Preventative ControlsSometimes you just have to give it some elbow grease. Digging is key since dandelions have a simple yet deep tap root system.
1. Weed early in the spring. If you get them when they first pop up, the roots will not be very extensive and you can get them before they spread too far. Extract the whole root.
2. Be consistent. Don’t let the roots take over- you will have to dig throughout the season.
3. Regularly mow, rake or pick the heads off (before they go to seed) of your dandelions throughout the season to prevent maturation and distribution of weed seeds.
4. Be sure to discard the roots in a bucket and throw into the garbage. This plant can take root everywhere and the compost may miss it in the decomposing process, which means you will plant it all over again.
5. Use some good digging tools to access the roots and don’t require too much bending.
Organic ControlsThere are many pesticide-free alternatives that can be used to combat those pesky yellow blooms.
1. Maintain a healthy, enriched soil.2. Pour boiling water over the affected areas to kill the plant then remove the dead plant so that it does not re-bloom.
3. Spot treat with a 5-10% solution of vinegar.
4. Sheet mulching: If dandelions are covering a large area in your yard, you can cover the plants to prevent the photosynthetic process needed to sustain the plant.
5. Corn Gluten Meal (CGM) is a protein produced from the by-product from the corn milling process that can be found at most garden centres. When spread over a lawn or garden area, CGM will suppress germination.
6. If the above solutions do not work, you can always try a weed burner torch or a blowtorch to burn the dandelions away.
To learn more about managing your dandelions naturally, please visit: http://www.environmentalsociety.ca/main/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/Fact-Sheet-Dandelions.pdf
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