huge benefit. Corn gluten contains 9 % nitrogen –  so it
also works as a ‘weed and feed.’ It helps to green up those plants that are
growing while stopping the weed roots from forming. Use it also for weed
control in flowerbeds and vegetable gardens. Just let the marigolds and beans
sprout first.

 

Happy Gardening everyone!

The nursery has 40 lb bags of corn gluten for sale for $40. A bag will

 

[© Chris Winslow 2010]