Preventing Grassburs...Naturally

March is the time to to apply horticultural corn gluten to prevent grassburs.  Corn gluten is a natural non-selective pre-emergent which means that it prohibits all plant species from germinating from seed.  So don't apply it anywhere you want to grow plants from seeds such as gardens, wild flowers and flower beds.  You will notice significant reduction in grassburs the first year and vigilence for three years will get the population under control.  A nice benefit of corn gluten is that it is also a good organic fertilizer with 9-10 percent nitrogen...and of course it contains no harmful chemicals!  You may also want use it in your garden to prevent weeds once all plants are up and growing.  Application rate is 15 to 20 pounds per 1000 sq. ft. and it lasts for 10-12 weeks.  You may need to apply a second time in a wet summer and/or fall.  If dry, water it in to activate it.