Effects

• While corn gluten meal is Earth-friendly, it is definitely not a friend of germinating seeds. The proteins in corn gluten spread across the soil, forming an invisible barrier that prevents healthy root growth. The stunted roots starve the emerging seedling. This barrier, if undisturbed, remains in place for 5 to 6 weeks.
  
  

Timing

• You may broadcast your grass seed 5 to 6 weeks after applying the meal. Many homeowners spread corn gluten meal in April or May, however, which pushes lawn planting time into early summer. Hot, dry summer weather is less than ideal for new lawn seedlings. If possible, wait until early fall to start your lawn.
  
  

Warnings

• Corn gluten meal does not kill actively growing weeds. In fact, corn gluten meal is 10 percent nitrogen, a nutrient that encourages plant growth. Rid your lawn bed of both annual and perennial weeds before using corn meal gluten, or you may have a bumper crop of dandelions when the time comes to sow lawn seed.