Dandelions - 7 organic solutions

[Linda and "Toby"]

We missed mowing our lawn in the backyard last weekend and dandelions are popping up everywhere! *gasp!* Although it provided me with an interesting photo op for a Photography group assignment (nothing like making the best of a bad situation - lol!) I need to get this weed under control!

F. Parker kindly pointed out the dangers of using Weed and Feed to get rid of the problem. (That you, F!)  I came across this article on seven ways to get rid of dandelions, organically: 

http://www.plantea.com/dandelions.htm

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

OH no--eat them!   Dandelions make a great  foods and wines.   My mother, was once almost arrested for trespassing because she was picking dandelions.  This old lady was so shocked by the treatment of this man who owned an abandon lot with some really great dandelion plants.  ( leaves are the best ).  I still tease her about this. 
Dandelion Recipes

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

My friends had traveled to Russia a few years ago.  The country is crazy for dandelions and finds it a thrill if they CAN GET T HEM TO GROW in their yard.

[F, Calla & Luca]

Send them to my yard!!!

[Linda and "Toby"]

How funny. Good example of "One man's (er, woman's) trash is another one's treasure." haha!

[Aimee Santa Monica]

Sweet story!    Those are some great organic tips!   I may try boiled water or vinegar!

[F, Calla & Luca]

The article was interesting. The pre-emergent stuff wouldn't do here since I have a big yard and many dandelions are already beyond that stage I'm sure. I did try some for crabgrass near the road one year. It was expensive and I'm not sure how effective it was.Last year I was going to use vinegar on things but never got to it. This year I'm really going to try. Or maybe  could teach the doodles to pee on weeds--I really like this idea!

I actually bought dandelion root capsules. My friend has been eating dandelion greens for her arthritis and swears by them She's a physician so I gave her some benefit of the doubt. I thought I'd buy some capsules but they turned out to be the root not the greens so I haven't actually tried them yet but they are all over the internet as good for almost anything : ) I never had much success with the tools either. Mostly I loosen the dandelion root with a shovel or trowel, pull it and tamp the soil back,. As I said elsewhere, when I'm not up for the whole operation, I snap off the flowers as a temporizing measure, so that the plant doesn't go to seed.

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

Last year I posted something similar--organic ways to rid poison ivy.  Don't bother with the ones I posted.  The ivy grew bigger and better  :) 

I used a combination of bleach, water, and salt. 

[F, Calla & Luca]

Ha! My mother used to use bleach and it did eventually work. I just use the old plastic newspaper bag over my arm is it's small and then turn the bag inside out.

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

I pulled a lot yesterday.  Those ivy roots are mean.

[F, Calla & Luca]

Survival of the fittest again!

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Thanks, I think I am going to try the pickling method on any foxtails that show up in the yard.

[J and Riley (and Luna)]

My lawn is a gigantic weedfest - I think I am going to try the pickling method as soon as the snow melts :)