What
did one dandelion say to the other dandelion? Take me to your weeder! Have a
problem with dandelions? Weeding them can be easy.
Preventative Controls
Sometimes
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. Pull
dandelions when they first pop up. The roots will not be very extensive and you
can get them before they spread. Remember to 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 your dandelions (before they go to seed) throughout the season to
prevent maturation and distribution of dandelion seeds.
4.
Discard the roots in a bucket and
throw them into the garbage. Dandelions can take root everywhere. Composting
dandelions isn’t recommended because some seeds may not fully compost, and
could re-grow in your lawn or garden.
5.
Use Digging tools to access the
roots that don’t require too much bending.
Organic Controls
There
are many pesticide-free alternatives that can be used on dandelions.
1. Maintain a healthy,
enriched soil.
2. Pour boiling water
over the affected areas to kill the plant, and 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) can be used as a preventative measure. 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. Remember,
it will also prevent grass seed growth; do not spread CGM directly after
over-seeding your lawn or your grass seeds will not germinate.
To learn more about managing your dandelions
naturally, please visit: http://www.environmentalsociety.ca/main/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/Fact_dandelion_2011.pdf
-Brett
-Brett
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