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"natural" way to get rid of dandelions?

post #1 of 43
5/21/08 at 12:41pm
Thread Starter 
Our yard has dandelions and I'm looking for a natural way to get rid of them. Any suggestions?
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post #2 of 43
5/21/08 at 4:49pm
I pulled them out by the roots over the course of several weeks. Yes, it was hard work. However, it was more satisfying being on my hands and knees knowing that I wasn't exposing myself to lawn chemicals. I do recommend a garden tool to facilitate.
post #3 of 43
5/21/08 at 4:59pm
:
post #4 of 43
5/21/08 at 5:21pm
Vinegar. It'll kill the grass around it tho, so be careful where you pour it. You can use it straight, but it also works watered down too.

I agree with the previous poster - if there have been no chemicals used on your lawn, pull them up and eat them for dinner!
post #5 of 43
5/21/08 at 5:25pm
I pay my 5 year old a penny per dandelion root.
post #6 of 43
5/21/08 at 5:46pm
We use a weed hound. It is by far my most useful gardening tool. You put it over the dandelion, step on the pedal, pull up and it is ripped out by the root. No mess, super easy. All of our neighbors borrow it now (except the guy next door who prefers Roundup ).
post #7 of 43
5/21/08 at 7:21pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by sunny*pa*mom View Post
We use a weed hound. It is by far my most useful gardening tool. You put it over the dandelion, step on the pedal, pull up and it is ripped out by the root. No mess, super easy. All of our neighbors borrow it now (except the guy next door who prefers Roundup ).
That thing is awesome...
I'm probably going to get out there and pull them up with my kiddo though!
post #8 of 43
5/21/08 at 7:23pm
You could also leave them there and call them "wildflowers" instead of "weeds" and enjoy the sparkle of color on an otherwise boring green lawn.
post #9 of 43
5/21/08 at 9:08pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Ruthla View Post
You could also leave them there and call them "wildflowers" instead of "weeds" and enjoy the sparkle of color on an otherwise boring green lawn.
Yep! I think dandelions are beautiful!

They are darned useful little plants, too! I use the blossoms to make an infused dandelion flower oil. I infuse olive oil for a lovely salad dressing, and make a shea/sunflower oil that is wonderful for PMS sore breast massage.
If I can gather enough flowers this summer I'll make dandelion wine.

The leaves are wonderful in food if you pick them before the plant blossoms in spring. After they flower they get quite bitter. The root is also useful for all sorts of medicinal things. You can also dry the root, roast it, and use it for a rich, coffee-like tea. It can also be chopped, pickled in apple cider vinegar, and used in salads.
post #10 of 43
5/21/08 at 9:45pm
Another dandelion lover here! I don't understand how they came to be so loathed. I think they're lovely (and they do have many, many uses). Maybe all that you need to change is your outlook.

Lex
post #11 of 43
5/21/08 at 11:14pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by tinuviel_k View Post
Yep! I think dandelions are beautiful!

They are darned useful little plants, too! I use the blossoms to make an infused dandelion flower oil. I infuse olive oil for a lovely salad dressing, and make a shea/sunflower oil that is wonderful for PMS sore breast massage.
If I can gather enough flowers this summer I'll make dandelion wine.

The leaves are wonderful in food if you pick them before the plant blossoms in spring. After they flower they get quite bitter. The root is also useful for all sorts of medicinal things. You can also dry the root, roast it, and use it for a rich, coffee-like tea. It can also be chopped, pickled in apple cider vinegar, and used in salads.
How do you make the oil?
post #12 of 43
5/22/08 at 12:08am
Quote:
Originally Posted by kalisis View Post
I agree with the previous poster - if there have been no chemicals used on your lawn, pull them up and eat them for dinner!
Quote:
Originally Posted by Ruthla View Post
You could also leave them there and call them "wildflowers" instead of "weeds" and enjoy the sparkle of color on an otherwise boring green lawn.
: to both. If you pick them when they are more mature (and hence more bitter) you could dry the leaves and then make an infusion with them to drink before meals - viola! digestive bitters!
post #13 of 43
5/22/08 at 12:12am
My husband digs them out.

Yesterday my daughter told me 'our yard would be much prettier if we planted more dandelions'.
post #14 of 43
5/22/08 at 12:51am
Quote:
Originally Posted by DaMajha View Post
How do you make the oil?
I make it in mason pint jars. I pick enough blossoms to fill the jar (it takes quite a bit!). After picking I sit down and take all the green parts (sepals) off the blossoms and fill the jar with the yellow dandelion fluff. Don't pack the flowers down, just fill loosely. I fill to the top.
Next I pour the oil over to cover completely. I stir well to get rid of the bubbles, as airspace can cause mold issues. Then I top it off with more oil, to almost the top of the jar.
I cover the top of the jar with two paper towels and secure with a rubber band. The lid should be cloth or paper towels, something breathable, to allow for moisture evaporation from the blossoms.
I set the jar in a sunny window and let it sit for one or two weeks. The I strain through cheesecloth into a clean jar, cap, and store in the fridge.
If I want a stronger scent or stronger properties (depending on the herb and purpose for the oil) I re-infuse the oil with fresh blossoms.
post #15 of 43
5/22/08 at 1:23am
I can't get into teh dandelions are pretty thing. They have alwasy been an eyesore to me I just can't see them as a pretty flower. I think pullingw owrks when you don't have too many.
post #16 of 43
5/22/08 at 2:53am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Ruthla View Post
You could also leave them there and call them "wildflowers" instead of "weeds" and enjoy the sparkle of color on an otherwise boring green lawn.
This is our approach! We love dandelions around here. I had a hard time explaining to my 4yo DS why he couldn't buy more dandelions at a recent plant sale. He didn't understand why people wouldn't want them because as e says, "they are so pretty and cheerful"
post #17 of 43
5/22/08 at 7:54am
Dandelions are pretty when they're yellow and blooming...not so pretty after they've turned to fluff, fluff is blowing all over making my eyes water and the stems are just sticking up there.
post #18 of 43
5/22/08 at 11:42am
But they're SOO tasty! and Pretty! I really don't understand why soo many people 'hate dandelions' and 'don't want them around' as the commercials say... its nonsense! They're beautiful, super tasty, super good for you... makes no sense!!
post #19 of 43
5/22/08 at 11:48am
I am in the I think they are pretty camp. They look so sunny and cheerful, especially in early spring.
post #20 of 43
5/22/08 at 2:44pm
I'll never understand why people want less flowers in their yard.

But, if you must, pulling them out with the root is the way to go. It works best if it's just rained or if the soil if very very moist. I pull them out of my garden and flower beds because they take over.
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