The weather's getting nicer, your lawn is looking just terrific, you've got that big weekend lawn party planned, you step out onto your grass...and there's a pesky new inhabitant: dandelions.
As a kid (and even as adults), we love watching the little helicopter-like blooms float and dance into the air. But, with your lawn it's a whole different story.
Our friends at GreenerGreenGrass Organic Lawn Care Blog wrote a great article called "Five Things You Need To Know About Dandelions" - here's the gist:
- What are dandelions? - There's two types of dandelions in the Taraxacum genus of flowering plants. The name "dandelion" comes from the French phrase dent-de-lion, which means lion's tooth and describes the plant's ragged leaves.
- How do dandelions grow? - After the plant flowers, the head of the flower dries, petals fall off and those pesky seed-bearing parachutes get caught by the wind...and go everywhere.
- Why are dandelions considered "bad"? - Actually, this is a bit of a misnomer. Dandelions are rich in nutrients (yup, you can eat them). And, they're a beneficial weed, from helping vegetable plants grow and protecting your lawn from certain pests. Oh yeah, but don't tend to them...and they can take over your lawn. Not good.
- How can you get rid of dandelions organically? - A very time-tested and trusted method: by grabbing hold and pulling 'em out with your hands. But, be sure to pull it all out - any little bit left can cause it to regenerate!
- How can you prevent dandelions from growing? - That's easy! Just be sure your spiffy, emerald-green lawn has a large, deep root network. This crowds the soil, preventing other plants (and weeds) from growing.
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