Dandelions are a reminder that spring is here, there bright yellow faces bobbing in the wind. Dotting our lawns with color. Despite being a pleasure to look at for the first few moments, dandelions are a weed. When they seed, they leave seeds everywhere, within a month one simple dandelion has now turned into a carpet of billowy seeds beneath your feet.
You can, of course, eat the dandelion. Everything, from the flower all the way down to the roots, is edible. The taste of dandelion resembles a slightly bitter green like arugula. You can eat them fresh in salads, or cook them on the stove. Dandelions have many health benefits and use.
Or you can get rid of the dandelions in your yard without chemicals using one, or more of these steps. Dandelions are surprisingly resilient so be patient.
Pour boiling water on the dandelions
The plants should start to wilt and wither within three days if you pour boiling water on them a few times a day. This might not be suitable for a field of dandelions though.
Spray with vinegar
Normal white vinegar works, but for a more violent reaction to the weeds you can also boil it down to concentrate. Put the vinegar in a spray bottle, and wet the offending weed from head to base.
Mow the dandelions as they grow
As long as you catch the dandelions before they start sprouting white seeds, you should be able to stop the weed from spreading.
Dig the dandelions out at the root
Removing the dandelion by its root will remove it from your life and lawn entirely. There are multiple “dandelion diggers” you can purchase at garden stores to get this task done.
Smother them
Dandelions like a lot of sunlight to live. You can cover them using cardboard or black plastic bags to block the sunlight out and kill the flowers in the process.
