Corn Gluten Meal Information
Corn Gluten Meal is a natural pre-emergent weed preventer and nitrogen fertilizer. When applied correctly, it can significantly reduce the number of weeds in your lawn over time.
What is it?
Corn gluten meal, also called corn gluten, is a byproduct of the corn wet milling process. It is used in cattle feed and dog food as a source of protein.
In 1986, researchers at Iowa State University discovered by accident that corn gluten meal possesses the ability to prevent seed germination. It was patented in 1991 and marketed as an organic herbicide in the mid-1990s.
Although technically a pesticide because it prevents weeds from growing, the EPA considers corn gluten meal a "Minimum Risk Pesticide" that is exempt from regulation under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). (Other Minimal Risk Pesticides include citronella and other botanical oils.)
How do I apply it?
Please check out the following links for details on how and when to apply corn gluten meal to your lawn:
- HCP Natural Lawn Care Calendar - PDF
- Corn Gluten Meal Application Worksheet - PDF
- Square Footage Calculation Worksheet - PDF
Where do I get it?
The following Milwaukee-area retailers routinely carry corn gluten meal products. Please call first to make sure they have it in stock.