Dandelion weeds can be a real headache for gardeners, and can sprout all year round
Having a lawn overrun with dandelion weeds can truly be one of the most irksome aspects of gardening. These particular lawn pests can ruin the look of your immaculate turf when they pop up uninvited.
Moreover, they’re hardy little blighters that can flourish all year round, especially in the spring and summer months. Despite many garden enthusiasts finding them a nuisance, dandelions do offer some surprising advantages for your gardenās ecosystem.
Their deep taproots are brilliant at mining nutrients from the soil up to the surface, enriching the earth and increasing nitrogen levels for neighbouring plants.
However, for those keen on curtailing the growth of dandelions, there’s a natural and effective remedy ā and it isnāt vinegar or baking soda.
The turf experts over at Scotts point out that corn gluten can “prevent the germination of dandelion and large crabgrass seeds by releasing amino/dipeptides (proteins) into the soil, starving the roots of water,” reports the Express.
Corn gluten is a great way to stay one step ahead of those pesky dandelion weeds before they turn into a real headache.
Interestingly, researchers at Iowa State University stumbled upon the fact that cornmeal gluten worked as an herbicide during disease-related studies by sheer fluke.
Corn gluten meal (CGM), a dusty residue from milling corn, has been used for ages as a supplement, but also doubles up magnificently as a green fertiliser and weed inhibitor, says Linda Naeve, urban agriculture specialist at Iowa State University.
She explained: “Besides its high protein content, CGM also contains 10% nitrogen by volume, making it an excellent, natural, slow-release fertiliser for lawns. It promotes thicker lawns, resulting in fewer places for weeds to become established.
“During the past 10 years, CGM has gained national attention as being the first effective ‘organic’ herbicide.”
It’s important to remember that cornmeal gluten is only potent against seeds and not mature plants. Moreover, for peak effectiveness, the corn gluten should contain at least 60% protein.
Applying corn gluten is a straightforward five-minute job that’s best done when the soil is damp and rain is on the horizon within two days of application.
For those dealing with substantial areas, opting for a spray version can simplify the process. To keep up the defence, reapply every four weeks or after heavy downpours throughout the growing season.
