Organic lawn care programs require more than just a list of organic alternatives to harmful synthetic poisons. Home owners and land managers who know the importance of protecting and conserving natural resources are able to shift the perspectives and expectations they have of their landscapes in order to achieve a beautiful and balanced lawn under natural conditions. They understand that the sterility of putting green lawns requires a sacrifice, and the price paid is not only too high, but the end result is an un-natural aesthetic that contrasts harshly with the beauty of the surrounding environment.

But, beauty can also be found in order, and even the purist organic gardener hates certain unwanted plants that so easily take over a lawn or garden. For those broad-leaf weeds that pop up in lawns all over town, there is an organic method to help achieve the balance between wild and rigidly manicured. Corn gluten, traditionally used as an agricultural feed supplement, was discovered by Iowa State researchers to also be a natural pre-emergent that keeps certain seeds from germinating in your lawn. Dandelions, crabgrass, pigweed, and at least 20 other tested plants commonly considered to be garden weeds can be controlled with corn gluten.

The best time to apply corn gluten to lawns is early spring (which means early February in Austin) and in early fall when the weather starts cooling. It can also be applied year round, once every 6 weeks or so, in problem areas like concrete joints and cracks and garden areas. Corn gluten needs to be watered in with rain or irrigation, then allowed to dry for a few days to be effective. Excessive moisture after application might require a re-do.

The cost to treat the average sized lawn with corn gluten is $45-50. For those with larger than average spaces, the fee will be higher.

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