Growing up, my neighbor's grass always looked immaculate and green compared to my parent's more natural variety. His triumph in the looks department, however, came at a terrible expense to the environment as he regularly used chemicals each spring to control weeds and pests.

Anyone who has ever witnessed this can remember the little yellow flags that spell toxic gloom to anyone looking to relax on the grass. Chemical warfare on our lawns (as well as those that happen on farms) is simply an easy solution that does more harm than good. Thankfully, there's an organic alternative that could replace those harsh chemicals and it's something you can make at home this spring.

It's called Corn Gluten meal, and is a pre-emergent herbicide that is a natural byproduct of the corn milling process. It controls the weed population by inhibiting the sprouting of seeds. It’s effective when applied 4 to 6 weeks before weed germination. Since it contains 10% nitrogen by weight, it also makes a great fertilizer for your lawn or flower bed.

The site, Stella's Yard, has some great descriptions regarding the various forms Corn Gluten meal comes in. They also offer some advice on effective use, especially since the meal only inhibits the germination of new seeds and does not retard the growth of established plants. For that, the old vinegar and lemon juice attack might be your best bet.

With a bit of research, you can find some recipes online and also check out your local garden center for some ingredients. In the process, you'll save some cash on hiring a chemical company to do the dirty work, help the environment, and still have that glowing green lawn to show off to your neighborhood. Of course, this time, be sure to share your environmentally-friendly secret!

Source: Earth-Friendly Weed Control For Your Lawn Or Garden