Corn Gluten Meal 25 kg | Natural Weed Preventer & Lawn Fertilizer

Corn gluten meal is a 100 % natural byproduct of corn processing that acts as both a pre-emergent weed inhibitor and a slow-release nitrogen fertilizer for your lawn. It works by releasing proteins into the soil that prevent weed seeds — including dandelion and quackgrass — from developing roots after germination.

The mechanism is specific and important to understand: corn gluten does not kill existing weeds or prevent seeds from sprouting. Instead, it inhibits root formation in newly germinated seedlings, causing them to dry out and die before they can establish. This is why timing matters — it must be applied before weed seeds begin to germinate in spring.

As a fertilizer, corn gluten meal contains approximately 9 to 10 % nitrogen by weight, which feeds your existing lawn as it breaks down. This dual action — weed prevention plus fertilization — makes it a popular choice for homeowners seeking a chemical-free lawn care approach. It is safe for children, pets, and the environment, with no harmful residues or runoff concerns.

Timing is the single most important factor for success with corn gluten meal. In Quebec, the recommended application schedule is twice per year — early spring and early fall.

Spring application (mid-April to early May): apply when soil temperatures reach approximately 10 °C and forsythia bushes begin blooming — a reliable natural indicator that weed seeds are about to germinate. In the Eastern Townships, this typically falls between the third week of April and the first week of May depending on the year. Apply before dandelion seeds germinate, not after you already see them growing.

Fall application (late August to mid-September): targets the second wave of weed germination that occurs as summer heat subsides. Fall crabgrass and annual weed seeds germinate as nights cool, and a September application catches this cycle.

For best results, apply to moist soil and ideally before rain is forecast. The moisture activates the proteins that inhibit root development. However, avoid applying immediately before heavy sustained rain, as the product can wash away before binding to the soil surface.

The standard application rate is approximately 10 kg per 100 square metres (roughly 20 lbs per 1,000 square feet). At this rate, a 25 kg bag covers approximately 250 square metres — enough for a typical small to medium suburban lawn in a single application.

To calculate your needs for the season:

• Measure your lawn area (length × width, excluding gardens, driveway, and patio)
• A typical Eastern Townships residential lot with front and back lawn runs approximately 200 to 400 square metres of grass
• At two applications per year, budget 1 to 2 bags of 25 kg for a small lawn, or 2 to 4 bags for a larger property

Apply evenly using a broadcast or drop spreader for consistent coverage. Hand-spreading works for small areas but tends to produce uneven distribution, which leaves gaps where weeds can still establish. Do not exceed the recommended rate — more is not better with corn gluten, and over-application wastes product without improving weed control.

No — this is the most important rule to follow with corn gluten meal. Never overseed and apply corn gluten at the same time. Corn gluten inhibits root formation in all newly germinating seeds, including the grass seed you are trying to establish. Your new grass seed will fail to root and die just like the weed seeds.

If you need to both overseed and control weeds, you must separate these tasks by at least 6 to 8 weeks. Two practical approaches:

• Spring corn gluten, fall overseeding: apply corn gluten in April or May for weed control, then overseed bare or thin patches in late August or September after the corn gluten has broken down
• Fall overseeding, spring corn gluten: overseed in September, let the new grass establish through fall, then apply corn gluten the following spring once the grass has survived at least one mowing

Fall overseeding is generally more successful in Quebec because cooler temperatures and autumn rain create ideal germination conditions. Plan corn gluten and seeding as complementary seasonal tasks.

No — corn gluten meal is strictly a pre-emergent product, not a weed killer. It prevents new weed seeds from establishing roots, but it has zero effect on dandelions, clover, plantain, or any other weeds that are already rooted and growing in your lawn.

This is the most common misunderstanding with corn gluten and the leading cause of disappointment among first-time users. If your lawn already has a significant dandelion problem, you need to address the existing weeds separately — by hand-pulling, spot-treating, or using a targeted herbicide — before relying on corn gluten to prevent new ones from taking their place.

The real power of corn gluten is in long-term prevention. Each application reduces the number of new weed seedlings that successfully establish, which means fewer weeds producing seeds the following year. After 2 to 3 years of consistent twice-yearly application, most homeowners see a dramatic reduction in weed pressure as the seed bank in the soil diminishes and the thicker, well-fed lawn crowds out what remains.

Yes — corn gluten meal is completely non-toxic and safe for pets, children, and wildlife. It is a food-grade product derived from corn processing, the same material used as a protein source in animal feed. There are no synthetic chemicals, herbicides, or pesticides involved.

Unlike chemical pre-emergent herbicides that require keeping children and pets off the lawn for hours or days after application, corn gluten meal has no re-entry restrictions. Your family and pets can walk on, play on, and use the lawn immediately after application with no health concerns.

This safety profile is one of the primary reasons homeowners choose corn gluten over chemical alternatives. For families with young children who play on the grass, dogs that eat everything they find on the ground, or properties near vegetable gardens and water features, corn gluten meal provides weed prevention without introducing any harmful substances into your yard. It is also safe for beneficial insects, earthworms, and soil microorganisms that keep your lawn ecosystem healthy.

Yes — corn gluten meal contains approximately 9 to 10 % nitrogen (N) by weight, making it an effective slow-release organic fertilizer in addition to its weed prevention properties. At the standard application rate of 10 kg per 100 square metres, you are delivering roughly 1 kg of nitrogen per 100 square metres — a meaningful feeding for any lawn.

The nitrogen in corn gluten meal is released gradually as soil microorganisms break down the organic material, rather than in a single chemical burst like synthetic fertilizers. This slow-release pattern feeds your grass steadily over several weeks, promoting dense, even growth without the surge-and-crash cycle that can stress turf and encourage thatch buildup.

For many homeowners, corn gluten meal's dual function eliminates the need for a separate spring fertilizer application entirely. Two applications per year — spring and fall — provide both weed prevention and roughly half the nitrogen a typical lawn requires for the season. You may still want to supplement with organic fertilizer in midsummer if your lawn yellows or grows slowly.

Store corn gluten meal in a cool, dry location away from moisture. As an organic grain-based product, it will absorb humidity and can develop mold if stored improperly — unlike inorganic fertilizers that tolerate some moisture without spoiling.

Best practices for storage:

• Fold the bag tightly closed after each use or transfer to a sealed container with a secure lid — a large plastic bin or metal garbage can works well
• Keep off bare concrete floors using a pallet or wooden board, as concrete transmits ground moisture that dampens the bag bottom
• Store in a shed, garage, or covered area — never leave an opened bag outdoors exposed to rain or dew

In Quebec's humid summer months, condensation in poorly ventilated sheds or garages can dampen the product. If the corn gluten develops a musty smell or visible mold, do not apply it — moldy product may introduce unwanted fungi to your lawn. Properly stored corn gluten meal remains effective for 2 to 3 years, so buying in bulk for the season is practical as long as storage conditions are maintained.