Organic lawn care

[lostkraft]

Hi everyone. I was just wondering if someone could point me in the right direction. I am trying to find a website to purchase pesticide free fert, weed controls, etc... Organic materials.. And hopefully - maybe perhaps some one has puchased from before, or know that the products are good. I imagine the more you buy, the cheaper the product?? So possibly a wholesale supplier? Anything would be appreciated greatly..Thanks!

[gwwilson]

purchase it right in local farm store mill.
corn meal works excellent cost about $207 / ton
vs. corn gluten meal for about $20 / 50# bag


Corn Gluten Meal for Crabgrass Control
The idea of using corn gluten meal for weed control burst on the scene in the early 1990's after Dr. Nick Christians
at Iowa State accidentally discovered its herbicidal properties while he was testing it for suppression of turf
diseases. After several years of efficacy studies and product development, corn gluten meal has gained national
attention as being the first effective "organic" herbicide. Corn gluten meal is not a registered pesticide because the
U.S. EPA has granted an exemption for corn gluten meal as an herbicide.
Corn gluten meal is a product of the wet milling process. It is a pre-emergent herbicide which inhibits root
formation during germination. It is currently labeled for control of crabgrass, barnyardgrass, foxtails (Setaria spp.),
dandelion, lambsquarters, pigweed, purslane and smartweed. Data suggest it has at least some activity on an even
wider variety of plants. It is safe to use on established turf. Do not use corn gluten meal in an area in which you are
trying to establish turfgrass.
Research shows 50-60 percent control can be achieved in the first year when applied at 20 lbs. Per 1000 ft. Studies
suggest that control is improved in successive years and as use rates increase. Currently it is sold as a dry product
under various trade names, including Dynaweed, Safe 'N Simple, Earth Friendly, W.O.W.!, Corn Gluten Meal
Herbicide and Propac. It is sold for the homeowner market in retail stores as Concern-Weed Prevention Plus. Until
recently it was only offered in powder form. Now a granular form is available which can be more easily applied
with Vikon spreaders, rotary and drop spreaders. Application rates vary from 12 to 20 lbs. per 1000 feet, once in
early to mid-spring and another in early to mid-August. Since the corn gluten meal is about 10 percent nitrogen,
this catches two flushes of crabgrass and spreads out the nitrogen effect. Two applications at 12 lbs/1000 ft. Will
provide nearly 2.5 lb. N/1000 ft per year. The nitrogen is in a slow release form so there is little to no potential for
foliar burn. Bulk orders cost about $950/ton; 50 lb. Bags run between $25 and $30. This is the same corn gluten
meal sold at feed mills for animal feed; however, it is pelletized for easier and more uniform application.
Portions of at least two proteins in the corn gluten meal, called peptides, are the active ingredients in corn gluten
meal. Laboratory studies show the peptides themselves to be significantly more effective at preventing weed
germination than the corn gluten meal itself. Unfortunately the peptides do not persist in the soil when used as a
spray long enough for effective control. Current research is aimed at isolating and packaging these peptides to
produce a sprayable product.

[Randy J]

Not sure if this is exactly what you're looking for, but North Country Organics (http://www.norganics.com/index.html) isn't too far from you.

Randy

[Dchall_San_Antonio]

Check out the FAQ on this forum and see if you have any more questions.