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How many times have you said “learn from your mistakes.” Well, that is exactly what Nick Christians, a research at Iowa State University did. His mistake was spilling corn gluten meal (CGM) while working in the research fields. He was using the CGM as an ingredient in fertilizer. He noticed that in the spot where he spilled the CGM, no seed would germinate. Aha! He learned from his mistake that CGM is not only a great source of nitrogen for plants but may also work as a pre-emergent weed seed control!

Corn gluten meal is a fine powder that is a byproduct of the corn milling process. Traditionally it had always been used as a supplement in hog feed. There is a natural protein in CGM that is a good nutrient for lawns and gardens and also an effective at suppressing new weed growth. Although we cannot refer to CGM as Organic because it is not made from organically grown corn, it is non-toxic and safe.

How does corn gluten meal work? The Nitrogen-Phosphorus-Potassium (N-P-K) ratio of corn gluten is 10-1-0, or 10% nitrogen by weight. The reason why it is a natural weed suppressant when applied at 20 pounds per 1000 square feet is because as soon as the seed germinates, the tender root is dried out. Combined, these qualities make CGM an ideal weed and feed product.

Does corn gluten meal hurt my plants? When applied at the recommend rate of 20lbs/1000 square feet, CGM only works by inhibiting root formation at the time of germination, it does not harm ...

Will he see his shadow or will he not?  That is the question!

Groundhog Day is celebrated on February 2nd, each year in the United States and Canada.  For a nice welcomed break during the winter, on this day the groundhog awakens from his nap and goes outside to see if he can see his shadow.  It is believed my many that if the groundhog sees his shadow that there will then be six more weeks of winter. If this is so,  he then retrieves back into his den and goes back to sleep.  If he is not able to see his shadow, the groundhog remains outside to play and people celebrate believing that spring is just around the corner.

As the Germans settled in the hills of Pennsylvania, they brought this tradition with them.  The tradition was based on Candlemas, which is the day that is the midpoint between winter and spring.

Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania has been chosen as the site for the annual Groundhog day event.  Thousands of people come to the town of Punsxutawney on Groundhog Day for this day of celebration.

Although already a well known day, Groundhog Day received widespread attention as a result of the 1993 film Groundhog Day, which was set in Punxsutawney and portrayed Roger Rininger as the groundhog.