Homemade Weed Killer Safe Around Flowers

Corn Gluten Meal

• Corn gluten meal is a natural by-product of corn syrup production. It is 60 percent protein with 10 percent nitrogen. Its nitrogen-phosphate-phosphorus balance is 10-0-0. Corn gluten meal is both a pre-emergent herbicide and a natural fertilizer, so it's a natural weed and feed product.

Corn Gluten Meal and Weeds

• Natural plant proteins -- dipeptide -- in corn gluten meal are toxic to root growth in seedlings. Fall and spring applications prevent roots from establishing and seeds from germinating. Corn gluten meal controls dandelions and crabgrass and also reduces germination rates for curly dock, knotweed, lambs quarters, pigweed and plantain.

Corn Gluten Meal and Flowers

• Corn gluten meal is applied to the top 1/4 inch of soil before transplanting annuals, perennials or vegetables. They won't be affected by corn gluten meal because they have a strong root system. With less competition for nutrients in the soil, the plants will be more vigorous. The protein in the by-product acts as a slow-release fertilizer, benefiting plant foliage and color.