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The Organic Way To Be A Dandelion Killer

January 8th, 2010 Posted in Green Living & News

Your perfectly symmetrical and green lawn can quickly become blemished by the appearance of dandelions. Many people try and get rid of them on their property, but year after year they return.

Thus, using organic methods of removal is one the most beneficial ways to remove dandelions from your property. Dandelions can be far more than just a weed. Yes, they are seen as a nuisance most of the time, but they also hold value as a medicine, food item, and as a favorite of children.

Want to learn more about dandelions?

• What Is It? A Plant Or A Weed?
• A Few Ways To Organically Escape Their Wrath
• How Do They Help Your Health?

What Is It? A Plant Or A Weed?

Most people encounter dandelions in their backyard or popping up between the cracks of your driveway, but never think about a dandelion much more after they walk past. People also often blow the seeds of the dandelion to make a wish. However, not everyone knows whether the dandelion is a weed or plant.

So, what is it? It is actually considered both a plant and a weed, depending on how you look at it. If dandelions are taking over your lawn and property they could be considered a weed because of their constant presence and unwillingness to leave. If you don’t mind them and are using them in your food or medically then you wouldn’t consider them a weed, but more so a plant.

What Do They Look Like?

The dandelion is green with simple blades along the surface of the plant. The most distinct feature of the dandelion is the flower head. The flower opens up to be bright yellow, drawing the attention of passersby.

When the flower is trying to reproduce it does so without having to be pollinated. A single dandelion can produce 54 to 172 seeds. As referenced earlier, many people blow the seeds off the tops of the dandelions because they are so light.

They float away with the wind like they are weightless. This is how the dandelion reproduces and also how they spread like a virus. Their seeds easily fall from the head of the flower to land elsewhere and start a brand new dandelion.

A Few Ways To Organically Escape Their Wrath

Since their seeds gracefully float around the air, dandelions spreads like wildfire. Using harmful pesticides can serious damage the environment around the dandelions and be a danger to your pets and family.

Although there are natural pesticides available, there are also a few organic ways to remove the dandelions from your property without damaging anything in the meantime. Here are seven ways to get rid of dandelions:

1. Mow Them Over: This helps to prevent the flowers from further spreading their seeds across your property.
2. Poach ‘Em: By pouring boiling water over the plants, you will kill them and end future growth. This method will kill the dandelions in about 2 or 3 days.
3. Uproot Them: Removing the tops of the flowers isn’t enough to stop their control of your lawn. By easily digging below them by hand you can remove them at the root, which is one of the slower methods of dandelion removal.









4. Smoother ‘Em: By covering them up with mulch, dirt, or other garden friendly materials you will cut off one of the most vital aspects of the dandelion’s life, the sun.
5. Poison Them: Simply using household vinegar is an extremely effective way of being an organic dandelion killer. Pour the vinegar on the dandelions to help remove them from your garden and greenhouse.
6. Apply Gluten: Developed by Iowa State University, a special corn gluten meal can dry out the roots and body of the dandelion. The by-product of milling corn, this yellow powder will make the dandelion unable to obtain water and eventually cause its death.
7. BBQ Them: Some may view this as an extreme method of dandelion removal, but in some cases the spread of dandelions can be unstoppable. Using a weed burner torch can help barbecue the dandelions into oblivion.

How Do They Help Your Health?

Who would think that a little flower in your garden could be so beneficial? Dandelions can help treat the following problems:

• Acne
• Constipation
• Digestion problems
• High blood pressure
• Gallstones
• Gout
• Osteoarthritis
• Psoriasis
• Eczema

This is one of the main reasons many people choose to cook with dandelions in their home today. The reason why dandelions, once mixed with other chemicals, can help with all the above maladies is because the dandelion contains vitamins A, B, C, and D. They also contain large amounts of phenolic acids, potassium, and most importantly calcium.

It would be hard to guess that dandelions were so helpful outside of your lawn or garden. Yet, they really are a lot more than a simple weed in the grass. However, if they aren’t everything you hoped they would be, start using EcoSMART’s organic pesticides to help safely deal with the dandelions taking over your property.