How to get rid of dandelion in a garden, garden plot, lawn: mechanical, chemical and folk methods
Despite the fact that dandelion has many beneficial properties, it is a weed that, if nothing is done, will instantly overrun the entire site. This is because dandelion reproduces and spreads very easily, taking over the territory. When the flowers disappear, the plants do not go anywhere and continue their growth and development. This was reported by SSPDaily.
Is it possible to remove dandelions from the site permanently
Most likely, it will not be possible to get rid of dandelions completely on the site. Dandelion seeds on their "parachutes" are carried by the wind for many kilometers around. And even if you get rid of the dandelion on your site, the seeds will definitely come from the neighboring one.
Will dandelions die if they are constantly mowed?
Unfortunately, no, dandelion flower stalks left on the site will have time to spread seeds even if they are separated from the roots and dry.
Dandelions will also easily spread their seeds if they are placed in a compost heap.
In addition to the seeds, the dandelion has particularly tenacious roots. Up to 60 cm long, although they are quite fragile, they regenerate well in case of damage, forming adventitious shoots and lateral roots. That is, a rosette with leaves and flowers will grow from a dandelion root trim left in the ground that was not noticed after "cleaning" the area and left in the ground.
Because of this, there is no need to try to destroy the dandelion irrevocably, the main efforts should be made to prevent the dandelion from spreading seeds, for this purpose it is necessary to regularly reduce their number.
Preventing the appearance of dandelions
In order to prevent the appearance of the plant, you need to:
- Dig up and mulch beds and flower beds in the spring.
- If dandelion rosettes have already appeared, weed them before the seeds ripen.
- Sow grass in empty areas on the territory.
- Dig the ground deeply in the fall.
It is important to repeat all these preventive measures regularly.
If dandelions have already taken over the site, you need to use special control agents.
Mechanical methods of dandelion control Regular mowing of dandelions
Dandelion should be mowed at least once or twice a week, and the plant should be mowed very low, near the ground level. After mowing, the dandelion roots will produce new shoots, but after a few weeks they will become weaker and more depleted.It is important to do this when the plant has already bloomed, but has not yet had time to form seeds. At this time, the dandelion's ability to regenerate is the lowest.
Do not forget to remove the plant from the mowing site in a timely manner and destroy the cut flower stalks. Otherwise, the seeds will scatter throughout the area.
Removing dandelion from the soil with special tools
To uproot or twist dandelions out of the ground, you can use special tools such as drift guns, narrow-bladed shovels, and other weed pullers with a root.
How to get rid of dandelions with herbicides
If dandelions have overrun the area, and it is simply impossible to deal with them manually, you need to use chemistry.Chemicals destroy the above-ground part of the dandelion, so it is important to use post-emergence herbicides and treat before the weed has faded and the volatile seeds have ripened. Autumn weed treatment with herbicides is not effective because all processes slow down significantly before winter.It should be remembered that herbicides, in addition to dandelions, destroy all plant species they come across. Therefore, lawn grass and cultivated plants may suffer. Herbicides can last for a long time, suppressing the treated vegetation for several weeks.
Folk remedies for dandelion control
Common folk methods of dealing with dandelions, such as sprinkling with flour or salt, watering with salt solution or just boiling water, watering with hydrochloric acid, as practice shows, are ineffective, and some, such as watering with acid, are dangerous for plants and humans.
