Re: Getting rid of a dandelion lawn

Happy Cinco De Mayo!!!! 

However, like Pancho Villa, Dandelions are a tenacious opponent, largely because of its taproot and will win more often than not.  And unlike Pancho Villa, it is impossible to betray them. You have to cut their hearts out personally, unless you want to use poison.

Know your opponent:

UC Davis on Dandelion Control: http://www.ipm.ucdavis.edu/PMG/PESTNOTES/pn7469.html

However, getting rid of dandelions organically is a trial.

Wikipedia on the Dandelion:  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dandelion

This Wikipedia article on organic lawn management is pretty good, and suggests that you use a knife to dig out dandelions: Dandelion meets the knife!

Knives attached to sticks:

a) A tool for removing them one-by-one mechanically is called the "Weed Hound"- http://www.geocities.com/RainForest/Canopy/3588/weedhound.html

b) Another mechanical means is the "Mechanical Weeder/Popper." http://www.rittenhouse.ca/asp/Product.asp?PG=1030

Or you can just learn to enjoy the Dandelion for the beneficial plant that it is......  

1) Dandelion is also known by the names Lion's Tooth, Blow Ball, Cankerwort, Priest's Crown, Puffball, Swine Snout, White Endive, and Wild Endive.

2) The genus name Taraxacum is derived from the Greek word "taraxos", meaning "disorder" and "akos" meaning "remedy".Â

3) It is one of the bitter herbs in the Passover tradition.Â

4) Dandelions were brought from Europe by the early Colonists.ÂThey are one of the planet's most famous and useful weeds.ÂDandelions were used to help "clear the body of old emotions such as anger and fear that can be stored in the body's liver and kidneys".

5) Dandelion is more than just a common lawn weed - it contains vital nutrients and minerals as well as vitamins A, B, C and D. Dandelion has been used for centuries as a primary herb that purifies the blood and flushes toxins out of the body, via the liver and kidneys. Today, Dandelion is commonly found in salads, wines and multi-herbal combinations.

6) Rich in calcium, iron, potassium, phosphorus and sodium, Dandelion is ideal for treating high blood pressure and poor digestion by stimulating the circulation of blood to the entire body. Dandelion's anti-inflammatory properties help alleviate inflammation and muscle spasms, plus it acts as a mild laxative relieving constipation.

7) Dandelion, unlike some chemical diet supplements, will not deplete the body of potassium when used for weight loss.

8 The principal constituents responsible for Dandelion's effect on the digestive system and liver are the bitter principles.

10) Previously referred to as taraxacin, these constituents are sesquiterpene lactones of the eudesmanolide and germacranolide type, and are unique to Dandelion.

11) Dandelion Root contains approximately 40% inulin, a fiber widely distributed in fruits, vegetables and other plants. Inulin is classified as a food ingredient (not as an additive) and is considered to be safe to eat. In fact, inulin is a significant part of the daily diet of most of the worldâs population.

Everbest,
Adam Honigman
Volunteer,
Clinton Community Garden





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