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Old Cobblers Farm™ Wicked Repellent Corn Gluten

Product Overview

Description

Corn gluten meal is a natural pre-emergent herbicide that works by inhibiting root development in germinating seeds — NOT by killing existing plants. When weed seeds begin to sprout, they send out a tiny initial root (radicle) to absorb water and nutrients. Corn gluten releases organic dipeptides into the soil that prevent this root from forming properly. Without a functioning root system, the seedling cannot uptake water and dies from desiccation within days of germination — essentially it sprouts but then dries out before establishing. This mechanism ONLY affects seeds in the germination phase; it has zero effect on established plants with developed root systems. The timing window is critical: corn gluten must be present in the soil BEFORE weed seeds germinate to be effective. After application, corn gluten also breaks down into nitrogen (approximately 9-10% N by weight), providing a secondary fertilizer benefit to your existing lawn or garden plants.

What Does It Target ?

GRASSY WEEDS: Crabgrass (large and smooth) | Foxtail (green, yellow, giant) | Annual bluegrass (Poa annua) | Barnyard grass | Goosegrass | Annual ryegrass (unwanted) | Quackgrass (seedlings only) | Witchgrass | Fall panicum | BROADLEAF WEEDS: Dandelion (seedlings only) | Clover (from seed) | Chickweed | Purslane | Lambsquarters | Pigweed | Plantain (seedlings) | Henbit | Shepherd's purse | Prostrate knotweed | Creeping Charlie (from seed) | Black medic | Oxalis/wood sorrel (seedlings) | Prostrate spurge | Carpetweed | NOTE: Effectiveness is highest on annual weeds that rely on reseeding each year. Corn gluten prevents the next generation from establishing.

How to Apply

BROADCAST SPREADER (RECOMMENDED FOR LAWNS): Use a rotary or drop spreader calibrated for granular fertilizer. Set spreader to medium-coarse setting. Apply in two passes at half-rate, walking perpendicular directions (north-south then east-west) for even coverage. | HAND SPREADER: Suitable for small lawns under 2,000 sq ft. Crank-style spreaders work well. Walk at steady pace for even distribution. | BY HAND: For garden beds and small areas, wear gloves and broadcast handfuls evenly across soil surface. Rake lightly to ensure soil contact. | WATERING IN (CRITICAL STEP): Within 5 days of application, water thoroughly with 1/4 inch of irrigation or wait for rain. This activates the dipeptides and moves product into top layer of soil where seeds germinate. Without water, product sits on surface and effectiveness drops significantly. | DO NOT: Apply with liquid sprayers (product is granular meal) | Apply to wet foliage — let grass dry first | Apply during windy conditions — product is lightweight and will drift | Mix with other products unless specifically directed

STANDARD APPLICATION RATE: 20 pounds per 1,000 square feet | This rate provides optimal dipeptide concentration for pre-emergent activity while delivering approximately 2 lbs of nitrogen per 1,000 sq ft. | RATE BY AREA SIZE: 1,000 sq ft = 20 lbs | 2,500 sq ft = 50 lbs | 5,000 sq ft = 100 lbs | 10,000 sq ft (approx 1/4 acre) = 200 lbs | 1 acre = 800-900 lbs | LIGHT APPLICATION (FERTILIZER ONLY): 10 lbs per 1,000 sq ft — provides nitrogen benefit but reduced weed prevention | HEAVY APPLICATION (PROBLEM AREAS): Up to 40 lbs per 1,000 sq ft for areas with severe weed seed banks — not harmful to existing turf | BAG COVERAGE ESTIMATES: 5 lb bag = 250 sq ft | 10 lb bag = 500 sq ft | 25 lb bag = 1,250 sq ft | 50 lb bag = 2,500 sq ft | GARDEN BED RATE: Apply 2-4 lbs per 100 sq ft of bed area, work lightly into top inch of soil

SPRING APPLICATION (PRIMARY): Apply 4-6 weeks before expected crabgrass germination. In New England/Northern states: mid-April to early May. Soil temperature trigger: when soil reaches 55°F consistently for several days, crabgrass begins germinating — apply BEFORE this point. Rule of thumb: apply when forsythia bushes are blooming or when lilacs begin to bud. | FALL APPLICATION (SECONDARY): Apply late August through mid-September to prevent fall-germinating weeds (annual bluegrass, henbit, chickweed) and get a head start on next spring's crabgrass. Fall application also feeds lawn going into winter. | SPLIT APPLICATION (BEST RESULTS): Apply half rate (10 lbs/1,000 sq ft) in early spring, half rate in early fall. Maintains season-long prevention with consistent nitrogen feeding. | AVOID TIMING: Do not apply within 60 days of seeding lawn — will prevent grass seed germination | Do not apply to frozen ground | Avoid application if heavy rain (>1 inch) expected within 24-48 hours | Do not apply during drought stress | REGIONAL TIMING: Deep South: February-March (spring), September (fall) | Mid-Atlantic: Late March-April, September | Midwest: April-early May, late August-September | Pacific Northwest: March, September-October

STANDARD LAWN PROGRAM: 2 applications per year — once in spring (4-6 weeks before crabgrass germination), once in early fall (late August-September). This provides season-long prevention plus nitrogen feeding. | HEAVY WEED PRESSURE: 3 applications — early spring, late spring (6 weeks after first), early fall. Higher frequency addresses extended germination windows and heavy seed banks. | AFTER DISTURBANCE: Reapply anytime soil is disturbed (aeration, dethatching, renovation, digging). Disturbance brings buried weed seeds to germination zone. | FACTORS AFFECTING LONGEVITY: Corn gluten effectiveness lasts 5-6 weeks per application under normal conditions. | REDUCE LIFESPAN: Heavy rainfall — over 2 inches within a week of application may wash away product before full activation | Sandy soil — faster breakdown, may need higher rate or more frequent application | High microbial activity — breaks down faster in highly organic soils | EXTEND LIFESPAN: Clay soils hold product longer | Cooler soil temperatures slow breakdown | Proper watering-in without overwatering | BUILDING OVER TIME: Corn gluten becomes more effective with consistent annual use — organic matter builds in soil and dipeptide concentrations compound. Year 1: 50-60% weed reduction typical. Year 3+: 80-90% reduction possible with consistent application.

Application of Product

Where To Apply

LAWNS: All turf grass types including Kentucky bluegrass, fescues, perennial ryegrass, bermudagrass, zoysiagrass, St. Augustine, buffalograss. Safe for established lawns of any age. | ORNAMENTAL BEDS: Around established shrubs, trees, perennials, and groundcovers. Apply to bare soil between plants. | VEGETABLE GARDENS: Apply to pathways and around established transplants ONLY. Do not apply where you will direct-seed. Safe to apply after transplants are established (2+ weeks after planting). | FLOWER BEDS: Around established annual and perennial flowers. | FRUIT TREES & ORCHARDS: Apply under canopy drip line on bare soil. | CONTAINER PLANTS: Can apply to soil surface in large containers to prevent weed germination. | ATHLETIC FIELDS & PARKS: Safe for sports turf, playgrounds, and public areas. No re-entry restrictions. | NEAR WATER FEATURES: Safe near decorative ponds and birdbaths — does not harm aquatic life or animals drinking treated water runoff. | PET AREAS: Completely safe for areas where dogs, cats, and other pets play or relieve themselves. | ORGANIC GARDENS: OMRI listed, approved for organic production. Safe for certified organic operations.

Where Not To Apply

SEEDING AREAS — CRITICAL: Do not apply anywhere you plan to seed within 60 days. This includes: lawn renovation areas, overseeding projects, new lawn establishment, direct-seeded vegetable gardens, flower beds being seeded, wildflower plantings. Corn gluten will prevent ALL seeds from germinating, including desirable grass and flowers. | WET FOLIAGE: Do not apply when grass is wet from rain, irrigation, or heavy dew — product will stick to blades rather than reaching soil. Apply to dry turf. | FROZEN OR SNOW-COVERED GROUND: Will not incorporate into soil and will wash away with snowmelt. Wait until soil is thawed and workable. | BEFORE HEAVY RAIN: Avoid application if >1 inch of rain expected within 48 hours — heavy rainfall can wash product away before it activates. | DURING DROUGHT: Effectiveness requires moisture to activate. If irrigation is unavailable during dry periods, wait for seasonal rain. | SLOPES PRONE TO EROSION: Heavy rain can wash granular product downhill before incorporation. | WATERWAYS: While not toxic, avoid direct application to streams, ponds, or drainage ditches — product can contribute to nutrient loading. | NEWLY SODDED AREAS: Wait until sod is fully rooted (4-6 weeks) before applying. | FRESHLY AERATED LAWNS BEING OVERSEEDED: If aerating and seeding, skip corn gluten until grass is established.