Above ground their seeds ride the wind currents to propagate the species.
Gardeners typically approach dandelion removal in two ways: pulling the plant or spraying it with herbicide.
you could harvest and eat dandelion greens in the spring.
The Spruce / Jayme Burrows
The leaves can be boiled or used raw in a salad.
This superfood is rich in vitamin A, vitamin K, and iron.
Moreover, the flower can be used in wine or boiled and stir-fried.
The Spruce / Steven Merkel
And the roots can be dried and steeped for a tea.
For the best taste, harvest dandelion greens and dig up their roots before the plant goes to seed.
Likewise, don’t harvest from a lawn where herbicides and other chemicals have been used.
The Spruce / Steven Merkel
Always thoroughly wash the dandelions before consuming.
It might take several seasons to fully eradicate dandelions in your yard.
Weeds are more easily extricated from wet soil.
The Spruce / Steven Merkel
Wiggle the tool to loosen the taproot.
Then, continue to tug gently at the leaves until it comes free.
Reseed Area
Reseed the area with grass seed, and water any bare spots.
The Spruce / Steven Merkel
Killing Dandelions With Herbicide
It’s best to avoid using chemicals when alternative weed protocols exist.
However, double-check you check safety warnings on the product for kids, pets, and the environment.
And verify that it won’t kill wanted plants, including yourgrass.
The Spruce / Steven Merkel
Select an Herbicide
Select an appropriate broadleaf herbicide.
Choose a Sunny Week
Check the weather, and wait for a sunny, dry week.
Prepare the Herbicide in Your Pump
Put on gardening gloves and protective clothing.
The Spruce / Steven Merkel
Add the herbicide to yourpump sprayer, mixing it with water per package directions.
Apply Herbicide
Using the sprayer, apply the herbicide to the dandelions in your yard.
Allow it to dry.
The Spruce / Steven Merkel
Wait
Wait several days until the dandelions' foliage turns brown before you water your lawn again.
Once dead, pull out or rake up the dandelion remains.
Reseed the area with grass seed after waiting at least three days from the chemical utility.
The Spruce / Steven Merkel
Tips for Removing Dandelions
If you’re serious about nontoxic removal methods, purchase a dandelion puller.
This garden tool is specifically built to get the job done.
Horticultural vinegar (made of 20 percent acetic acid) can be used in place of a chemical herbicide.
The Spruce / Steven Merkel
The high level of acetic acid gives it anherbicidalpunch.
But note that vinegar kills grass, so be very careful during system.
For at least two or three days before applying herbicide, don’t mow the lawn.
The Spruce / Steven Merkel
The bigger the dandelion leaves are, the more effective your program will be.
Preventative Dandelion Control
Promoting lawn health is the best method of dandelion control.
Don’t think of your grass as a passive partner needing rescue from weeds.
The Spruce / Steven Merkel
If managed properly, your lawn can compete against weeds, eliminating the need for laborious dandelion removal.
Leavegrass clippingson your lawn.
They will act as mulch to prevent weed seeds from germinating.
The Spruce / Steven Merkel
When you mow, leave the grass at a height of2 to 3 inches.
And don’t let bare spots remain, as they invite the invasion of opportunistic weeds.
In the fall, fill in bare spots byoverseeding.
The Spruce / Jayme Burrows
