Corn Gluten Meal

Picture taken on July 7, 2009. Corn Gluten Meal (CGM) was applied at a rate of 1500 lb/acre on June 9th

Corn Gluten Meal Facts:

By-product of corn milling process
Pre-emergent herbicide that is effective in stopping or inhibiting root formation
Contains 10% Nitrogen
Must be applied after seeds have germinated or use transplants

Corn Gluten Meal Observations
Extensive moisture can reduce effectiveness

Organic CGM not available

Has become very expensive in the past couple of years

Beware of corn gluten feed versus corn gluten meal. Feed will not work.

Resources:

Corn Gluten Meal Research Page: http://www.hort.iastate.edu/gluten/

Black Plastic

These pictures were taken on June 9th and July 7, 2009

Black Plastic Facts:

3’ x 50’roll - $7.44 ($.05 per square foot )
4 mil plastic
Not biodegradable
Puncture resistant

Available at most local stores

Black Plastic Observations:

Was not affected by rains in June.

Can use garden staples to secure edges

Seedlings emerged very quickly

OWM - Garden Bio-film

These pictures were taken on July 7 and June 9th, 2009

Bio-film Facts:

•5 x 30 ft roll $16.95 ( $.04 per square foot )
•100% biodegradable and compostable mulching film that is made from cornstarch and other renewable resources
•Begins to decompose in 50-60 days, biodegrading 95% after about 90 days depending on environmental conditions. It can be tilled into the soil at any time during the season

Bio-film Observations:

- Can be difficult to lay because it tears easily. Must secure edges with dirt because garden staples tear fabric.

- Wind can increase size of planting slits.

- Only 3 feet wide so once buried, only get about 2 feet of coverage