Pick Your Program

To build a program you will need to have on hand:

1. A granular organic fertilizer - [I prefer a granular that has a base of poultry manure] My favorites are LadyBug, Sustain, Bioform or Texas Tee.
          A granular fertilization is always applied to both lawn and beds.  Rates* Lady Bug at 10 pounds per thousand
          sq. ft.  All others 20 pounds.

2. A Fish/Seaweed liquid-- Choose either LadyBug--John’s Recipe or Natures Guide or Bioform Liquid

3. Agrispon [ a liquid biostimulant ]******** very important
        A foliar spray is a mixture of 2 oz Fish/ Seaweed/ liquid and 1 oz Agrispon to 1 gallon of water per 1000 sq.
        ft [sprayed on all grass, plants, shrubs and trees.
    
   The Basic Organic Program
   Feb. 15- March---- Apply a granular and a foliar spray.
   May----Apply a foliar spray.
   July----Apply a granular and a foliar spray.
   Sept.----Apply a foliar spray.
   Oct.- Nov.----Apply a granular and a foliar spray.
   
   The Basic Organic Program with Weed Control
   Feb.15-March15----Apply Powdered Corn Gluten Meal.
     NOTE: the only two brands that offer a powdered source are Natures Guide & Blue Bonnet
   2 weeks later -----Apply a granular and a foliar spray.
   May----Apply a foliar spray.
   July----Apply a granular and a foliar spray.
   Sept.----Apply a foliar spray.
   Sept.15-Oct.15----Apply Powdered Corn Gluten Meal.[ if you plan to overseed with winter grass you must apply after grass has come up]
   2 weeks later-----Apply a granular and a foliar spray.
   Be sure to buy powdered Corn Gluten Meal [ the bag will only say Corn Gluten Meal ] and apply it at a rate of 20 pounds per 1000 sq. ft. and water it lightly so it won’t blow away. “Granular” or “Fine Grind” Corn Gluten Meal have not shown to work in my testing and Corn Gluten Meal “Blend” is a meal based fertilizer- not weed control. A drop spreader makes it easier to apply powdered corn gluten meal [ it is dusty ] but broadcast spreaders will work too.
   
   Be sure to buy a bag that just says CORN GLUTEN MEAL
   
   Notes on Powdered Corn Gluten Meal:  [Unfortunately the bag won’t say powdered but the product will be powdered]
   Powdered Corn Gluten Meal does not kill existing weeds. Powdered Corn Gluten Meal covers the soil and when broad leaf weed seed lands on the spot and comes in contact with the product it is rendered unable to turn into a plant.
   Powdered Corn Gluten Meal does not control grassy weeds.
   
   To have a weed free lawn area----apply either Natures Guide or Blue Bonnet powdered corn gluten meal only--other brands do not offer a truly powdered product [do not apply it within 2 weeks of a fertilization] By applying it the first time, you have stopped an action [the seeds that are flying will not become weeds] Most broadleaf weeds are reseeding annuals . Perennial weeds like clover and grassy weeds like crabgrass will have to be dug. Each time you mow take 15 minutes to dig a few weeds and then add some more powdered corn gluten meal in the bare spot that you have left. [In one week your turf grasses will cover the bare spots.] After the initial application get on the Spring and Fall schedule. A thick turf will make it easy to control weeds from now on.
   Note---if you overseed with annual rye [choose Elbon] you must seed and let the rye come up evenly before you apply the powdered corn gluten meal.
   
   In the flower beds powdered corn gluten meal may be sprinkled on top of mulch to control weeds if you don’t want your plants to reseed there---The powdered corn gluten meal does not know a weed seed from a plant seed.
   
   Always save yourself some powdered corn gluten meal to put down on any bare spots or under bird feeders to keep the bird seed from spoiling the area around it. This will need to be reapplied monthly because the birds will disturb the area.
   
   Thank You For Being Organic--Love and Luck, Lucy
   
   Lucy Harrell T.C.N.P.
   Organic Consultant
   A Specialist On Demanding Landscapes
   lucygeorge5208@sbcglobal.net
   www.organicgardeningtx.com