Corn Meal Gluten
Question from Robin:
Reading in your book about Organic Corn Meal Gluten for pre-emergence of lawn weeds but where do I find that in our area. Also read where you have to find a reliable source as there is an increase in sound-a-likes. Much appreciated, Robin C
Answer from Pat:
Corn Gluten Meal works well as an organic product to use as a pre-emergent weed killer for use on lawns. Now several companies are making it. All of them work equally well as far as I can tell. They are widely available at nurseries and farm supply stores, especially nurseries that carry organic products. This usually cuts out the big box stores. Look in fine nurseries. Or simply Google the product and find a mail order source. But I have found this product in a bright yellow bag, with or without organic fertilizer added, in several local nurseries, including a well-known chain nursery only a mile or two from my house. Look among the products for lawns. I think the message here is when you have a generic product that can be copyrighted but not patented, sound alikes are fine. All these companies are using the same technology, and my experience is that if you follow the directions properly, it works.
Thankfully I have the same nursery about 10 minutes from my house. I shall look for the bright yellow bag. Good thing I can read between the lines! Well done. Side note: the university website mentioned not to spread if its too wet or won’t work. Suggested spreading at soil temperatures between 63-65 and watering in after 5 days if there has been no rain. Not sure the soil temp has to be that precise in my mind but will follow closely when I try it for the first time. Thank you again Garden Wizard, R
Thank you for mentioning that it’s best to wait until the ground dries off prior to spreading products containing corn gluten meal. Good point. Also you mention the soil temperature. It’s important to time your application when the soil temperature is between 63 and 65 degrees Fahrenheit because crabgrass seeds sprout at that temperature. You will find this information about temperatures explained in detail on page 73 of my organic book. If you do not have a soil thermometer or are not that scientifically inclined, be not dismayed, however, since usually the soil temperature is between 63 and 65 degrees Fahrenheit here in mid January along the coast or early February inland, so if you time your application of the corn gluten pre-emergent product then you should have success. By then the ground should be dried off from the massive rains we’ve had this December, so all will be well.
Perfect… I’m well armed and the weeds had best run for cover. This is what fascinates me about gardening… it is truly an unending theme branching at any moment into a thousand other discussions of which we’ll never live long enough to master or discuss, so onward we go…
P.S. Thrilled to pieces you’re working on your next memoir…. can hardly wait!!!!!
Your reference to my next memoir makes is sound as if you might have been reading the January issue of San Diego Home/Garden Lifestyles? (This info. is mentioned in an article in the magazine, which very kindly included me among its “2011 Stars of San Diego”. I’m deeply honored they chose me to be one of them, since the other nine people chosen and their accomplishments are really terrific.)
About my next book: I finished fifteen chapters this year, but am currently on a three-month break to allow my left shoulder to recover from surgery, as the doctor advised me to do. With the help of physical therapy three times a week I am recovering wonderfully well and so far without the problems most people seem to have with this surgery. Taking an enforced three-month gap in writing like this is also a great way to get some perspective on what I’ve written. Now I just I can’t wait to get back to it on the first of February.