Finding Horticultural Cornmeal and Effective Substitutes for Lawn Fungus Control

The Problem

A gardener near zip 60002 (Illinois) cannot find horticultural cornmeal locally; online shipping costs as much as the product.

What Is Horticultural Cornmeal?

It’s the outer husk of the corn kernel removed during milling—not the cornmeal you cook with. The husk contains compounds that feed beneficial fungi (like Trichoderma) which suppress pathogenic lawn fungi.

Effective, Cheap Substitute: Baking Soda

• Dissolve 4 heaping teaspoons baking soda per gallon of water.
• Apply with a garden sprayer, section by section.
• Works as well as horticultural cornmeal for many fungal issues.

Local Sources to Check

• Walmart – increasingly stocks organic lawn products.
• Local feed stores & nurseries – call and ask for “horticultural cornmeal” or “agricultural cornmeal.”
• Co-ops or farm supply stores – may carry it in bulk.

If you find a local source, buy a bag and store it dry. It keeps well and treats a large area.