How Late Can You Apply Corn Gluten to Your Lawn

When to Apply Corn Gluten

• Corn gluten meal is only effective against sprouting weed seeds, thus it is critical to apply it at the right time, according to the University of Minnesota Extension and Iowa State University. To control spring weeds, apply corn gluten in late April to early May, advises the University of Minnesota Extension. The Journal of Pesticide Reform suggests an application of corn gluten according to the bloom pattern of certain flowers -- for instance, two weeks before blooming tulips, the first crocus or early daffodils. To control fall weeds, apply around mid-August, as suggested on the University of Minnesota Extension website, or when the dry, hot period of mid-summer is nearly over. Lawns will not benefit from corn gluten if applied after these recommended dates, because many weeds will begin sprouting.

Weeds It Controls

• The seeds of many weeds are susceptible to corn gluten, and crabgrass is the most common, says the Journal Pesticide Reform. Other weeds the corn gluten is effective against include creeping bentgrass, barnyard grass, foxtail, redroot bigweed, lambsquarter and dandelions.

Amount to Apply

• Use a spreader to apply 20 lbs. of corn gluten to every 1,000 square feet of grass. Follow with a light watering and allow the soil to dry somewhat before any subsequent watering.

Forms Available

• Corn gluten is available in two forms: pellets and powder. The University of Minnesota Extension says that the pelletized form is easier to use.