Has anyone ever used corn gluten meal herbicide? It's a pre-emergent, developed by Iowa State University. I'd like to try it (especially on my garlic and onions), but there doesn't seem to be a local supplier. Do you like it? Where did you get it? Thanks!

-- Marcia in MT (marciabundi@myexcel.com), April 15, 2002

Answers

The naturally oriented garden stores have it. Thanks for reminding me.... I had gotten some but forgot to put it out.

-- Rose (open_rose@hotmail.com), April 15, 2002.

Sounds good. What is it used for as far as the bugs it kills? Can it be used on other crops? Is the price too great for us on fixed incomes? Any info would be helpful.

-- Hank (hsnrs@att.net), April 15, 2002.

We have some this year in our garden centre. Unfortunately, I have not had a spare minute yet to check the price and read the label. I will be away on a course for a couple of days, but perhaps by the weekend I can get some info for you. (in Cdn $)

-- Bernie from Northern Ontario (bernadette_kerr@hotmail.com), April 15, 2002.

Is this the same stuff that Gardens Alive sells? I think it's www.gardensalive.com.

-- Christina (introibo2000@yahoo.com), April 15, 2002.

Gardens Alive was the first place I found any [years ago] it only kills sprouting seeds, of ALL kinds, not bugs, then it breaks down into plant food.

As I recall it is only effective for about a week [well, longer if is dry], or until rain [light water doesn't bother it] I liked it ok, but it was expensive by mail order. I think the onions/garlic is a good place to use it, and carrots after the first hand weeding.

-- Thumper/inOKC (slrldr@yahoo.com), April 15, 2002.

Peaceful Valley Farm Supply has it.

-- Steve - TX (steve.beckman@compaq.com), April 16, 2002.

Thanks for the sources! I can get small retail packets, but I'm looking for a 50 lb. bag or so. I'll investigate.

-- Marcia in MT (marciabundi@myexcel.com), April 16, 2002.

Used it for years and it works great. I special order it from our local feed store as a protein concentrate. Corn gluten meal is 60% protein. It costs about $12 for a 50 pound bag. The price fluctuates with the price of corn. In garden stores around here it's about $60 per bag but it has the herbicide label on it

-- John in Mn. (nospam@mywork.com), April 16, 2002.

I used the Gardens Alive! WOW first then ordered some from a feed store. It's also great on strawberries if you don't like constant weeding. Just be sure you have your desired plants up and growing before you apply it.

-- marilyn (rainbow@ktis.net), April 17, 2002.

Update: talked to my local ag chemical supplier today, and Wilbur- Ellis in Portland OR has it -- in their animal feeds division. Evidently, it's also labeled as an herbicide, and he's getting a copy of the label for me. He'd like for us to read it before ordering, as there seem to be some concerns about using it on seedlings: it tends to inhibit root growth. How have you used it? How long did you wait before applying it to seeded crops? I'm going to check out feed suppliers -- thanks!

-- Marcia in MT (marciabundi@myexcel.com), April 17, 2002.

The seedlings need to be established, (have their true leaves) before using it, and it usually just sprinkled on top of the soil or lightly scratched in, do not work it into the root zone of desirable plants.

And yes it is a herbicide,{so is vinegar, salad oil, hot water etc etc;-)} it stops root growth, when it comes in contact with the root it doesn't work itself [or soak] down in to the soil like chemicals do.{or vingar, salad oil, hot water etc, etc,}

-- Thumper/inOKC (slrldr@yahoo.com), April 17, 2002.