Having a lawn full of dandelion weeds is one of the biggest pains of having a garden. This particularly bothersome lawn weed can be an eyesore to your perfect lawn if it decides to sprout unexpectedly. Worse still, they can grow all year round, but no matter the season, but particularly in spring and summer.

Although most gardeners find them annoying, they do bring a lot of benefits to the garden. Their taproot can bring nutrients from the soil closer to the surface. This will also increase the amount of nitrogen available for surrounding plants. But for those eager to stop dandelions from sprouting, there is a natural, effective product to use, and no, it’s not vinegar or baking soda.

According to the lawn specialists at Scotts, gardeners can use corn gluten to “prevent the germination of dandelion and large crabgrass seeds by releasing amino/dipeptides (proteins) into the soil, starving the roots of water”.

Corn Gluten is a great way to keep ahead of your dandelion weeds before they become a problem.

Researchers at Iowa State University discovered by accident that cornmeal gluten acts as an herbicide while they were doing disease research.

Corn gluten meal (CGM)is a powdery by-product of the corn milling process. Used for years as a supplement, this natural protein is very effective for lawns and gardens as a plant food as well as a weed suppressor, according to Linda Naeve, urban agriculture specialist at Iowa State University.

She added: “Besides its high protein content, CGM also contains 10% nitrogen by volume, making it an excellent, natural, slow-release fertiliser for lawns. It promotes thicker lawns, resulting in fewer places for weeds to become established.

“During the past 10 years, CGM has gained national attention as being the first effective ‘organic’ herbicide.”

It is important to note that cornmeal gluten is only effective against seeds, not mature plants. Plus, it is most effective with corn gluten having at least 60% protein in it.

Applying corn gluten is a five-minute task that should be carried out when the soil is moist and when rain is forecasted within two days of application.

If you have large areas to cover, you can try a spray form for ease of application. Apply every four weeks, or after heavy rains, during the growing season to maintain effectiveness.