Dandelion Dilemma
Although they may be good for the soil in small doses, there seems to be nothing more frustrating than working hard to create a beautiful yard, only to go outside one day and realize that those annoying little fuzzy things blowing in the air have taken root on the lush green carpet that could otherwise be known as "your perfect lawn." Yes, Dandelions have landed in your private perfect space. It seems that the harder you try to get rid of them, the more that seems to grow.
"What's a dandelion digger for?" one dandelion asked. "It’s a human invention to help us reproduce," another dandelion replied.
They are not paying rent, and they refuse to leave. Good news! Eviction of these pesky weeds may be very difficult, but it is not impossible. Here are some methods of ridding your lawn of dandelions.
If you are adventurous enough to try new foods, dandelion greens are very healthy for you. They are higher in beta carotene than carrots, and the iron and calcium are better than spinich. The following is a recommended recipe.
Dandelian Greens
Dandelion greens are cooked with chopped onion, minced garlic, chile pepper, then topped with grated Parmesan cheese.
INGREDIENTS:
- 1 pound dandelion greens
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 whole small dried hot chile pepper, seeds removed, crushed
- 1/4 cup cooking oil
- salt and pepper
- Parmesan cheese
PREPARATION:
Discard dandelion green roots; wash greens well in salted water. Cut leaves into 2-inch pieces. Cook greens uncovered in small amount of salted water until tender, about 10 minutes. Sauté onion, garlic, and chile pepper in oil.
Drain greens; add to onion garlic mixture. Taste dandelion greens and season with salt and pepper, if desired. Serve dandelion greens with grated Parmesan cheese.
Recipe for dandelion greens serves 4.
If you've had your fill of dandelion greens, and your lawn is still sprouting yellow flowers, you may consider ridding your lawn with one of these organic remedies. This will not harm people or animals.
Weed Pulling vs Dandelions
Weed pulling is the most difficult and time consuming method of getting rid of dandelions. Soil preparation is vital because each piece of root that is left in the ground will sprout a new weed within days. To effectively remove the entire root, carefully cut the earth at least 3 inches deep in a circle about 1 to 2 inches away from the stems of the dandelions. Next, water your lawn completely. The wetter the soil, the greater the success. Since dandelion roots can be as much as 10" long, you must be sure to thoroughly saturate the cut soil, allowing the water to drain towards the tip of the roots. Then firmly grip the root as deep into the earth as you are able and pull straight up. With luck, the main root will come out whole and you will have fewer dandelions. Do this at least twice a week until the weeds disappear.
Vinegar vs Dandelions
Acetic Acid is found in all living things; it is also a natural weed killer. Most people are familiar with a weakened version of Acetic Acid called Vinegar. This makes vinegar an effective weed killer. However, vinegar does not distinguish the difference between weeds and good grasses so make sure it isn't windy when you use it. Carefully spray the leaves of each dandelion with vinegar for 3 seconds. The acidic content dries out and kills the leaves. Since this does not initially kill the root, you will have to do this several times until the weeds disappear.
If you don't care for the taste of dandelions, and your time and patience have been seriously tried by the time killing organic methods of removal, you may decide to learn to love your dandelions.
Lawn Care and Dandelions
Dandelions long roots are a natural soil aerator. Instead of paying expensive fees for lawn care, let dandelions aerate your soil for free. Dandelions also accumulate lots of minerals which go back into the soil when they die. Additionally, some studies have shown that lawns with dandelions attract more lady bugs, and lawns with more lady bugs have fewer pest aphids. Lawns with fewer pest aphids are healthier lawns, so keeping at least a few dandelions in your yard is a very good idea.
Quote for the Day
I appreciate the misunderstanding I have had with Nature over my perennial border. I think it is a flower garden; she thinks it is a meadow lacking grass, and tries to correct the error. ~Sara Stein, My Weeds, 1988