Corn Gluten Meal Vs. Scotts Lawn Builder

Weed Control

• Corn gluten meal is the protein fraction of corn kernels left as a byproduct from the wet milling of corn. Its active ingredient prevents weed seeds, as well as other seeds, from germinating, but does not kill existing weeds. Scotts Turf Builder Weed and Feed contains two herbicides that kill growing broad-leaf weeds -- 2,4-D and Mecoprop-p. It does not stop weed seeds from germinating. Since corn gluten meal only affects seeds, it is safe to use around desirable plants that are well established. On the other hand, the herbicides in Scotts Turf Builder Weed and Feed can damage desirable plants.

Lawn Food

• Both products contain nitrogen, which promotes the growth of grass roots and shoots, and enhances its green color. Corn gluten meal has 10 percent nitrogen, while Scotts Turf Builder Weed and Feed contains 28 percent. It also contains 3 percent of potash and 7 percent sulfur.

Applying Products

• Corn gluten meal is available as a powder or pellets and should be applied at the rate of 20 pounds per 1,000 square feet. Scotts Turf Builder Weed and Feed is a granular product, and should be applied at the rate of 2.86 pounds per 1,000 square feet. Apply corn gluten meal four to six weeks before seeds begin germinating in the spring and fall. Spread over dry turf and water lightly to activate its weed killing properties. Apply Scotts Turf Builder Weed and Feed to wet grass in late spring or when the weeds are actively growing.

Product Safety

• According to the Environmental Protection Agency, corn gluten meal does not present a significant risk to human health or the environment. Scotts Turf Builder Weed and Feed is toxic to humans, animals, fish and aquatic invertebrates. Protective clothing should be worn during the application of the product, and any exposed skin should be thoroughly washed with soap and water immediately afterwards. People and pets should not enter the application area until the dust has settled.

More Information

• Corn gluten meal is more expensive to use than synthetic herbicides because it has to be applied at a higher rate and it usually costs more per pound. Since it is not as effective as many synthetic products, it may take two to four years for it to control weeds as well as Scotts Turf Builder Weed and Feed. Although microbial activity and extreme wet periods can speed up the deterioration of corn gluten meal, under normal conditions, it should prevent seeds from germinating for six weeks. A second application of Scotts Turf Builder Weed and Feed should be at least 30 days after the first application; six weeks between applications is the preferred timing. Scotts Turf Builder Weed and Feed will damage bent grasses, carpet grasses, Floratam, St. Augustine grasses and broadleaf ground covers.