Uses for Cornmeal

Cornmeal can be used to combat diseases and fungus in plants. Cornmeal stimulates the growth of microorganisms that feed on the pathogens that cause many plant diseases and soil fungus. Both food and ornamental crops can benefit from cornmeal to control disease because harsh pesticides don't have to be used. This makes food and plants healthier than with pesticide use. Cornmeal can be used multiple times to control plant diseases and fungus and is not affected by rain. In fact, cornmeal needs water to activate so rainwater helps cornmeal fight diseases. Cornmeal tea can also be used to control plant diseases and fungus. Once cornmeal has been soaked in water, plant foliage can be sprayed with the mixture. Cornmeal baths can also combat toenail fungus, ear mite and skin problems, as well as ear fungus.

Algae can become problematic in ponds and water features. Cornmeal can be used to eliminate water algae. Cornmeal contains cellulose that collects excess phosphorous found in pond or fountain water. Cornmeal also balances the chemistry of the water. Both of these things help kill off algae. Beneficial bacteria uses the carbon in cornmeal to flourish and help digest the algae. The digesting algae then provides carbon for the bacteria to flourish even further. If cornmeal is sunk to the bottom of a water feature, it works faster to kill algae. Pellet cornmeal is best for sinking in water. It is best to try to avoid killing algae too fast, however, because it can kill fish because of oxygen deprivation.

Compost can be beneficial to soil, especially in areas where soil nutrients are not substantial enough to support plant growth. Cornmeal can be used to simulate the growth of microbes that neutralize contaminates in the compost. Cornmeal also helps speed up the composting process. The more cornmeal that is used, the faster compost will decompose. Cornmeal also helps build up soil and fertilize plants that the compost is spread around.

Corn gluten meal, a different type of cornmeal, can be used instead of chemical plant weed and feed. The corn gluten meal creates a soil barrier so that weed seeds can't germinate. The gluten meal fertilizes wanted plants organically. The corn gluten meal works best if it is watered into the soil and then left to dry for a period of time. Corn gluten meal can be used before or after plants are planted but must be introduced to the soil before weed seeds germinate or it won't be as effective.