Question
I use all orgnic products on my lawn.  I have been told corn gluten  meal is fertilizer as well as a seed emergence; however I can't buy it in this area.
Can I use just plain corn meal as a seed emergence?

Answer
Dear Jimmy:

Corn gluten meal is a by-product of the manufacture of cornstarch. Commonly used as an animal feed, it was recently discovered to have the ability to inhibit the germination and growth of weed seeds. Unlike chemical herbicides, corn gluten meal does not affect insects, soil organisms, or aquatic life, and it contributes important natural nutrients to the soil.  Listed below is a link to one supplier of these products:
   
      http://homeharvest.com/organiclawnfertilizers.htm

The use of ordinary corn meal as a substitute pre-emergent in lieu of corn gluten meal will likely be effective based on the research papers that I've read on the topic. Corn meal was used in the original research for golf course grasses and apparently its use had an inhibitory effect on the germination of grasses. In conclusion, I have no solid evidence of corn meal's effectiveness as a pre-emergent.  I suggest that you consider setting up a test plot area in your lawn using corn meal and carefully monitor the results.

Regards,

Mack Jean
AllExperts
Master Gardener
Tennessee