B's Garden Buzz-'Corn Gluten'

     Corn gluten is the organic alternative to step one of a four step synthetic lawn program.  Unlike the chemical option, it is safe for children and pets. Corn gluten doesn't harm soil organisms or the worms and insects that birds use to feed their young in the spring.
     Corn gluten acts as a preemergent herbicide by creating a barrier that will not allow germinating seeds to form roots.  It will only work on weeds that grow from seed like crabgrass.  There is no need to fertilize because corn gluten contains about 10% nitrogen.  For best results apply when forsythia comes into bloom at a rate of 20 lbs. per 1000 sq. ft.  If it doesn't rain within five days water in with approximately 1/4 inch of water.  This should be followed by a few dry days to be effective.  It should continue to work for about five to six weeks.  This timing is also the same for chemical  applications to be effective.
     If you use a lawn service to mow your lawn, keep in mind they usually don't clean their machines between jobs.  They may bring to your lawn weeds, insects and diseases from other sites.

Tips for a healthy lawn:    
      Mow at 3 inches or higher- more leaf area for deeper roots; shade out weeds.
      Leave clippings on the lawn-returns nitrogen to the soil; creates organic matter.
      Soil pH at 6 to 6.5- makes available most nutrients in the soil.
      If you water do it early in the morning to reduce disease.  Water longer but less often to encourage           deeper roots.



references:  The NOFA Organic Lawn and Turf Handbook
                    Nick Christians, Professor of Horticulture @ Iowa State University