Caring for your lawn - What's corn got to do with ?

Tuesday, April 5, 2011

We are ready to start clearing the leaves (or is snow on the ground?) to get our lawns in shape for spring.  It has been a very mild winter and the lawn is anxious to start growing.  Recently, there has been increased interest in organic products for lawns and yards and Jonathan Green has a full line of Organic Products available.  This is where corn comes into the picture!

Corn produced in this country serves many purposes.  There is corn for feeding livestock as well as human and pet consumption.  Corn is used to make cornstarch and syrup both used in our foods and drinks.  From corn production we have a by-product called corn gluten.  This corn gluten is yellow in color and high in protein value.  We find corn gluten in most of our dog and cat foods.  Quality corn gluten for the lawn and garden use has a ‘sugar’ like consistency that we find is effective in weed control like Jonathan Green’s Organic Weed Control plus Fertilizer.  It spreads evenly throughout our yards with far less dust than powdered corn gluten.

In the early 1980’s Iowa State discovered that corn gluten could be used to control over 20+ grassy and broadleaf weeds.  Unpopular weeds such as dandelions, clover, crabgrass, foxtail, curly dock, and many more could be controlled through applications of corn gluten.  Corn gluten also has a nutrient value of approximately 9% nitrogen for feeding plants.  Nitrogen is the first number we see listed on fertilizer products.  Nitrogen is what promotes strong green color and growth in our lawns and garden plants.  This was an amazing discovery making Jonathan Green Organic Weed Control plus Fertilizer with corn gluten a leader in organic feeding and controlling many weeds.  Because corn gluten is all natural it of course makes it safe for children and pets.

Organics take a commitment to fully get the benefits and to understand what to expect in return.  Organics work on the theory that a healthy soil and environment will produce better plants.  The quality build up of the soil takes times, perhaps 2-3 years before it fully kicks into gear since you may have to correct deficiencies.  Jonathan Green Organic Weed Control plus Fertilizer with corn gluten is a great way to accomplish this goal on your lawn.  The data shows that you can expect around 58% control of the weeds the first year, 85% control the second year and up to 91% control the third year.  

Another thing to consider when using Jonathan Green Organics in general is that you need larger quantities to accomplish the job.  Some organics are more expensive but in the long run may be better for you and your yard. Corn gluten will not leach and you cannot over apply it.   If you have been caring for your lawn for a number years and your lawn is in pretty good shape with little weed problems, converting to a Jonathan Green corn gluten program is easy.  Apply 10-20 lbs. per 1,000 square feet on the lawn in early spring prior to weed seed germination.  A second application in the first year is also recommended in late summer to early fall.  This is an effective time to control fall weeds and to prevent weeds from coming up the next spring.  Do not apply grass seed with corn gluten, wait for 60 to 90 days after applying corn gluten. Like most pre-emergent products, corn gluten will not control existing weeds.

Jonathan Green Organic Weed Control plus Fertilizer corn gluten can be the perfect solution to the gardener that wants to be a Jonathan Green organic feeder and well as weed controller.  It is effective as well as safe.  It can be used throughout the entire yard, as well as ornamental beds and vegetable gardens.

What’s corn got to do with it… everything!

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