The following article appeared in the February 2000 issue of the Salem Hardy Plant Society Newsletter. The article is still of current interest. The only change is the information about the source of the product. Western Farm Service is now located in Salem Oregon at 3630 Brooklake Road N.E. Their phone number is (503) 393-1141.

Does it really work? Is it right for you?
CONTROL PROBLEM WEEDS NATURALLY!
SHPS member Jim Sahlstrom found a new product recently…

I found "Bio-Weed" at the Far West Nursery Show. The claims are impressive—that it is as effective as most chemical pre-emergent herbicides but is an organic substance (and slow-release organic fertilizer--10-1-0). It was invented (like post-it note adhesive, "accidentally", by an Iowa State University researcher in 1986. He was searching for a use of animal feed byproducts, in this case corn gluten meal, and being organically derived, it lacks the associated risks to the environment and the applicator associated with "chemicals".

It was therefore exempted from USDA pesticide regulations, and is approved for use in agriculture, on golf courses, in landscapes, vineyards, parks, but I recently tried a 4lb sample bag in my back yard, covering both lawn and flower bed. As of today (early January) the lawn is greener in the area that I covered and flower beds have no additional weeds… of course it is winter, yet there seems to be stunting of growth in the existing weeds.

It works in two ways, by releasing natural dipeptides that prevent weed seeds from germinating, and prevents weed seeds that have already germinated and produced young roots from growing into mature plants. According to the manufacturer, Bio-Weed is not harmful to transplants, young tender seedlings or established plants, and actually acts as a slow-release fertilizer.

Some of the plants it controls are dandelion, crabgrass, Bermuda grass, purslane, pigweed, velvetleaf, annual bluegrass, barnyard grass, quackgrass, lamb's quarters, curly dock, yellow foxtail, buckhorn, plantain, black medic, black nightshade, white clover, redstem filaree, henbit, mallow, pineapple weed, annual sow thistle and shepherd's purse…in other words a variety of broad-leaved and grassy weeds.

Bio-Weed can be incorporated into the soil before planting or broadcast into established plantings and lawns (I used the recommended 20lbs per 1000 square feet). As a food grade quality product the environmental risks are so low that it can be used near lakes, streams, other waterways.

It's pelletized for long-lasting effectiveness: up to 120 days as a pre-emergent. After that, a second application should suppress the sprouting of newly released weed seeds and thus break the weed cycle. Effects are supposed to be cumulative, with greater effectiveness with each application.

Bio-Weed is available at Western Farm Service in Hubbard (2883 Industrial Avenue, 800-669-5089, or 503-982-1226). They will deliver it to Salem and the price will be about $23.50 per 50 lb bag. It is also available at Fred Meyer in 5lb bags for $10.99 under the brand name "Concern". Since I would prefer to use an organic product, I'm anxious to receive feedback from other local users. Please share your stories with me if you decide to try it.

Jim joined SHPS after the 1999 membership directory was published. You can reach him at 393-5126, or asdesign@Teleport.com.

Is this a product we as gardeners favor or oppose? Many of us struggle with the personal use of herbicides, but given the existence of landscapes…such as golf courses, business parks, and agriculture…in which diversity is a bad word and yet in which perhaps more harmful products are currently in use…maybe it's the "right" product after all.

Letters to the editor are welcomed (including ones on Bio-weed/Concern), as are articles for the newsletter! Share your thoughts on a great garden you have seen locally or on travels abroad, new products, or favorite plants. –editor