Getting rid of some weed is one of the most frustrating tasks as a gardener. Regardless of the methods, you have tried to get rid of them, they somehow find their way back, and sometimes it seems as though they come back stronger. One of those weeds is the dandelion.
Although children are always entertained and intrigued by the bright yellow flowers and fluffy heads of the dandelions, it’s a complete nightmare for adults who tend to lawns.
A lot of people get frustrated at how dandelions never seem to leave their lawns, instead, they spread themselves all around. What you do not know is that the dandelion is a subset of broadleaf perennial weeds; broadleaf perennial weeds are weeds that live more than two years.
They are very difficult to control because they regenerate very fast. They can germinate and spread their seeds. The dandelion belongs to this family and this is why you experience difficulty in getting rid of it.
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How to Get Rid of Dandelion At Home
There are several ways to get rid of dandelion; naturally and with the use of chemicals. However, you have may need to apply the method every year. This is because dandelion can be carried by wind to several miles, it can be difficult and almost impossible to get rid of the dandelions completely from your garden or lawn. you must know that it requires patience and diligence.
The following are various methods on getting rid of dandelion;
1. Get a Broadleaf herbicide spray
A broadleaf herbicide spray will only kill broadleaf weed like dandelions.
The herbicides absorb quickly into the leaf, you should use a broadleaf herbicide spray on a less windy day, this is so the spray won’t drift away. You can also use the herbicide spray when the temperature is under 85 degrees.
2. Use Acetic Acid to Kill Dandelions
You can get rid of dandelion with acetic acid, white vinegar has 5% acetic acid in it, and can be used to eliminate it and other weeds. You do not have to worry about the ph of the soil lowering as a result of the acidity in vinegar, it is only temporary and will not cause damage to the soil.
How to use
- Spray bottle
- White vinegar
Fill in your spray bottle with white vinegar, best spray the weed when you are not expecting rain, for at least 24 hours, and also on a less windy day. Spray the solution on the plant and reapply once in 3 days until the result has been achieved.
3. Try Saltwater spray
Although the saltwater spray is an effective solution or dandelion, it can be harmful to grasses around it. you can make use of this method in places where there is no grass.
How to use
- Spray bottle
- 1 cup of hot water
- 1 cup of salt
Mix the hot water and salt in the spray bottle and spray it directly on the dandelion. the most effective time to apply this is in the afternoon when you are not expecting rain. Continue to repeat the exercise until the result is achieved.
4. Use Baking soda
Baking soda can help you get rid of Dandelions.
How to use
- Make the dandelion dominated area moist before you begin
- Sprinkle the baking soda on the plant, this way, the entire plant is covered in white powder.
- If the dandelions are amongst plants you want to keep, then you can sprinkle just one teaspoon on each plant.
- Reapply in the next 4 weeks if notice the dandelion is still around.
5. Boiling water
You don’t want to make use of herbicides? This is for you. Using boiled water is one of the natural ways to get rid of dandelion. the hot water will burn the plant and its root. Repeat the process to be sure the taproot is dead.
How to use
- Boil water in a big pot
- Gently pour the water into a watering can
- Pour the water on the dandelions, making them touch every part of the plant.
6. Broadleaf herbicide granules
In case you do not want to make use of the broadleaf herbicide spray, the granule herbicide Is another option for you as they both perform the same function.
How to use
- Wet the plants, as the granules need to stick to the leaves.
- Apply the granules according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- You can also apply very early in the morning when the weed still has dews on it.
- Make sure you are not expecting rain in the next 24 hours.
- Wait for 2-4 days before you mow the lawn
7. Soap spray
Here is another home remedy for killing dandelions, you do not have to buy anything as all the items you need are household items. This method is best done on a sunny day.
How to use
- Water
- Spray bottle
- Liquid detergent
- Mix a lot of water and liquid detergent in the spray bottle and shake properly.
- Spray the weed and make sure the spray is touching every part of the weed.
- You may need to repeat this process as long as you find dandelions in your lawn or garden.
8. Vinegar solution spray
here is another method that is completely natural and does not require you to purchase a lot of things. This mix gets dandelions and other weeds off your garden. It also focuses on weed and leaves your grass untouched
How to use
- Spray bottle
- White vinegar
- 1 ¼ cups of salt
- Mix your salt and vinegar and pour into your spray bottle.
- Spray the mix on the plant and make sure it is getting to every part of it.
- Make sure the mix is not in any way touching the grass.
9. Make an Acid mix
This method can be harmful to another plant if you are not careful.
How to use
- 1/3 of white vinegar.
- ¼ cup of lemon juice.
- 1 tbsp of dishwashing detergent.
- Spray bottle.
- Mix the detergent, vinegar, and lemon juice and put in a spray bottle.
- Spray the solution directly on the weed and make sure it is completely soaked.
- Repeat this process the following week.
10. Rubbing alcohol mix
Rubbing alcohol contains about 70% alcohol and it is very effective in getting rid of dandelion and other weeds
How to use
- 2 tbsp of rubbing alcohol
- 1/3 of water
- Spray bottle
- Fill in the spray bottle with water and rubbing alcohol.
- Spray the mix on the dandelions on a sunny day and when you will not be getting rain in at least 24 hour hours.
11. Weed and feed
Early spring is the best time to weed and feed your lawn or garden. before doing this, mow your lawn and be sure it is not going to rain in at least 24 hours after.
How to use
- Wet the lawn before you apply
- Pour your weed and feed in a spreader and follow the instructions of your purchased weed and feed brand.
- Spread the product accurately and ensure the best coverage.
12. Harvesting
Another unknown way to get rid of dandelions is by harvesting them and putting them to use. Many are not aware that dandelions are rich in antioxidants, vitamin A and C, and iron, hence, they can be used for a large number of things, including eating them.
Every part of the plant; the leaves, flower head, and roots are edible and will not cause harm to you. Dandelion can be used to treat infections as well as cancer, it is used for skin toner, blood tonic, and digestive tonic. Dandelions are usually used in salad, soup, wine, and tea.
The next time you are looking for a way to get rid of dandelion, you may consider harvesting them for use.
How to harvest
- Water the plants and environment before you harvest, this will loosen the soil
- After a short while, use your hands to pull out the dandelion from the ground.
How can I prevent dandelion from growing?
The best way to prevent weed from growing in your garden/ lawn is to keep it healthy, and lush. The right lawn care will help your lawn stay healthy. You can also prevent dandelions from growing back by using corn gluten meals to stop the sprouting of leftover taproots. You can apply the corn gluten meal with a spreader. Sprinkle water lightly after spreading the corn gluten meal to activate the oils which will suppress the growth of the weed.
Can I get rid of the dandelion permanently?
Yes, you can! To get rid of the dandelion permanently, you need to get to the taproot and get it out, this will prevent further regrowth. Some of the methods above are effective ways to get rid of the dandelion permanently.
Conclusion
Before picking which method you want to use to get rid of dandelions in your lawn, note that natural methods are more environmentally friendly, effective, and encouraged.
Chemical methods should be your last resort, that is if you are not contented with the results you are getting with the natural methods. If you will be using some of the mixes later, it is best to label them for identification and easy access. You may also want to check up on the benefits of dandelions before you completely get them off your lawn/garden.
Read next: Touch Me Not Plant: Everything You Wanted to Know About Mimosa Pudica
