Question
I recently inherited a chemical-free suburban lawn  and garden (Merrick, Long Island, New York).  The lawn if FULL of blossoming dandelions.  Is it too late to apply corn gluten this year?  /we are about to start mowing with our new reel lawn mower (manual).  Would appreciate some direction.  We're a bit overwhelmed.  Thanks.

Answer
The first thing is to remove all the flower heads.  Hopefully they have not gone to seed.  If they have the corn gluten will stop them from sprouting.

I realize either of the two choices below are labor intensive, but you have to remove or kill the mature plants. If they are blooming corn gluten isn't going to stop them from growing and producing more.

You have two choices:  Either way, remove all the flowers first.

1. HAND REMOVAL: Remove the mature dandelions by hand using a small pointed cement trowel (the very best garden tool) and, if you are careful and use a to just remove the dandelions, it is only going to be an inch or so of soil missing, and you can pat the dirt flat so the natural grass will spread.

OR:

2. CHEMICAL REMOVAL: Pour straight distilled vinegar directly on the dandelions (it is a natural herbicide, and will kill them in a day or so. Be careful, as it will also kill the grass around them.  After they are dead, you will need to make the soil alkaline, since the vinegar is pure acid, which is why it will kill the plant.  You can use gypsom to make the soil alkaline.  Work it into the dirt, and water it well.  You could even plant some new grass seed, but I think the natural grass will spread quickly.  

Add corn gluten after you remove the mature plants and mow the grass and water well.  Mowing the grass high will also help prevent weeds from getting the light they need to sprout.