Question
I purchased a home in Central Florida but live in the Maryland area. I do have someone maintaining my lawn, but since I visit once a month, what can I do to keep it looking good while I am away? I recently read that sugar is good for weed control. Is it the sugar we use for everyday use. I feel silly asking that question but I want to start using organics but I am not sure what to use. Secondly the article mentioned corn gluten meal where can I get that?

Thanks

Jennifer

Answer
I have to confess that I do not have a lot of experience in using the organic products like molasses, soybean meal etc.
This I do know. The transition from an inorganic to organic system of lawn care requires some mind-preparation; the lawn will look worse before it gets better. In your situation, where you are not on site, you have to be sure of the bona fides of the person(s) taking care of your lawn. Let them show you evidence of their performance.
The long term result is that the soil will sustain the micro-organisms necessary in this biotic system. The nature of the soil in Central Florida is mostly sand. Sand is inert biologically; therefore it will need a lot of organic mass-products like humus, topsoil and the like.
The project is worthwhile and the idea needs to be more widely practised. Please do not be daunted or discouraged by what I have written here. It is meant to give you some idea of where to set your expectations...realistically.