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 songbirds… 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 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.
A first treatment right now and into early March will control summer weeds like dandelions and crabgrass. To control the winter/spring weeds, apply it during the fall before germination.
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!
If you have a question for Chris, send it via email to [email protected]. Or mail a postcard to It’s About Thyme11726 Manchaca Road, Austin, TX 78748 www.itsaboutthyme.com
